Packers vs. Bears: Predicting Stat Lines and Outcome of the NFC North

The Green Bay Packers (7-7-1) travel to Soldier Field to take on the Chicago Bears (8-7) in a contest that will decide the outcome of the NFC North. It's simple for these two teams: The winner moves on to the playoffs, and the loser's season ends early.

Bears quarterback Jay Cutler returned to action two weeks ago with mixed results. Meanwhile, Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers returns this week, but his post-injury effectiveness remains to be seen.

Neither of these teams have a defense to write home about, so we could be looking at a shootout if both of these quarterbacks perform at their highest levels.

Let's take a look at some projected stat lines for playmakers from each team followed by a final prediction for the outcome of the game.

Stat Line Projections

Aaron Rodgers

Rodgers will finally start this week after a seven-week hiatus due to a broken collarbone. Indications from Packers camp is that he has looked good in practice, and head coach Mike McCarthy stated that he plans to utilize his quarterback heavily, according to an interview with the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel:

"

To me, that goes back to the decision. If we were thinking that way, the decision wouldn't be what it is. The decision's been made. Obviously it was a thorough one. And it’s time for Aaron to play. We’re going to cut him loose and we’re going to go play. We’re going to play to win.

"

The Bears pass defense ranks 14th in the league against the pass, allowing an average of 227.8 pass yards per game. If Rodgers is mostly healthy, he should not have trouble putting up some decent numbers in Chicago.

Prediction: 278 passing yards, three touchdowns, one interception

Jay Cutler

Cutler has had a bit of a roller-coaster season under new head coach and offensive guru Marc Trestman. He has shown flashes of his potential at times, but has failed to produce in certain instances as well. Luckily for Cutler, he has two of the league's most prolific wide receivers at his disposal.

Also, Cutler will be facing off against a decimated Packers defense. Green Bay's secondary is ranked 21st in the league, allowing an average of 248.8 yards per game. Cutler should not have a problem surpassing that average on Sunday.

Prediction: 289 passing yards, two touchdowns, two interceptions

Eddie Lacy

Even though he has been banged up recently, Eddie Lacy appears ready to play against the Bear's 32nd-ranked run defense on Sunday. Before suffering an injury in a Week 16 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers, Lacy was on fire, rushing 15 times for 84 yards and two scores.

This week, Lacy faces off against a defense that is allowing an average of 161.5 yards per game on the ground. He will also get help from Rodgers' presence in the lineup, as the Bears will have to respect the pass. Even if Lacy isn't 100 percent, he will still put up some gaudy numbers.

Prediction: 122 rush yards, one total touchdown

Matt Forte

Matt Forte is quietly having a fantastic season. He has rushed for 1,229 yards and scored seven touchdowns through Week 16. He doubles as a viable receiver out of the backfield as well, recording 70 receptions for 547 yards and two scores.

Green Bay is ranked 26th against the run and is allowing an average of 125.3 yards per game. Expect Forte to churn out a stellar performance, both on the ground and through the air.

Prediction: 89 rushing yards, 48 receiving yards, two total touchdowns

Jordy Nelson

Jordy Nelson has missed his quarterback. He started the season off strong, but has faded away recently. Still, he has been able to record 1,153 yards and eight touchdowns this season. Now, with Rodgers back under center, he will have the chance to flourish once again.

Without Rodgers at the helm, Nelson's targets dropped significantly. This week, expect Rodgers to lean heavily on his No. 1 target once again.

Prediction: 103 receiving yards, one touchdown

Brandon Marshall

It's almost a toss up these days when deciding if Brandon Marshall or Alshon Jeffery will have the week's big performance. Well, this week, against a shaky Packers secondary, they both might. Marshall, however, remains the team's top target and should come away with success against Green Bay.

Cutler and Marshall share a good amount of history, and with a game of this magnitude on the line, expect these two to hook up on many occasions.

Prediction: 121 receiving yards, one touchdown

Final Prediction

As the above stat projections indicate, this game should be a shootout. Not much defense is expected and these offenses should run rampant. Both of these teams match up pretty evenly, so this contest could come down to which team has the ball last.

Either way it goes, this should turn out to be one of the week's most exciting games.

Prediction: Packers 33, Bears 29

All stats provided by NFL.com.