Bears vs Packers Free Pick, NFL Free Picks, NFL Predictions 1/5/25
- J.A. Cavalier
- Jan 4
- 3 min read
Chicago vs Green Bay (-10 41.5)
NFL ODDS, NFL PREDICTIONS, NFL PREVIEWS
Chicago vs Green Bay - Sunday, January 5, 2025
The Chicago Bears will travel to Green Bay for an NFC North showdown in what could be an exciting season finale. The Bears are coming off of a loss at home that could easily be considered the worst game of the 2024 season, with a final score of 6-3. The Packers have clinched a playoff spot, but have a chance to move to the sixth seed with a win and a Commander's loss in week 18. If the Bears can walk into Green Bay and steal a win, they would hold the Packers at that seventh spot, which means they would face the Philadelphia Eagles in the wildcard round.
Although they are eliminated from playoff contention, the Bears do have some motivation to win this game. Chicago has lost a historic eleven straight games against the Packers, and have lost ten straight games this season. A win for Caleb Williams and Chicago would snap both of those streaks, a slight moral victory and a decent way to end a disappointing season. Unfortunately, it seems like they’ll have a tough time putting points on the board this weekend, especially after their three-point performance in week 17.
The Bears are dead last in the NFL in total yards per game with 287.3 and in yards per play at just 4.6. They rank 29th in the NFL in passing yards per game with 184.1 and 25th in the league in rushing yards per game with 103.2. Chicago’s defense has been slightly better than their offense, coming off a solid showing in week 17, holding Geno Smith to just 160 passing yards and zero touchdowns, as well as the Seattle offense to just six points in the loss. But, through the majority of the season, they have been rather mediocre.
Chicago allows 133.4 rushing yards per game, ranking 27th in the NFL, and just over one touchdown per game to opposing rushers. The last time these two teams met, Packers running back Josh Jacobs went for 76 yards on the ground and one rushing touchdown, adding 58 receiving yards on top of that. If Chicago wants any chance at winning this game, if Green Bay decides to play their starters, they’ll have to find a way to contain Jacobs.
The Packers run game this year has been exceptional, averaging 144.6 yards per game, good for fifth in the NFL. Jacobs has led the backfield with 1,285 rushing yards on the year, fifth in the NFL, and tied for second in rushing touchdowns with 14. It’s no wonder Green Bay runs the ball at the third-highest rate in the NFL, attacking on the ground on 51.04% of their plays. Their dominant run game has also opened up the field for quarterback Jordan Love and the Packers passing game, averaging 8.2 yards per pass, fourth best in the NFL.
If Matt LaFleur and Green Bay do decide to fight for the sixth seed and play their starters this Sunday, this could be one of the most lopsided games of the weekend.
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J.A. Cavalier Free Pick
Packers First Quarter -3.5
