The Chicago Bears and Green Bay Packers will face off this Sunday, January 5, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. EST at Lambeau Field, marking the end of the regular season for both teams. The Bears come to this matchup with a disappointing 4-12 record, having lost 11 straight games, whereas the Packers stand at 11-5, already secured for the playoffs, but with playoff seeding still on the line.
The Packers are favored by 10 points over the Bears, with betting lines showing significant public confidence in Green Bay, reflected by -500 odds for the straight win compared to +375 for Chicago. The game total is set at 41 points. Green Bay needs to win to potentially secure the No. 6 seed, contingent upon the outcome of the Washington Commanders game against the Dallas Cowboys.
After losing to the Minnesota Vikings last week, the Packers are determined to rebound and capitalize on their longstanding dominance over their rivals. Coach Matt LaFleur, who is unbeaten against the Bears with an 11-game winning streak, stated, “I think our guys are excited and ready to go.” He emphasized the importance of starting strong, noting, “A fast start could take the fight out of the Bears.”
For the beleaguered Bears, this matchup carries extra weight as they look to exit the season with some dignity. Interim head coach Thomas Brown, under whom the team has gone 0-4 since taking over after Matt Eberflus’ firing, hopes to disrupt the Packers' plans. He acknowledged the challenge, saying, “It’s the last time this team will play together, and why not go out with the lasting idea to throw a wrench in the Packers’ season?”
Chicago's previous struggles have clearly hampered their performance—last week, they managed just three points against the Seattle Seahawks. Quarterback Caleb Williams has faced immense pressure, being the most sacked quarterback this season, adding to the Bears’ woes. Their offensive struggles will need to be addressed if they hope to impact the game significantly. Analysts suggest key strategies, such as pressuring Packers quarterback Jordan Love, who has shown potential but has also been prone to mistakes when under duress.
"Get after the quarterback Jordan Love plays well off-script, but the Bears can't let him sit in the pocket all day," experts advised. Another suggested key to the game is involving tight end Cole Kmet more prominently, as highlighted by their lack of offensive production last week.
With the historically intense rivalry at play, emotions will undoubtedly run high, particularly for the Bears, who are eager to halt their losing streak. The Packers not only desire to maintain their playoff momentum but also to assert their dominance before heading to the postseason.
Weather conditions for the game will be frigid, around 17 degrees Fahrenheit, with wind chills expected to be even lower. Fans aiming to attend the game will need to dress warmly as they gather at Lambeau Field to witness the historic clash between these two NFC North rivals.
Broadcast details for the game reveal it will be aired regionally on FOX, featuring play-by-play commentator Kevin Kugler, with analyst Daryl Johnston and sideline reporter Laura Okmin. The Packers Radio Network will provide live commentary, led by Wayne Larrivee and Larry McCarren, alongside national broadcasts through Sports USA.
Interestingly, even though the Bears have not won at Lambeau since 2013, with their last victory coming on Monday Night Football against the Packers, they are determined to change the narrative. The overall series record still tips heavily in favor of the Packers, who lead with 108 wins compared to the Bears' 95.
With one last opportunity to salvage their season, the Bears are fueled by the hope for redemption. Meanwhile, the Packers, embracing their solid playoff positioning, prepare to make their final push before entering the postseason. Expect high stakes as fans of both teams tune to see who will emerge victorious once again.