Zielinski: Packers will be up for the test

By DAN ZIELINSKI

The NFL’s oldest rivalry takes center stage Sunday at Lambeau Field, and the stakes haven’t been this high in over a decade.

The Green Bay Packers, winners of three straight and sitting at 8-3-1, have a realistic path to the NFC’s No. 1 seed. The Chicago Bears, riding a five-game winning streak at 9-3, currently hold that top spot.

With division control and playoff seeding hanging in the balance, this matchup could define the stretch run

Green Bay’s defensive front will again be asked to carry the load. Micah Parsons has been dominant during the win streak, and his ability to disrupt Caleb Williams — behind Chicago’s elite interior offensive line — may be the game’s swing factor.

Offensively, the Packers’ revived ground attack and improved health at wide receiver put Jordan Love in position to attack a strong Bears secondary from clean pockets.

In the cold and potential flurries of Lambeau Field, running the football and protecting the ball become paramount. Green Bay hasn’t committed a turnover in three weeks and is unbeaten when playing clean.

If that trend continues, and if Parsons and the linebackers can contain Williams’ improvisation, the Packers have the formula to grind out a statement win.

WHAT THE ODDSMAKERS ARE SAYING: Packers are a 6.5-point favorites.

DZ’S PREDICTION: Packers 27, Bears 24.