Zielinski: Bears will feast on Parsons-less Packers

By DAN ZIELINSKI

The Packers and Bears meet Saturday night at Soldier Field with plenty of familiar tension and plenty of uncertainty, especially for Green Bay. Playing their first game without Micah Parsons reshapes everything defensively for the Packers, who relied heavily on his pressure to disrupt Caleb Williams in the first meeting two weeks ago.

Without that constant threat, Williams should have more freedom to extend plays and attack downfield when opportunities arise.

Green Bay’s issues don’t stop there. If right tackle Zach Tom is sidelined again, pass protection becomes a serious concern after collapsing late against Denver. The possible absence of safety Evan Williams also looms large against a Bears team that wants to control the tempo with its run game.

Chicago may be missing receivers Rome Odunze and Luther Burden III. But that could actually simplify the offensive approach, leaning on the ground game and letting Williams make selective, high-leverage throws.

For the Packers to win, Jordan Love would need a near-flawless night against a Bears defense that thrives on turnovers. That’s a tall order on the road, especially with Chicago seeking payback after its loss at Lambeau Field. Expect the Bears to dominate time of posses

sion, generate just enough explosive plays and capitalize on defensive disruptions. In the end, Chicago does enough at home to secure a narrow but meaningful victory. 

WHAT THE ODDSMAKERS ARE SAYING: Bears are 1.5-point favorites.

DZ’S PREDICTION: Bears 31, Packers 24