Packers, Bears Collide at Lambeau with Lots on the Line

Chicago has lost nine of its last 11 trips to Lambeau Field, a trend the Packers hope continues as Green Bay looks to move closer to the NFC North title. The Pack enter this week’s action as the second seed in the NFC, while the Bears can’t afford another loss in their hunt for a wild card.

Sportsbook Odds Analysis

The opener of -5 is the fewest points Chicago has caught at Lambeau since 2012. The Bears were 3-point favorites when these teams kicked off the NFL season earlier this year in Chicago.

Chicago News & Notes

The Bears have to win out and still get some help in order to make the playoffs. A long shot, yes, but not as unrealistic as it was a few weeks ago when the Bears were 3-5. Chicago has won four of five since then, and it’s the way the Bears have won that might have fans believing again in the Windy City.

Last week against Dallas, quarterback Mitch Trubisky resembled his 2018 form, throwing for 244 yards and three TDs while adding 63 yards and a major on the ground. It’s the running in particular that had been lacking this year for the Bears’ third-year pivot, who had rushed for only 26 yards on eight attempts in Chicago’s first 12 games.

Chicago leans heavily on its defense in division games, having gone UNDER in six of its last seven contests against NFC North rivals. That stop unit took a major hit last week with a season-ending injury to linebacker Roquan Smith, the team’s leading tackler.

However, that loss will be tempered a bit by the return of Pro Bowl defensive lineman Akiem Hicks, who is expected to come off injured reserve and make his first appearance since Week 5.

Green Bay News & Notes

If there’s been anything consistent about the Packers offense this season, it’s been its inconsistency. Coming off a 31-point performance in its previous game against the Giants, Green Bay’s attack generated only 18 first downs and 341 total yards in a 20-15 win over the visiting Redskins.

Aaron Rodgers was held to 195 yards through the air as the Pack scored 20 points or less for the third time in their last five games. Rodgers, however, preferred to focus on the positive of a strong outing by running back Aaron Jones, who had 192 yards from scrimmage. “We’ve got to clean some ... stuff up, but I wouldn’t mind winning ugly all the way to the Super Bowl,” Rodgers told reporters.

There are reasons for optimism about a Packers’ cover here as well, however. Green Bay has tended to follow up poor performances with strong ones, going 7-0 ATS in its last seven games following an ATS loss.

Meanwhile, Green Bay’s defense continues to play well at home, allowing more than 24 points just once this season at Lambeau Field. Chicago has been held under 20 points in four of its last five visits to Wisconsin.

Betting Pick: Packers -5

The Packers are 21-9 ATS in their last 30 games when laying less than a touchdown at Lambeau.