Quick look:
This will be the third time the Bears play the Packers this season, but this will arguably be the best Packers team they have seen.
The Packers have won four straight against opponents that combined to win 69 percent of their regular-season games. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers is playing outstanding football, and the Packers should be as healthy as they have been in quite a while.
The Bears and Packers split the season series, with the Bears winning at home in September and the Packers winning in January in Green Bay.
The combined score of the two games was 27-23 Packers. The Packers outgained the Bears 663 to 503 yards. Though the Bears had 64 more rushing yards, the Packers still controlled the ball longer, with an average time of possession of 32:35.
This is the first time the Bears and Packers have played in the postseason since the Bears beat the Packers 33-14 in 1941.
Key stat:
The Packers have sacked Jay Cutler nine times this year; the Bears have sacked Rodgers twice.
Key matchup:
Packers receiver Greg Jennings versus Bears cornerback Tim Jennings. The Packers went after Jennings in their last meeting, throwing his way 11 times. They really couldn’t exploit him though, making only four completions for 46 yards against him. If Jennings plays as well again in the NFC championship game, the Bears will have a chance.
Dan Pompei’s early pick:
Packers 20, Bears 19.
