2012 NFL Picks: Chicago Bears @ Green Bay Packers Vegas Odds and Predictions – Free NFL Picks 9/13/2012: A pair of NFC North rivals square off Thursday night when the Chicago Bears head to Lambeau Field to face the Green Bay Packers. The two franchises definitely aren’t strangers, and aside from their two regular season meetings each season, they also faced off in the 2011 NFC title game. The Packers, of course, won that game and went on to win the Super Bowl and followed it up by winning the division last season, beating the Bears twice in the process. Thursday’s meeting is a chance for both teams to make a statement. Is Green Bay still the team to beat in the NFC North, or is it Chicago ready to stake its claim to the crown? The winner of this matchup will certainly have the upper hand going forward. Playing on the road, Chicago is a six-point underdog.
Both sides have to have different emotions heading into the game. Green Bay is coming of somewhat of an ugly loss at home to San Francisco – a team considered to be one of the Packers’ chief rivals in the conference. Meanwhile, Chicago’s offense look great in a blowout win against Indianapolis in Mike Tice’s first game as offensive coordinator. It is too early for any team to have a must-win game, but Green Bay can’t be too excited about the prospects of starting 0-2, especially at the hands of a team that could stand between them and a division title.
This matchup has all the makings of a high-scoring shootout. Coming off an MVP season, quarterback Aaron Rodgers needs no introduction. However, Chicago QB Jay Cutler looked pretty darn good in the season opener, and many people forget that he put up monster numbers himself during his time in Denver. This year, Cutler has been reunited with former Bronco teammate Brandon Marshall, and the chemistry between the two was evident against the Colts. Marshall caught nine passes for 119 yards and a score, while rookie receiver Alshon Jeffery added a 42-yard score. The duo gives Cutler the best weapons he has had in years, and he has the big arm to take advantage. Unlike last year when Rodgers and company simply had too much firepower for Chicago to keep pace, the Bears should be able to match the Packers point for point this time around.
Needless to say, the play of each team’s secondary and pass rush will play a pivotal role in deciding the outcome. Green Bay’s pass defense was atrocious last season, and it didn’t look any better against the 49ers in the season opener. That being said, the Packers did add several pass rushers in the draft, which could spell trouble for a Chicago offensive line that struggled to keep Cutler upright last season. Chicago’s pass rush should have a chance to shine, as well, considering that Green Bay remains one of the most one-dimensional teams in the NFL. However, the Packers were a pass-happy team last year, and Rodgers lit up the Chicago defense for eight touchdowns in two games. Given Rodgers’ success against the Bears last season and Green Bay’s upgrades on defense, Green Bay has to like its chances of winning a shootout, even with Chicago’s upgrades at the receiver spot.
The X-factor in the game could be Matt Forte and the Chicago running game. While being able to keep up with the Green Bay offense is nice in theory, keeping the ball out of Rodgers’ hands is probably even smarter. If the Bears can move the ball on the ground, control the clock, and put points on the board, they can really put the pressure on the Green Bay offense.
In the end, this game means more to the Packers than it does the Bears. Green Bay is coming off a loss at home, and opening the year with back-to-back losses at Lambeau Field would be a disaster scenario. While Chicago has definitely surrounded Cutler with some formidable weapons, the offense line will be tested by the Green Bay defensive front. More importantly, the Bears don’t have the depth or talent on defense that San Francisco does, and it is doubtful that Chicago will be able to disrupt Rodgers and the Green Bay passing attack. There should be plenty of points scored on both sides, but the Packers are built to win high-scoring games.
Prediction: Green Bay Packers (-6) Cover the Spread
Chicago Bears @ Green Bay Packers
Line: Green Bay -6
Total: Over/Under 51
Time: 8:20 PM EST on NFL Network
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