The Packers’ playoff hopes are likely riding on a potential wildcard spot after a tough 0-5 record against the top NFC teams. With Washington continuing to pull off impressive wins, Green Bay could find themselves as the seventh seed, facing a wildcard game in Philadelphia. However, there’s a chance their former coach could help out by defeating Washington on Sunday, which would give the Packers a chance to rise to the sixth seed if they can secure a win against the Bears.
After last week’s disappointing loss in Minneapolis, the Packers need to come out strong and execute a clean, efficient game across all three phases to regain momentum for the postseason. They’ll be without Jaire Alexander for the rest of the season, and other defensive players like Quay Walker, Evan Williams, and Zayne Anderson are also unavailable. Brenton Cox is questionable with a foot injury, and Christian Watson is likely out with a knee issue, meaning they might not see action against the Bears.
The Packers may lean on a running back-by-committee approach to reduce the workload on Jacobs, and similarly, the wide receiver group might see more action from Bo Melton and Malik Heath. Still, it’s expected that most starters will play at least the first half of the game.
If Green Bay finds themselves ahead at halftime and Washington is losing to Dallas, coach Matt LaFleur might opt to rest some key players. Names like Jordan Love, Jacobs, Romeo Doubs, Tucker Kraft, Elgton Jenkins, Zach Tom, Kenny Clark, Rashan Gary, and Xavier McKinney could be pulled for the rest of the game.
The key for the Packers is to take care of business at Lambeau, defeating a Bears team whose players are likely already looking ahead to the offseason. With Chicago missing several key players, including left tackle Braxton Jones, who is sidelined with an ankle injury, their offense is in disarray. The cold temperatures and a motivated Packers team should give Green Bay the upper hand.
Green Bay extends its winning streak over Chicago to 12 games.
Packers 23
Bears 10
