Aaron Rodgers is gone and the Packers enter 2023 with a new-look offense. Do they still own the Bears?
Football is finally back, and the regular season kicks off with one of the most anticipated games as the Chicago Bears host the Green Bay Packers. The matchup will begin a new era of the historic rivalry. Plus, for the first time since 2018, the matchup is a real toss-up on who wins.
Both teams have different goals heading into Sunday. Chicago looks to shed the label that the Packers own them, while Green Bay looks to keep the title alive.
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Game Info
Date: Sunday, Sept. 10, 2023
Start Time: 4:25 p.m. EST
Location: Chicago, Illinois
Stadium: Soldier Field
TV Info: FOX, NFL+ (Chicago area only), NFL Sunday Ticket
Radio Info: ESPN 1000 (AM 1000, 100.3 FM HD2), LATINO MIX 93.5 FM (Spanish), SiriusXM (channels 225 & 805)
Betting Odds
Odds courtesy of DraftKings.
Point Spread: GB +1.5 (-110) | CHI-1.5 (-110)
Moneyline: GB (+105) | CHI (-125)
Over/Under: O/U 41.5 (-110)
A true sign of the post-Aaron Rodgers era: the Bears are favored over the Packers. It’s a narrow line, though, with the spread set at just 1.5 points. The total points threshold of 41.5 feels a little high given both teams have inexperienced offenses and are expected to run the ball a lot, draining the clock.
Chicago Bears
After a drastic roster improvement, the Chicago Bears are headed into the 2023 season with much hope. They made many key additions over the offseason, and the team seems destined for an improvement in their record in 2023. Their first test lies in the hated rival Green Bay Packers, who have dominated them for over a decade.
Record vs. Green Bay: 94-104-6
Most Recent Victory vs. Green Bay: 12/16/2018, won 24-17
Record In 2022: 3-14
Notable Injuries: OL Teven Jenkins (OUT), LB Dylan Cole (Questionable)
X-Factors: QB Justin Fields, WR D.J. Moore, Defensive Line, Offensive Line
Additional Facts
In 2022, the Chicago Bears became just the fifth team in NFL history to rush for over 3,000 yards in a single season. Their 177.3 rushing yards per game in 2022 was also the highest in the league.
Their 130.5 passing yards per game was the lowest in the league, though. The Bears added D.J. Moore this offseason, whose 4,413 receiving yards since 2019 are the 8th most in that period.
Chicago had the second-worst run defense in the league, allowing 157.3 rush yards per game in 2022.
Green Bay Packers
After losing future Hall of Famer Aaron Rodgers over the offseason, the Packers find themselves in a new era led by Jordan Love. On Sunday, they face the rival Chicago Bears and look to continue the ownership narratives with a new man under center.
Record vs. Chicago: 104-94-6
Most Recent Victory vs. Chicago: 12/04/2022, won 28-19
Record In 2022: 8-9
Notable Injuries: WR Christian Watson (OUT), WR Romeo Doubs (Questionable)
X-Factors: WR Jayden Reed, QB Jordan Love, Run Defense, Run Game
Additional Facts
The Packers allowed the sixth-fewest passing yards per game in 2022, with 197.0. However, they allowed the seventh-most rush yards per game with 139.5.
The Packers’ offense ranked 14th in points last season and 17th in yards. Their run game was ranked 15th, while their pass game ranked 17th.
Jordan Love has completed 50 of 83 pass attempts (60.2 pct.) for 606 yards, three touchdowns, and three interceptions in 10 career games (one start).
The Packers have won the past eight matchups against the Bears.
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