5 Bold Predictions for Packers vs. Bears in NFL Week 1

By Clyde A. Speller

5 Bold Predictions for Packers vs. Bears in NFL Week 1

Green Bay Packers-Randall Cobb vs Bears
Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports

Week 1 of the NFL’s 2015 regular season will give us the oldest rivalry in league history. The Green Bay Packers and the Chicago Bears will square off for the 191st time. Over the past four years, the Packers have dominated the NFC North. But will a new regime in the Windy City change that this season? We will soon find out this Sunday. After looking at the overall makeup of both teams entering Week 1, here are five predictions for this ballgame.

5. Bears’ Running Game Will Have Some Success

Chicago Bears-Matt Forte vs Packers2
Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports

5. Bears’ Running Game Will Have Some Success

Chicago Bears-Matt Forte vs Packers2
Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports

Running Back Matt Forte will definitely be the nucleus of the Bears’ offense in Week 1. As promised, head coach John Fox will run the ball more than Chicago did last season. In 2014, the Packers were 23rd against the run. Forte and the rest of the Bears’ stable of running backs just might be their only hope for a win over the defending NFC North champs.

4. Packers’ Secondary Will Smother Bears’ Wide Receivers

Green Bay Packers-Sam Shields vs Bears
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4. Packers’ Secondary Will Smother Bears’ Wide Receivers

Green Bay Packers-Sam Shields vs Bears
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We all know that Bears rookie wide receiver Kevin White is out indefinitely, and Alshon Jeffery hasn’t seen the practice field in over a month. Jeffery played sparingly in just one preseason game, meaning if he does play, he’ll be rusty. This puts pressure on Eddie Royal, Marquess Wilson, and the rest of Chicago’s inexperienced receiving corps. Green Bay’s secondary could be in for a field day against the Bears’ air attack.

3. Martellus Bennett Will Lead Bears in Receiving

Chicago Bears-Martellus Bennett
Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports

3. Martellus Bennett Will Lead Bears in Receiving

Chicago Bears-Martellus Bennett
Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports

With Chicago’s decimated receiving corps, their offense will have to rely on Pro Bowl tight end Martellus Bennett to be their primary target in the passing game. Quarterback Jay Cutler did have great chemistry with Bennett last season, and that connection should carry over into Week 1.

2. Even After O-Line Changes, Packers’ Pass Rush Will Trouble Bears

Green Bay Packers-Clay Matthews vs Bears
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2. Even After O-Line Changes, Packers’ Pass Rush Will Trouble Bears

Green Bay Packers-Clay Matthews vs Bears
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Clay Matthews is listed as the Packers’ starting left outside linebacker. Chicago has had major problems on the right side of their offensive line all preseason long. Even with the potential move of placing Kyle Long at right tackle, Matthews might still be a handful to contain. And let’s not forget that Julius Peppers will be matched up on the other side against Jermon Bushrod, who’s been battling back problems.

1. Aaron Rodgers Will Once Again Own the Bears

Green Bay Packers-Aaron Rodgers vs Bears
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1. Aaron Rodgers Will Once Again Own the Bears

Green Bay Packers-Aaron Rodgers vs Bears
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Just like the Packers quarterback who preceded him, Aaron Rodgers has owned the Bears throughout his career. In 15 games against Chicago, the reigning league MVP has a passer rating of 106.2, and a record of 12-3 (including the postseason). Rodgers is known for exploiting weaknesses, and none will be more obvious than Bears rookie Adrian Amos starting at free safety. Even without Jordy Nelson, Rodgers will make the rest of his receivers better.

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