3 Bold Predictions for Packers vs Bears Season Opener
By Chris Russo
FOOTBALL IS BACK!
The two teams with the most NFL Championships, and arguably the game's greatest rivalry, will take the field in Chicago Thursday night to kick off the league's 100th Anniversary Season. Not to mention, this is probably the first time we've seen both teams this good in nearly a decade. Here are three crazy things that could go down in this contest.
3. Eddy Pineiro Satisfies Bears Fans' Needs
Win or lose, Bears fans will have a lot of hope if their kicker does not make any major mistakes tonight. Though the Eagles did partially block his kick, Cody Parkey kept the Bears' season from continuing last January when he "double-doinked" the uprights. Consistency is the key, and Pineiro was your winner this offseason. We think he's going to shine in the opener and change the narrative.
2. Aaron Jones Runs for 100 Yards as Aaron Rodgers' TD-Less Streak Continues
The Bears' hungry group of pass rushers will not be a match for Green Bay's offensive line. Despite Aaron Rodgers' ability to escape, the Pack will have to rely more on the ground game and pound the rock with Jones, the beneficiary of more confidence in Year 3. Plus, the Packers haven't gotten a TD pass from Aaron Rodgers in Chi-Town since 2015. That continues.
1. Bears Sack Aaron Rodgers Five Times
Khalil Mack alone sacked Rodgers 2.5 times the last time these teams met. Rodgers will need time to adjust to new Head Coach Matt LaFleur, and he will have to scramble for much of this game. Mack and Roquan Smith will prepare to feast early.