Prediction: How will the Green Bay Packers fare In 2014?

Dec 29, 2013; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears cornerback Tim Jennings (26) breaks up a pass intended for Green Bay Packers wide receiver Jordy Nelson (87) during the fourth quarter at Soldier Field. The Green Bay Packers win 33-28. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports

Week 4: Green Bay Packers @ Chicago Bears

Another year, another potentially great matchup in the oldest rivalry the NFL has to offer. This one could be even better than most, though it will be hard to top the one to end last season. The way I see it there is a great chance that both of these teams could realistically enter the game undefeated, with the winner here set to have an early leg up in the competition for the division crown.

What we could see here is a polar opposite of what the rivalry was built on; offense has officially replaced defense as the staple these teams both are built on, so the game-planning on that end will probably be the determining factor as to who leaves the field victorious.

When the Bears have the ball, they will present one of the most difficult matchups for Green Bay on the year; it’s why multiple projections I’ve read actually have the Packers losing to them twice this year. The offensive line there, which used to be a major weakness, has been much improved. While there is still plenty of room to grow still, they have proven much more adept at keeping their QB upright and that bodes well for them. Forte at RB is not only a top option in fantasy football, but reality; he does consistently great work at both catching passes and gaining yardage through the run-game, and is definitely one of the top players in the game at his position.

And the receivers…it is just unfair to expect any defense to have a hope in covering that monstrous collection all game. Brandon Marshall…Alshon Jeffery…Martellus Bennett…man that is rough to defend not just skill-wise but size-wise; all three are upwards of 6’4″. That should be especially of note against Green Bay, who aren’t exactly known for their height in the secondary.

When Green Bay has the ball, expect them to attack a bit differently from how the game-plan should look the week before in Detroit; the Bears’ D as a whole fell of a cliff last season, but it was their run defense that got demolished worst. They have added players to improve that aspect (such as Lamarr Houston at DE in free agency, and drafting a couple DTs), but until the games start we won’t know just how much they’ve fixed their issues.

Using the run-game to control the game and off-set the defense, Rodgers can then take his time to pick apart the secondary in concentrated bursts. He’ll have to remain cautious with players like Charles Tillman (always seems to make a huge play or two) and Lance Briggs out there however.

Expect to see a second week of huge offensive plays by both sides that isn’t decided until late. I can see someone like Tillman or Jared Allen forcing a key turnover on a crucial possession in the 4th quarter, which will give Chicago just enough time to either get a final score or prevent the Packers from doing so.

Chicago 27
Green Bay 23