Packers: Predictions, complete breakdown of every game on schedule

Week 1, vs. Chicago Bears: Win

Chicago has been quietly building a team under the noses of everyone in the NFC North. The threat of Chicago hindering other teams in the division is still a year or two away. In the meantime, the Bears will have to face the crowd of Cheeseheads while the Packers celebrate their 100th season opener.

It’s only natural that the oldest rivalry in NFL history would host the opening ceremony of Sunday Night Football while being broadcast to a national audience. Chicago may have made improvements during their offseason, but the howling crowd at Lambeau Field to celebrate Aaron Rodgers‘ return will be heard all the way from Eagle River to Milwaukee.

Green Bay and Chicago both added depth to their rosters by adding new players from either trades or free agency. The Packers’ most notable additions this summer were Jimmy Graham and Muhammad Wilkerson, but the Bears decided to add some extra help of their own. Chicago picked up Allen Robinson and Trey Burton to help their young QB Mitch Trubisky.

Khalil Mack was a massive addition to the Bears’ defense a week before the regular season began. Mack will ultimately give a lot of pressure up front to help out players such as Kyle Fuller and rookie Roquan Smith. Chicago is building its notoriously strong defense once again, but that shouldn’t cause a stir for Aaron Rodgers. Mike McCarthy and the Packers have found ways around strong defenses in the past.

Lambeau Field will feel a little different with their first official game without Jordy Nelson. The somber feeling of not seeing a jersey with number 87 will soon be fleeting with a Packers win the first week.

Rodgers and the new era of green and gold will only improve as the season continues.