Green Bay Packers 2020 opponent preview: Chicago Bears

Can the Packers sweep the Bears again in 2020?

The Chicago Bears’ run as the NFC North’s premier team was short-lived. They entered 2019 with high expectations, but the Green Bay Packers got the series sweep to take back the division title.

The great news this season is that both games take place late in the year when the weather is cold and the importance of each game rises.

That’s how Packers-Bears football always should be.

Last season

After entering the 2019 season with high expectations as the defending NFC North champs, the Bears disappointed. Many considered them Super Bowl contenders, but Chicago couldn’t make the most of a 3-1 start. The Bears lost their next four straight, and at 3-5, they were in deep trouble.

Matt Nagy’s team finished the year a disappointing 8-8.

When are the games?

Both games come at the business end of the season. The first game, at Lambeau Field, is in Week 12. That contest kicks off at 7:20 p.m. CT on Sunday, Nov. 29. It’ll be played on Sunday Night Football.

The second meeting will be the season finale in Week 17. It begins at 12:00 p.m. CT on Sunday, Jan. 3.

Offseason additions

Chicago’s biggest decision of the offseason was to trade for quarterback Nick Foles, which shows the team is ready to move on from former first-round pick Mitch Trubisky. The Bears then added former Packer Jimmy Graham.

The Bears didn’t have much draft capital without picks in the first, third, and fourth rounds. With their two second-rounders, they selected tight end Cole Kmet and cornerback Jaylon Johnson.

Last meeting with the Packers

December 15, 2019: Packers won 21-13 at Lambeau Field

Player to watch

Nick Foles: For the Bears to make it back to the postseason, they need more consistent quarterback play. Is Foles the answer? If the Packers can generate pressure and force him into mistakes, they’ll have a great opportunity to win both games against the Bears.