Packers: 3 bold predictions for Week 17 matchup vs. Bears

1. Packers defense holds David Montgomery under 100 yards rushing

Earlier in the year, this might not have been considered a bold prediction. But Bears running back David Montgomery has been on fire in recent weeks.

In Montgomery’s past five games, he’s rushed for 529 yards and six touchdowns. He’s hit 100 yards rushing in three of those games, including in the first meeting with the Packers at Lambeau Field. It’s perhaps no surprise that as Montgomery’s performances have improved, the Bears’ offense has grown in confidence and the team has now won three straight.

The Packers’ formula will need to be similar to last week when they kept Derrick Henry quiet.

Offensively, it will be important to get off to a fast start and build an early lead. Defensively, the focus will need to be on stopping Montgomery and forcing the Bears to find success through the air. Make Mitch Trubisky win with his arm and not on the ground.

It’s unclear whether Damon Harrison will make his Packers debut on Sunday but if he’s ready to go, the former first-team All-Pro can immediately help the run defense.

Green Bay’s defense has been trending in the right direction in recent weeks and the performance against the Tennessee Titans was impressive. This week, Mike Pettine’s unit puts in another strong effort to keep the Bears’ run game under control.