Quick look:
The Packers will wrap up home-field advantage for the playoffs if the 49ers lose Monday, but they are not likely to let up in any way, shape or form.
Especially considering the opponent is the Bears.
There is nothing the Packers would like more than to ruin the Bears’ Christmas by dealing them a loss. Last year, in the last game of the regular season, the Bears had nothing to play for but did all they could to beat the Packers. They failed, and it came back to haunt them.
Plus, the Packers might be angry after seeing their pursuit of a perfect season ruined by the Chiefs on Sunday.
Led by quarterback Aaron Rodgers, the Packers operate the most efficient and explosive offense in the NFL. They have averaged 6.49 yards per play, best in the NFL. Rodgers is having one of the finest seasons by a quarterback in NFL history.
The Packers have been a pass-heavy team for most of the season, but in the cold weather might be forced to be more reliant on Ryan Grant and their running game.
If the Packers have a weakness, it may be their defense, which, going into the weekend, was ranked 31st in the NFL in pass defense and overall defense.
Key stat:
The Packers already have scored 480 points this year, a franchise record. The NFL record is 589 points by the 2007 Patriots.
Key matchup:
Rodgers vs. free safety Brandon Meriweather or Chris Conte. The Bears defense has to find a way to keep Rodgers and the Packers offense from scoring at their usual pace, or the Bears offense will have no chance of keeping up. Rodgers is likely to try to take advantage of Conte’s inexperience, if Conte is healthy enough to play after injuring his foot Sunday.
Early pick:
Packers 30, Bears 6.
