Rivalry games, especially as heated as Packers-Bears, often turn out to be close.
However, the Packers should feel good about their chances going into Week 5. One big reason is that Chicago could be without a handful of key contributors.
Cheeseheads already knew that Caleb Williams won't suit up for this one because he's nursing a hamstring injury. But the Bears have also ruled out running back Kyle Monangai for Week 5. His absence could give a leaky Green Bay defense a massive break.
The Packers won't have to deal with Kyle Monangai when they play the Bears
Kyle Monangai is dealing with a toe injury, which led Bears head coach Ben Johnson to announce that he wouldn't be available against Green Bay. With Monangai ruled out, D'Andre Swift will get the starting nod at running back.
Make no mistake, Swift has done a good job of toting the rock this season, racking up 311 yards with three touchdowns. The issue is that he's had trouble holding onto the football, losing two fumbles the past three games.
You can bet defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon will drive it home to try to dislodge the football from Swift's hands.
It's also worth noting that the Green Bay defense ranks 28th in rushing yards allowed and 29th in rushing touchdowns allowed, so not having to deal with Monangai could turn out to be a big break, especially when you take into account that linebacker Edgerrin Cooper is out for the remainder of the year.
Packers' run defense gets a less daunting challenge without Kyle Monangai
Aside from not having to deal with Kyle Monangai, the Packers won't have to face Caleb Williams in Week 5. Instead, Green Bay will have to game-plan for Tyson Bagent (probably).
Of course, that won't matter if the Packers cannot capitalize on the matchup. It will be up to linebackers Zaire Franklin and Isaiah McDuffie to step up. Similarly, the ascending Lukas Van Ness will need to bring his A game against Chicago.
On offense, the running game is a reason for concern, but Jordan Love will hopefully get better protection behind the rebuilt offensive line. And if he has enough time to connect with Matthew Golden, Christian Watson, and tight end Tucker Kraft, the Green Bay offense should be able to put enough points on the scoreboard to beat the Bears.
The bottom line is that the Packers have a realistic chance to beat the Bears, but it's up to them to take advantage of it.
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