The Chicago Bears (7-6) are preparing for their most important game of the season against their rivals Green Bay Packers (10-3), and there’s a lot on the line.
With the Bears fighting for their slim playoff hopes, they need to beat the Packers to stay alive in the playoff hunt. But then there’s the revenge factor after the Packers escaped with a 10-3 win in the season opener. With Mitchell Trubisky playing his best football of the season and with the return of Akiem Hicks, the Bears are in a good position heading into Lambeau Field.
Here are four storylines to watch as the Bears face the Packers on Sunday.
1. Will the Bears get revenge for Week 1 loss?
While last year’s season-opening loss served to motivate and catapult the Bears to a 12-4 record, this year it was a loss that has seemed to define their season. A dominant defense and a struggling offense that couldn’t do enough to win the game.
But the Bears aren’t the same team they were even a month ago amidst all those struggles. Riding a three-game win streak, Chicago’s offense has finally found a rhythm — although it took three months — and their defense looks to be getting back some key players, all while allowing the fourth fewest points this season.
While there are certainly big implications on the line — including slim playoff hopes — it’s also about getting revenge for a Week 1 game that you could argue they should’ve won — if only their offense had done enough. This time, there’s more confidence they will.