NFL Opening Day Lines: Chicago Bears vs. Green Bay Packers | NFL Odds

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This is a classic opening day game as the Chicago Bears march into Lambeau field to take on the Green Bay Packers on Sunday Night, September 13th in an 8:20 P.M. (EST) black and blue divisional battle. Green Bay is currently favored by 3 points and the over/under is set at 44. Opening day has not been kind to the Bears this past decade as they are 0-5 on the road and 2-7 overall since 2000. Green Bay has had mixed results in their opener, but have won the last two years at home.

The biggest change for Chicago this off season is the addition of former Denver quarterback, Jay Cutler who was acquired after he requested a trade. Cutler led the AFC last season throwing for over 4500 yards. The Bears will look to use his arm to open things up on offense as their passing attack averaged less than 200 yards per game last year. They still lack a true number one wide receiver so they will have to get more production out of the players they currently have.

Defensively, the Bears need to get back to playing with the smash mouth attitude they use to have. Veterans like Brian Urlacher, Tommy Harris, and Lance Briggs need to elevate their game if the Bears are going to be a factor in the NFC North. QB Aaron Rodgers will be in the spotlight for Green Bay, as he begins his second year as the starter. While he threw for over 4000 yards last season, he still lacked the consistency needed to win on a regular basis. The Packers defense and special teams have been suspect as well, breaking down in key losses last year leading to a disappointing 6-10 record. They will need to become more solid on both sides of the ball in order to compete in the NFC North.

The Bears have beaten the Packers six out the last eight times they have met and won each game by an average of 15 points. Cutler’s big play ability should pay huge dividends for Chicago’s offense, leading me to believe this winning trend over Green Bay will continue. This should be a close, high scoring game with the Bears finding a way to win in the end.

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