The Green Bay Packers and Chicago Bears will face off on Sunday afternoon. What are the top five bold predictions that can be made about the Week 1 game?
Predictions are always difficult to make about the first game of the season for each team. No one knows what to expect from the teams, or how they will react to playing with each other for the first time. Both of these teams should be just fine from that perspective, but it is still going to be an intriguing game to watch.
Aaron Rodgers and the Packers are definitely favored to come away with a victory. They are expected to be legitimate contenders for a Super Bowl appearance in the NFC, but the injury to Jordy Nelson hurt them in a big way.
Chicago, on the other hand, is dealing with quite a few injuries of their own. Kevin White went down for the season with a shin injury and there is a chance that Alshon Jeffery could miss Week 1 as well.
All of that being said, what five bold predictions can be made about the latest installment of the Packers vs. Bears rivalry?
1. Aaron Rodgers Throws for 400+ Yards, 4 Touchdowns
There are quite a few question marks surrounding the Packers' passing game without Nelson on the field, but Green Bay still has confidence in Randall Cobb, Davante Adams and James Jones. All three of those wide receivers are capable of making plays and Rodgers will have a field day against a very weak Chicago secondary. Throwing for 400 yards and four touchdowns is more than possible and it is a bold prediction worth making.
2. Jay Cutler Doesn't Throw an Interception
One of the normal events in a Bears vs. Packers rivalry game is Jay Cutler throwing an interception in a key moment of the game. Chicago isn't likely to come away with a victory, but they will have a much better chance if they take care of the football. Cutler may end up throwing a pick, but he has an improved offensive system and certainly has the talent to turn things around this season.
3. Clay Matthews and Julius Peppers Combine for 3+ Sacks
Pass rushing will be a major key for the Packers' defense this season, especially with the youth that they have in their secondary. Clay Matthews and Julius Peppers are the defensive leaders for the Packers this season and will be asked to step up in a big way in Week 1. they will rise to the challenge and will total at least three sacks between the two of them.
4. Martellus Bennett Catches Two Touchdown Passes
Martellus Bennett is one of the best tight ends in the NFL, but he wasn't used as much last season in the Bears' offense as he should have been. Looking ahead to this year, the Bears are going to have to use him much more with Brandon Marshall gone and Kevin White injured. Bennett will start his year off right and will catch at least two touchdown passes against the Packers in Week 1.
5. Green Bay Packers Start the Season with a Win
Green Bay is the better team by far on paper and they will prove that throughout the first four quarters of their season. Rodgers is going to put together a big game and the defense is good enough to get some stops and give the Packers the advantage. Starting the season off strong is key for the Packers this year and that is exactly what they will do.
© 2024 Classicalite All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
