The Vikings now have a 97 percent chance to make the playoffs.
The Vikings took care of business and beat the Chargers on Sunday, improving to 10-4 on the season.
And in other good news for Vikings fans, the Cowboys beat the Rams in Dallas. The Rams fell to 8-6, now a full two games back from the Vikings.
Per FiveThirtyEight, the Vikings now have a 97 percent chance to make the playoffs.
In order for the Vikings not to make the playoffs, they’d have to lose out and the Rams would have to win out against the 49ers and Cardinals.
Minnesota’s win also knocked the Bears out of playoff contention.
As far as the NFC North is concerned, the Packers beat the Bears to improve to 11-3. This gives the Packers a 91 percent chance to win the division.
If the Vikings win out (vs. Green Bay in Week 16 and vs. Chicago in Week 17) and the Packers lose out (@Minnesota in Week 16 and @ Detroit in Week 17), Minnesota will win the NFC North.
If the season ended today, the Vikings would be the sixth seed in the NFC and would play the No. 3 Saints in the wild card round of the playoffs.
As the Bears prepare for their 200th game vs. Packers, they’re looking to reverse a decade of a misfortune where Green Bay has dominated.
When the Chicago Bears and Green Bay Packers meet for the 200th time Sunday at Lambeau Field, the Bears will be looking to defeat their rivals for a chance to improve to 8-6 and keep their slim playoff hopes alive.
But that’s easier said than done when you consider how the Bears-Packers rivalry has been completely one-sided this decade. In fact, of the 20 times the Bears and Packers have played over the last 10 years, the Packers have won 16 of those games.
The Packers defeated the Bears earlier this season 10-3 in Week 1, where the Bears offense was downright abysmal and Chicago’s defense allowed the game’s only touchdown.
But the Bears aren’t the same team that lost that Week 1 matchup. It’s been nearly a season since these teams last played. And the Bears might be peaking at just the right time for this game.
“We’re kind of in a rhythm now. We’re a different team,” quarterback Mitchell Trubisky said. “There were some things we had to go through in the first game and the beginning of the season that just didn’t go our way. And there’s things we learned from as an offense.
“I just feel like we have a new-found identity of what we want to do and everybody is really locked into what they have to do.”
With the Bears offense executing and their defense getting back defensive tackle Akiem Hicks, the arrow certainly seems pointed up. But can they execute against Aaron Rodgers and the Packers, who have seemingly been their kryptonite?
As the Bears prepare for their 200th meeting against their rivals, it’s a chance for the Bears to start to rewrite the rivalry in a positive way, one where losing to the Packers isn’t expected.
Ahead of Sunday’s game, we’re going Behind Enemy Lines to get the scoop on the Bears’ Week 15 opponent, the Packers.
There’s a lot at stake for the Chicago Bears (7-6) heading into Sunday’s pivotal game against the Green Bay Packers (10-3), which for all intents and purposes is a playoff game for the Bears.
With the Bears looking to keep their playoff hopes alive — and keep the momentum and success going on offense — they’ll face a tough test on the road at Lambeau Field.
Before the game, we caught up with managing editor Zach Kruse of Packers Wire to get the scoop on the Bears’ Week 15 opponent.
Here are five questions with Packers Wire:
Bears Wire: What has new head coach Matt LaFleur brought to the Packers this season that Mike McCarthy didn’t over the last few years?
Packers Wire: There is certainly more balance to LaFleur’s Packers offense, with all the pre-snap motion, disguise and play-action of a modern scheme. It has relied on running back Aaron Jones as a centerpiece, and he’s responded with over 1,200 total yards, 15 touchdowns and a breakout season. LaFleur has been especially good at scripting the start of games and finding specific weaknesses in each opponent, which has created a bunch of fast starts. The Packers will need all these elements working together on Sunday against a really good Bears defense.
BW: When you look at the stats, Aaron Rodgers looks like he’s having one of his best seasons out of the last few years. Would you say that’s the case?
PW: His touchdown-to-interception rate is still incredible, and his passer rating is back up over 100.0, but I’m not sure I’d say he’s having one of his best seasons. In fact, most of his stats this season actually look a lot like his stats from last season. There have been spurts of high-level play from Rodgers and the Packers passing offense, but consistency has been a problem, and Rodgers hasn’t been as effective when opponents take away Jones and Jamaal Williams. He’s making due in an offense that lacks a true No. 2 target behind Davante Adams. The other WRs have been hit-or-miss, and Jimmy Graham hasn’t been a difference-maker. Over the last five games, Rodgers has four games with a passer rating under 100.0 and just seven touchdown passes. He needs to get hot.
BW: Things weren’t pretty for the Bears offense the last time they played Green Bay’s defense over three months ago. Can you assess how the Packers defense has looked? What are their strengths and weaknesses?
PW: They’re certainly not the dominant defense most anticipated after the hot start. They’ve struggled against the run and allowed too many big plays in the passing game, in large part due to issues covering the middle of the field. The Packers’ pass-rush is an obvious strength, thanks to the collective efforts from Za’Darius Smith, Preston Smith and Kenny Clark. They’ve been one of the most productive trios in the NFL this season. The Packers have also been effective in the red zone, with the sixth-best red-zone touchdown percentage allowed, and good at creating turnovers (20, seventh-most). Overall, the Packers rank 13th in points allowed but 27th in yards allowed per play. It’s a bend-but-don’t-break defense.
BW: Which key matchup do you believe will have the biggest impact on this game?
PW: Bears WR Allen Robinson vs. Packers CB Jaire Alexander is one matchup I’ll be watching. Robinson remains one of the NFL’s most underrated weapons. He’s so good at getting open, making tough catches and creating yards after the catch, and it’s clear Mitchell Trubisky trusts him in every situation. Alexander is a competitively fierce and confident cornerback who will be up to the challenge. If Alexander contains Robinson, do the Bears have enough in the passing game to move the football consistently? I wouldn’t be surprised if this is a game where Robinson catches a touchdown and Alexander grabs an interception. Both will have opportunities to make plays.
BW: What’s your prediction for the game?
PW: I’m predicting a tough and probably ugly game for both sides. A few factors will help decide it: Can the Packers get Aaron Jones going? Can Mitchell Trubisky figure out Mike Pettine’s defense before the snap? And who wins in the red zone? I think the Packers end up on the winning side of two of the three, with Pettine winning the chess match against Trubisky and the Packers doing more inside the 20-yard line. It’ll be another one score game, but I’ll take the Packers at home, 20-17.
The Vikings are 9-4 and currently in sixth place in the wild card race.
The Vikings are 9-4 and currently in sixth place in the wild card race.
They play the Chargers in Los Angeles in Week 15. A win would put the Vikings in a great spot to make the postseason with just three games remaining.
If you’re a Vikings fan, here’s your guide on who to cheer for when it comes to the Vikings making the playoffs, and potentially winning the NFC North.
This isn’t exactly rocket science.
Rams at Cowboys
Let’s go Cowboys! Dallas has been so bad lately, but the Vikings will be rooting for the Cowboys to turn things around. If the Vikings beat the Chargers and the Rams fall to the Cowboys, Minnesota’s playoff chances improve from 72 percent to 95 percent.
However, if the Vikings lose and the Rams win, Minnesota’s playoff odds go down to 38 percent.
Bears at Packers
The Vikings are still very much in the thick of things for the NFC North. Before the week, the Vikings have a 24 percent chance to win the NFC North.
If the Vikings beat the Chargers and the Bears upset the Packers, that number increases to 52 percent.
The Bears are still alive in the wild card hunt, sitting two games behind the Vikings. If the Bears win and the Vikings and Rams lose, Chicago will still have a 17 percent chance to make the playoffs and the Bears currently have the tiebreaker over the Vikings.
While the Bears are clinging to slim playoff hopes, they’re still in the hunt for a playoff spot — and maybe even a division title.
The Chicago Bears are playing meaningful football in December for the second straight year. And while the Bears are clinging to slim playoff hopes heading into these final three games, they’re still in the hunt for that final Wild Card spot.
While the Bears need to win out in their last three games, they also need a lot of help in terms of the Minnesota Vikings and Los Angeles Rams both losing two of their last three games.
The Vikings have the Los Angeles Chargers, Green Bay Packers and Bears left on their schedule. The Rams have the Dallas Cowboys, San Francisco 49ers and Arizona Cardinals remaining. So it’s definitely possible, but certainly not a guarantee by any means.
But believe it or not, there’s actually a scenario where the Bears could still win the NFC North.
I kid you not.
Here’s what would need to happen for the Bears to win the NFC North:
The Bears win out against the Packers, Chiefs and Vikings
The Packers lose out to the Bears, Vikings and Lions
The Vikings lose to the Bears in Week 17
That would then set up a three-way tie for first place in the NFC North at 10-6, and the Bears would win the tiebreaker with the best division record at 5-1.
Now, of all the scenarios that could happen, this feels like the least likely. Sure, the Bears could win out (especially with the way they’ve been playing). Sure, the Vikings could lose to the Bears. Sure, the Packers could lose to the Bears and Vikings. But the Packers losing to the David Blough-led Lions in Week 17 just doesn’t seem in the realm of possibility.
The likelihood that the Bears make the playoffs isn’t good. FiveThirtyEight gives the Bears a 2% chance to make the playoffs as of Saturday. Stranger things have happened, but we shall see.
There are no shortage of storylines as the Bears prepare for a rematch against their rival Packers Sunday at Lambeau Field.
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?
Quinn Harris-USA TODAY Sports
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.
While the Bears are hoping for DL Akiem Hicks’ grand return Sunday, the Packers are expecting it.
The Chicago Bears are hoping that defensive lineman Akiem Hicks will make his grand return Sunday against their rivals Green Bay Packers. But the Packers are fully expecting it.
“We’re anticipating him playing,” Packers coach Matt LaFleur said Wednesday. “He’s just a guy that you have to account for on every play. He’s a dominant performer and he has been for a while. Just have to be mindful of where he’s at every time he’s out on the field.”
Hicks has been on injured reserve since Week 5 after dislocating his elbow against the Oakland Raiders. He returned to practice last Sunday, and if all goes well he should be activated off IR.
Bears coach Matt Nagy said Hicks participated in practice Wednesday, although it’s worth noting that Wednesday practices are typically walk-through pace. Still, Nagy sounds optimistic that Hicks will return from IR.
“I think we have a good idea,” Nagy said. “None of this is live, again. None of practice is live … Most of it is just communication with him saying, ‘Hey, this is how I feel,’ Trainers saying, ‘This is where he’s at,’ and then creating a plan if it’s something where, if it’s something we’re going to do — which we’re hoping —— then let’s create a plan for it and roll.”
Hicks’ return would surely solidify the middle of that defense. But it would mean so much more than just what he brings to the field physically. He’s one of the leaders of this team.
“I think it’s big, just because he’s one of our more vocal guys — in a good way,” Nagy said. “He’s a leader — he’s a natural-born leader. Take the play out and what he does on the field — just rallying the guys this week in practice, being around and then on game day, you guys always see him out there. He’s a guy that gets everyone going.”
The Bears would greatly benefit from Hicks’ return as they look for redemption against their rivals following that Sept. 5 season-opening loss.
Previewing Sunday’s Chicago Bears at Green Bay Packers sports betting odds and lines, with Week 15 NFL betting picks, tips and bets.
The Chicago Bears (7-6) visit the NFC North-leading Green Bay Packers (10-3) in the 200th meeting between the longtime rivals Sunday for a 1 p.m. ET kickoff at Lambeau Field (on FOX). We analyze the Bears-Packers odds and sports betting lines, while providing betting tips and advice on this Week 15 NFL matchup.
Bears at Packers: Week 15 preview, betting trends and notes
Get some action on the game at BetMGM by placing a sports bet!
The Bears have won three in a row, most recently knocking off the Dallas Cowboys 31-24 at home in the Week 14 Thursday game.
The Packers, who lead the division by a game over the Minnesota Vikings and currently sit in the No. 2 NFC playoff spot, are on a two-game win streak after beating the visiting Washington Redskins 20-15 last week.
A Chicago loss in Green Bay would eliminate the Bears from playoff contention if the Vikings win at the Los Angeles Chargers later Sunday.
The Bears are 3-3 on the road, but 4-9 Against the Spread (ATS) overall.
The Packers are 6-1 at home and 8-5 ATS overall.
The Packers won the first head-to-head meeting of the season, 10-3 in Week 1 at Soldier Field.
Bears QB Mitchell Trubisky has thrown for 2,440 yards and 16 TDs, but with 8 interceptions.
Packers QB Aaron Rodgers has thrown for 3,260 yards with 23 TDs and 2 picks in 13 games.
The Bears defense ranks fourth in points allowed (17.8 PPG) and 10th in yards allowed (326.5 YPG).
While the Packers offense hasn’t been its usual self – ranking 23rd in yards (340.1 YPG) – the defense has been decent, ranking 13th in points allowed (20.8 PPG) but 22nd in yards allowed (367.9 YPG).
Aaron Jones leads the Packers ground attack, rushing for 779 yards with 12 TDs. David Montgomery has been the Bears’ main RB, tallying for 680 rushing yards with 5 TDs
Bears at Packers: Key injuries
Bears: WR Taylor Gabriel (concussion), TE Ben Braunecker (concussion), RT Bobby Massie (ankle), DE Roy Robertson-Harris (foot) and LB Danny Trevathan (elbow) are questionable. CB Prince Amukamara (hamstring) is probable.
Packers: TE Jimmy Graham (wrist), WR Geronimo Allison (knee), RG Billy Turner (knee) and CB Kevin King (shoulder) are questionable.
Bears at Packers: Odds, betting lines and prediction
Nov 28, 2019; Detroit, MI,; Chicago Bears quarterback Mitchell Trubisky looks to pass against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. (Photo Credit: Tim Fuller – USA TODAY Sports)
It’s no surprise the Packers (-209) are favored at home, but I’m not interested in making a 2-to-1 type bet, where every $2.09 wagered only would profit $1 if Green Bay prevails. I’m going to focus on the spread instead. The Bears are +170 where every $1 wagered would profit $1.70 if Chicago wins.
The PACKERS (-4.5, -106) are the STRONGEST PLAY. Green Bay has won the last three vs. the Bears at Lambeau and have won 9 of the past 11 head-to-head meetings at home. Plus, Rodgers is 18-5 vs. the Bears in his career. Chicago (+4.5, -115) last won at Green Bay Nov. 26, 2015.
Every $1.06 wagered on the Packers to win by 5 points or more would profit $1 if they do so.
The UNDER41.5 (-125) is worthy of a small play. The Bears are 5-8 O/U on the season, 2-3 O/U on the road and 0-2 O/U as a road underdog. The Packers are 6-7 O/U overall and 3-4 O/U at home – they’ve been favored in every home game.
Want action on this game? Sign up and bet atBetMGM. For more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.
Johnny’s December record: 5-1. Strongest plays: 3-0.
Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.
The Bears, who have won three straight games, continue to climb in the NFL power rankings.
NFL.com revealed its latest Week 15 Power Rankings, and the Chicago Bears continue to climb, just as they continue to do in the standings.
The Bears have won four of their last five games, and they remain in the playoff hunt, even if the odds are stacked against them.
Following an impressive 31-24 win over the Cowboys, the Bears jumped three spots in the power rankings from No. 17 to No. 14.
The Bears know they’ve disappointed their fanbase this season, so they’ve splurged on a thoughtful Christmas gift: relevant football in December. Chicago kept itself alive in the NFC playoff hunt with an impressive 31-24 win over the Cowboys that was far more one-sided than the final score indicates.
Mitchell Trubisky continued his late-season resurgence, throwing three touchdown passes and running for another score. The former first-round pick has clearly regained his confidence, and it’s resulting in the type of play that made the Bears so optimistic coming out of last season.
It wasn’t all good news, though: Linebacker Roquan Smith exited the game with a pectoral injury that ends his season. Above .500 for the first time since mid-October, the Bears head to Lambeau Field for a meeting with the NFC North-leading Packers. A win there, and Chicago becomes a big story in the NFC.
As far as the rest of the NFC North goes, the Green Bay Packers lead the way at No. 7 followed by the Minnesota Vikings at No. 8. The Lions rank a distant 29th.
The Bears have been peaking in the last month. But unfortunately for them, it might be too late to lock up a playoff spot.
There is no bigger game of the season for the Bears than Sunday’s matchup against the Packers, where both teams need a win.
There’s no bigger game of the year for the Chicago Bears (7-6) than against rivals Green Bay Packers (10-3) Sunday at Lambeau Field.
While the Bears are playing for a chance at the playoffs, they’re also looking to take down their biggest rivals.
The Bears are coming off an impressive 31-24 win over the Cowboys, where quarterback Mitchell Trubisky had his best performance of the season. He utilized his mobility and accuracy to take down Dallas’ defense. The offense looked the most efficient it has all season, and the defense took care of the NFL’s top passing offense, minus a few key defensive starters.
The Packers, while coming off a win, won a close one 20-15 to the Washington Redskins. While the Packers won ugly, it’s the winning that counts. Green Bay is looking to keep a lead in the NFC North on the Minnesota Vikings, who sit at 9-4.
This is an important game for the Bears, who need to win to keep their playoff hopes alive. It’s certainly extra motivation going against their rivals that defeated them in the season opener.
Can Trubisky continue his impressive performance against the Packers? Will Akiem Hicks make his grand return? Can the Bears defense replicate their dominance of Aaron Rodgers? Will the Bears pull out the win and keep their slim playoff hopes alive?
