Bears and Packers open the NFL’s 100th Season

Quarterback– Packers

The gap is closing in this matchup as Mitchell Trubisky improved dramatically in his 2nd season. He made the pro bowl, was 3rd in Total QBR and led the Bears to an 11-3 record in his regular-season starts last year. In the words of Stephen A Smith “Aaron Rodgers is a BAAAAAADDD MAAANN!”

He is coming off a year where he had 25 TDs and just 2 interceptions. (Some would say because he throws the ball OoB all the time, but you can be the judge of that) His team record has not been up to par as of late but just put in film of Game one last year, to know he still has it.

Running Backs– Bears

Aaron Jones is coming off a 728 yard season and I do not see the Packers being able to get much going in the ground game. As a result, the way Chicago uses Tarik Cohen all over the field, and promising rookie David Montgomery in his first action. It could make, for a long night up front for the Packers.

Wide Receivers– Bears

I hear the screams, coming through the computer. Davante Adams! He is coming off a great season. 111 catches, 13 TD’s and 1386 yards. After that, the Packers are weak down the depth chart. Chicago Bears lead with Allen Robinson. Coming back from injury he does not match Davante as a lead receiver. But that is where Anthony Miller and speedster Taylor Gabriel come into play. With the depth the Bears should be able to exploit whichever matchup is in their favor.

Tight End– Packers

With Trey Burton Questionable on the injury report, and still not knowing what you can get from Adam Shaheen. This gives the edge to the Packers and the (how old) Jimmy Graham. If, Rodgers can get him to be the Redzone target he was in the past, this could be a dangerous weapon for the Packers.

Offensive Line– Even

Lame! Yes, I know a toss up is not what anyone wants to hear in a predictions article. But PFF has Chicago Bears ranked 9th and CBS Sports has the Packers ranked 10th, so this is very close. On the outside Bulaga and Bakhtiari have the edge (harder matchups for both) over Massie and Leno. Inside though the edge goes to recently signed Cody Whitehair https://chicago.cbslocal.com/2019/09/02/bears-cody-whitehair-contract-extension/ Long and Daniels.

Defensive Line– Bears

Packers in their 3-4 D are really young up front and comparing to the Bears are no match here. Akiem Hick is finally getting the credit he deserves. Eddie Goldman is capable of taking over a game upfront and Bilal Nichols is questionable (knee) so we’ll see what Chicago has played there since they released Jonathon Bullard.

Linebackers– Bears

No surprise here as the Bears have Khalil Mack looking to be Defensive MVP. Roquan Smith will be flying all over the field and Danny Trevathan being a veteran presence. If Leonard Floyd reaches his potential, this could be an all-time great unit. With that being said, it is the end of the Clay Matthews era in Green Bay. They bring back Za’Darius Smith and his 8.5 sacks and are hoping Rashan Gary can turn into an impact player.

Defensive Backs– Bears

We start with the Ol switch-a-roo as Ha Ha Clinton-Dix trades places with Adrian Amos. Both fan bases have taken shots at each player and we’ll see who does better in their new home. The Packers are extremely young at the other 3 positions and they are hoping they can grow together. Bears have the best player in the group in S Eddie Jackson. He has big play potential at any spot on the field. Veteran Corners round out the starting lineup in Kyle Fuller and Prince Amukamara.

Special Teams– Packers

Punters we’ll call it even and Mason Crosby is not coming off his best season, but if the game is on the line and Eddy Pineiro runs onto the field. Bears fans you will be a complete nervous wreck.

Final Score– Bears 27- Packers 20

With the spread being Bears -3, yes go ahead and take this to the bank. With Aaron Rodgers on the field, you have to believe he is going to keep it close, but Bears will have too much talent over the rest of the field. This is a great game to start the year, for the NFL’s 100th season!

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