The Chicago Bears will face the Green Bay Packers for the 214th time this coming Sunday. Like any time the Bears play the Packers, the stakes are high as Chicago tries to maintain their spot in the NFC North right behind the undefeated Minnesota Vikings. On the other hand, Green Bay is trying to stay away from being alone at the bottom of the division.
The Bears have defeated the Packers the past two games, but that was in Soldier Field. Chicago also won against Green Bay in Lambeau in the 2024 season on a game-winning field goal from kicker Cairo Santos. Their last six games against each other have been one-score games, so they always play each other close no matter what their records are or how they have looked in other games.
The Packers have
not looked as formidable as in years past. Their greatest weakness is the run game on both sides of the ball. They have the worst rushing offense in the NFL and are one of two teams that have yet to score a rushing touchdown. On the other side of the ball, they have allowed the fifth-most rushing yards and fourth-most rushing touchdowns.
This seems to play right into Chicago’s hands, but they cannot underestimate Green Bay in this game. If the Bears are going to get their second win in Lambeau in the past three years, they need to address these concerns:
The Packers win a lot at home
It is no mystery that the Green Bay Packers win a lot at home. They have won over 66 percent of their home games in franchise history. Prior to Chicago’s win in Lambeau in 2024, the Bears had not won on the road against the Packers since November of 2015. Despite how poor Green Bay has looked this season, including in their only home game so far this season against the Atlanta Falcons, they always have a chance to win in Lambeau. The Bears will have to be diligent and ensure they do not make any critical mistakes to win this game.
Green Bay always plays the Bears tough
When the Bears beat the Packers in 2024 in Lambeau, they should not have won that game. Green Bay was already going to the playoffs while Chicago was not one of the better teams in the NFL. This game is honestly the exact same with the roles reversed. On paper, the Packers have no business winning this game. But surprises happen in the NFL all the time and this rivalry has had its share of drama. There is no game the Packers want to win this game more than any other game this season, which is why Chicago needs to be vigilant in this game.
The Packers have a good passing defense
Their passing attack on offense is decent, but they are even better defensively. Green Bay has allowed the fourth-fewest passing yards and has four interceptions. Part of that is probably because they are so vulnerable in the run game that teams do not need to pass against them as much. Still, with Chicago’s running back injuries and going into this game with a backup quarterback in Tyson Bagent who did not have the best game against the New York Jets last week. This could be a matchup to keep an eye on going forward.
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This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: 3 causes for concern as the Bears face the Packers in Week 5
