Thursday Night Football Schedule 2012: When and Where to Watch Bears vs. Packers

The Chicago Bears and Green Bay Packers will kick off a full-season slate of games on the NFL Network this Thursday night. In the league's effort to take over the world, there will be games on the mothership station from Week 2 until Week 15. 

Given that the NFL is still trying to establish the young network, it makes sense that it would start its foray into full-season broadcasting with the oldest rivalry the sport has to offer, as well as one that could have lasting effects on the NFC North in 2012. 

The Bears started off the season about as well as they could have hoped. The offense, led by Jay Cutler and Brandon Marshall, looked great in putting up 41 points. They were playing the Colts, so it was expected they would win. 

The Packers, on the other hand, had no such luck at Lambeau against San Francisco. The 49ers exerted their will on offense, with 377 yards of offense, and the defense kept Aaron Rodgers out of rhythm until the game was decided. 

With such a huge matchup, here is all the pertinent information you need to know about where and when to find it, as well as some extra tidbits to help enhance your experience. 

Where: Lambeau Field in Green Bay, WI

When: Thursday, September 13 at 8:20 p.m. ET

Watch: NFL Network

Betting Line: Green Bay (-6), according to Bovada

Keys to Victory

Chicago Bears

The new-look Bears appear to have all the makings of a dynamic offensive team. Brandon Marshall adds a weapon that has been missing with this franchise for decades, as well as provides a safety net that Jay Cutler trusts. 

Because the Packers still look vulnerable against the pass, the Bears need to come out and establish the air game early. They don't have an offensive line as big or physical as San Francisco, so I wouldn't expect them to get over 180 yards rushing in this game. 

Defensively, everything starts and stops with Rodgers. The Packers are not going to run the ball, so the defensive line, led by Julius Peppers, has to attack and keep the reigning MVP off balance in order to hold the offense down. 

Green Bay Packers

Rodgers was able to find a new toy to play with in Randall Cobb against San Francisco last week. If Greg Jennings is unable to play in this game, which looks very likely at this juncture, based on Tyler Dunne of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel's report that he is doubtful, Rodgers will likely be spreading the wealth a lot more than he already does. 

"

Davon House (doubtful), Greg Jennings (doubtful), Jamari Lattimore (ques), Terrell Manning (out), James Starks (doubtful).

— Tyler Dunne (@TyDunne) September 12, 2012"

As long as Rodgers has time in the pocket, which he did not last week, the Packers should be able to put up enough points to win this game. 

On the defensive side of the ball, they just need to find a cornerback who can step up and make a play. They looked lost last season, and didn't appear to be much better last week. Between communication breakdowns and stupid mistakes, this team looks vulnerable. 

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