Packers’ D needs to bring its ‘A’ against Bears
By GERY WOELFEL
All eyes will be on the Green Bay Packers defense Sunday.
The Packers will play their arch-rival Chicago Bears in a game that could go a long way toward determining the winner of the NFC Division this season.
It’s no secret it’ll be imperative for the Packers defense to keep the Bears’ vaunted running game in check. The Bears enter the game at Lambeau Field – the 211th meeting between the teams – with the NFL’s second-most potent running game.
The Bears are averaging a gaudy 153.8 yards per game on the ground. The Bears’ running game was never better than last week when they steamrolled a quality Eagles defense for 281 yards.
Kyle Monangai, who wasn’t picked until the seventh and last round of the 2025 draft, exploded for l30 yards and veteran D’Andre Swift contributed 125 yards.
Yes, Jeff Hafley’s defense will be under the gun against the 9-3 Bears who are tied with the Rams and Seahawks for the best record in the NFC standings.
But while the Packers defense has to play perhaps its best game of the season, it’s also imperative the Packers’ offense doesn’t get careless with the ball.
The Bears have been the best in the business this season in the takeaway-giveaway game. The Bears are a +17, which is almost insane.
To put that into perspective, the Bears +17 total is almost twice as much as the league’s second-best team in that statistical category, the Rams who are a +9. The Packers rank 11th at +4.
So, it’ll be incumbent on Packers quarterback Jordan Love to protect the ball, which he has done incredibly well. This season Love has had only three passes picked and none in the last four games.
On the surface, this game could add another fascinating chapter to a long and storied rivalry.
WHAT THE ODDSMAKES ARE SAYING: The Packers are 6.5-point favorites.
GW’S PREDICTION: Packers 30, Bears 23.
