Chicago Bears (4-8) at Green Bay Packers (9-3)
Everyone knows about the historic Bears/Packers rivalry. It’s been going on for 100 years now. The first game ever in the series was on Sunday, November 27, 1921 between the then Chicago Staleys and the Green Bay Packers at Cubs Park in Chicago. The Staleys won 20-0. Since then it’s been a long, strange trip around the sun one hundred times. If you want to read more on the Bears/Packers rivalry, check out this comprehensive study on Windy City Gridiron.
As of now, the Packers lead the all-time series 102-95-6. So tonight is the 204th meeting which takes place in Lambeau Field on NBC’s Sunday Night Football. As usual over the last three decades, Green Bay is the favorite to win and build their NFC Norris (North) division lead.
Bears QB Justin Fields returns to get more rookie reps while Packers QB Aaron Rodgers looks to improve on his 21-5 career record as a starting quarterback against the Bears. Who knows? This might finally be the last time Chicago has to face him, at least when he’s starting for Green Bay. The rumors persist that he will take his talents elsewhere in 2022.
Meanwhile, Bears HC Matt Nagy is a lame duck, or a “lame bear”. Ouch, that one was kind of stupid. Anyway, here’s hoping he is fired tomorrow morning. I think there’s a chance, especially if Chicago gets embarrassed on Sunday night. Bears legacy owner Virginia McCaskey will get “pissed” if the Bears lose another to Green Bay, according to Virginia’s son George. If not Monday, then at the latest Nagy will be fired will be five weeks from now, on Black Monday (January 10, 2022). Is there any doubt? We’ve been yelling “Fire Nagy” since Halloween.
As for tonight, we don’t have much hope for the Bears. Of course, you never know, especially in a rivalry game.
Troy Aikman’s Efficiency Ratings (AER)
- Chicago Bears (4-8) : 28th offense, 20th defense
- Green Bay Packers (9-3) : 15th offense, 17th defense
Football Outsiders – This is probably the first time I can remember Green Bay’s defense being ranked ahead of Chicago’s since I started looking at these stats for columns. GB is always better on offense, of course.
- Chicago : 26th overall, 26th offense, 18th defense, 18th special teams
- Green Bay : 10th overall, 3rd offense, 14th defense, 30th special teams
- Chicago : 27th overall
- Green Bay : 7th overall
Sports Betting Dime
Green Bay is favored by 11.5 points. SportsBettingDime.com‘s calculated formula has the Packers winning 29.1-16.6. Green Bay is 5-0 at home while Chicago is 2-4 on the road. Green Bay is 10-2 ATS while Chicago is 4-8.
Prediction:
There is no doubt that Green Bay is the better team. Chicago has lost six of their last seven, the only victory being the Thanksgiving victory at Detroit by two points. Ugh. Despite the fact the Packers are close to clinching the NFC Norris division championship already, they are fighting for seeding in the NFC playoff picture. Every game counts, especially in the NFC where we have five dominant teams (Arizona, Dallas, Green Bay, Los Angeles, and Tampa Bay).
“Dutch Lion” is picking Green Bay to win the game somewhat easily tonight, and he’s also taking them to cover the 11.5 point spread. PICK: Green Bay
Green Bay Packers 31, Chicago Bears 14
Last week’s Prediction: Arizona Cardinals 34, Chicago Bears 13
Last week’s Result: Arizona Cardinals 33, Chicago Bears 22
2021 Season: Chicago Bears 4-8, Dutch Lion 11-1 (our only loss was the Las Vegas Raiders game)
Dutch Lion Sports 
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