Chicago (1-5) at Green Bay (3-2)
When: Thursday, October 20th 2016
Where: Lambeau Field, Green Bay, WI
Time: 8:25 ET | TV: CBS
The Green Bay Packers look to rebound from an embarrassing home loss to Dallas when they host the Chicago Bears on Thursday night. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers completed 73% of his passes last week, but threw his third interception in two weeks and overthrew a wide open Randall Cobb in the endzone in Green Bay’s 30-16 loss to Dallas. Rodgers should feel more comfortable with the Bears coming to town. He has thrown for 14 touchdowns against one interception for a 127.0 passer rating in the last four meetings. Running back Eddie Lacy is nursing an ankle injury and the Packers could be reduced to undrafted rookie practice squad member Don Jackson and newcomer Knile Davis, who was acquired from Kansas City for a conditional draft pick on Tuesday. WR Jordy Nelson failed to reach the end zone for the first time this season on Sunday and has just 106 yards receiving over his last two games, but is averaging 140.3 yards in his last three meetings against the Bears. Fellow wideout Cobb had a touchdown reception last week and has six TDs in his past five games versus Chicago. Green Bay’s secondary could be without three of its top cornerbacks – Sam Shields (concussion, injured reserve), Damarious Randall (groin) and Quinten Rollins (groin).
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The Bears season is almost over and their next two games are in prime time against the Packers and Vikings. Last week, Chicago blew a 13-0 lead after three quarters and lost to Jacksonville 17-16 for their fifth loss in six games. Chicago’s defense is ranked 11th overall in the NFL, but they’re allowing 27 points a game on the road. Brian Hoyer is the first QB in Bears history to have four consecutive 300-yard passing games and will get another start in place of the injured Jay Cutler. Cameron Meredith hauled in 11 receptions for 113 yards in the loss to Jacksonville on Sunday and fellow WR Alshon Jeffery added 93 yards receiving for the Bears, who are seventh in total offense and fourth in passing offense. Veteran Eddie Royal (toe) missed Tuesday’s practice while tight end Zach Miller (team-leading 31 receptions) is nursing bruised ribs. G Josh Sitton sustained an ankle injury versus Jacksonville and missed practice on Tuesday, leaving his availability in question to face his former team.
Green Bay has covered the spread in eight of the last ten meetings with Chicago and Aaron Rodgers has two things going for him – great against the Bears and great at home. Chicago is only averaging 15.2 point a game on the road and have only covered the spread once this season. These Thursday night games have been favoring the home team all year. I think the Packers roll.
Pick: Packers -7.5
