Bears vs Packers -3 O/U 45.5
Once again the Green Bay Packers are at a win and get in scenario just like last year. What could go wrong? Well, some say this game is big for the Packers, but I might argue that this game is actually bigger for the Bears future of Justin Fields. When you become a bear you have literally two jobs. Make the playoffs and beat the Packers. Let’s take a look at these teams. From a full season perspective, the Packers rank a nice 7th in offensive EPA to the Bears at 21st, while on defense the Bears rank 14th in EPA to the Packers at 24th. This is close to a push with a slight favorite to the Packers.
What have you done for me lately? Since week 10, the Packers rank a massive 2nd in offensive EPA but the Bears are a surprising 17th. On the other side of the ball the Packers rank 25th in defensive EPA while the Bears rank a massive number one! This certainly shows an advantage for the Bears. Both of these teams have some injuries. Christian Watson is questionable with a hamstring while the Bears best corner in Jaylon Johnson is doubtful. I think that this game will be up to the quarterbacks and the pass rush. Right now, the Packers pass rusher Preston Smith is questionable and may play banged up. The Bears have Montez Sweat and DeMarcus Walker both healthy while they lost Yannick Ngakoue earlier in the season. I like Justin Field’s rushing ability here more than Jordan Love’s. I think that Fields may be the better quarterback than Love and Green Bay will experience Deja Vu this Sunday. This Bears team is much different than they were week one than they are today at week 18. Spoilers ready.
Bears +3 – 2 stars
Bonus Play: Austin Eckler 1st TD scorer +500 – .5 stars. He has incentives to break today.
Teaser: Jets to +8.5 with the Broncos to +9 – 3 stars – Both teams will fight their last meaningless game vs opponents who also have meaningless games.
