NFC Championship Game: 10 Bold Predictions For Packers Vs. Bears

Only two weeks ago, the Chicago Bears and Green Bay Packers met in the final game of the regular season. The Packers won the game and as a result they made it into the playoffs. Now, in a week's time, the two will meet for the third time this season, this time in the NFC Championship Game.

The Bears won the first meet-up between the two teams early in the year, 20-17. The Packers got their revenge with a 10-3 victory at season's end. There's no question that the game will be fierce and competitive, but what exactly will happen? Here are 10 bold predictions for the game.

A Career Game from Aaron Rodgers

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ATLANTA, GA - JANUARY 15: Aaron Rodgers #12 of the Green Bay Packers looks to pass against the Atlanta Falcons during their 2011 NFC divisional playoff game at Georgia Dome on January 15, 2011 in Atlanta, Georgia. The Packers won 48-21. (Photo by Chris G

Aaron Rodgers has been a great quarterback for the Packers these past few years and it was evident in the win against the Atlanta Falcons. Against a tough Bears defense, I see him topping the 300-yard mark and getting a couple touchdowns in the process, as the Packers offense looks as good as ever.

A Bad Game for James Starks

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ATLANTA, GA - JANUARY 15: James Starks #44 of the Green Bay Packers runs the ball against the Atlanta Falcons during their 2011 NFC divisional playoff game at Georgia Dome on January 15, 2011 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)

While the passing game will likely be firing on all cylinders, the same will not be said of the running game. The Bears stuffed Marshawn Lynch for most of the game and the best running game came from Golden Tate; one run for 13 yards. James Starks has been good so far, but he's not going to hit the 50-yard mark against the Bears.

Jay Cutler Will Be Sacked Frequently

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CHICAGO, IL - JANUARY 16: Quarterback Jay Cutler #6 of the Chicago Bears runs the ball in the second half against the Seattle Seahawks in the 2011 NFC divisional playoff game at Soldier Field on January 16, 2011 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Andy Lyon

Jay Cutler is no stranger to being sacked this year and Green Bay is no exception. In the second game between the two, Cutler was sacked six times and Green Bay will make sure to try and top that. They probably won't top the six sack mark, but Jay Cutler will certainly be seeing a lot of the ground next week.

Matt Forte Will Do Well on Both Ends

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CHICAGO, IL - JANUARY 16: Running back Matt Forte #22 of the Chicago Bears runs the ball as Lofa Tatupu #51 of the Seattle Seahawks attempts to tackle him from behind in the 2011 NFC divisional playoff game at Soldier Field on January 16, 2011 in Chicago

Matt Forte has been solid for the Bears most of the season. In the last game against the Packers, he had 91 rushing yards and 60 receiving yards. I expect a similar outcome this week, as he continues to be a dual threat for this team. There won't be a 100-yard rushing or receiving game, but he could get 100 combined yards without difficulty.

Tramon Williams Will Make a Key Interception

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ATLANTA, GA - JANUARY 15: Tramon Williams #38 of the Green Bay Packers intercepts a pass in the endzone against Michael Jenkins #12 of the Atlanta Falcons during their 2011 NFC divisional playoff game at Georgia Dome on January 15, 2011 in Atlanta, Georg

Tramon Williams is fast becoming one of the best known cornerbacks in the league. He sealed a Packers win against the Eagles, as well as a win against the Falcons, when he returned an interception for a touchdown. Could he make a key pick in a third playoff game? Hey, why not?

Greg Olsen Will Disappear

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CHICAGO, IL - JANUARY 16: Tight end Greg Olsen #82 of the Chicago Bears runs after a catch for 33-yards against the Seattle Seahawks in the first quarter of the 2011 NFC divisional playoff game at Soldier Field on January 16, 2011 in Chicago, Illinois.

Here we get to some bolder ones. Greg Olsen had a great game against the Seahawks which included a 58-yard touchdown catch. However, with both defenses keeping a close eye on the pass, Olsen will be shielded from most passes.

As for Green Bay's tight end, Jermichael Finley, well, we'll have to see next year. Obviously he would disappear being on injured reserve and all.

Devin Hester Will Get a Punt Return Touchdown

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CHICAGO, IL - JANUARY 16: Kick returner Devin Hester #23 of the Chicago Bears returns a punt in the first half against the Seattle Seahawks in the 2011 NFC divisional playoff game at Soldier Field on January 16, 2011 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jona

Devin Hester has always been great on special teams, as proven this year by his three punt returns for touchdowns. Against the Packers, he would love to get a fourth and I could see that happening. The Packers may take a shot at actually kicking to him, which could end up being a mistake.

Greg Jennings and Donald Driver Will Both Top 100 Yards

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ATLANTA, GA - JANUARY 15: James Jones #89 (R) and Greg Jennings #85 of the Green Bay Packers celebrate after Jones scored a 20-yard touchdown in the second quarter against the Atlanta Falcons during their 2011 NFC divisional playoff game at Georgia Dome

We all know that Greg Jennings is one of the top receivers in the league, but Donald Driver still has some gas left in the tank. With Finley being shut down per an earlier slide, both Jennings and Driver will be open as threats that Rodgers can go to early and often.

It Will Be Much More High-Scoring

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CHICAGO, IL - JANUARY 16: Quarterback Jay Cutler #6 of the Chicago Bears talks with his offense as Marcus Trufant #23 of the Seattle Seahawks is injured on the field in the second half against the Seattle Seahawks in the 2011 NFC divisional playoff game

The first two games were very physical and low-scoring affairs. The game will remain very physical, there's no question about that. After all, this is likely the NFL's best rivalry. Having said that, if one's expected another 10-3 type matchup, that won't happen. Both offenses will get in a groove and a 24-21 matchup is much more likely than anything lower.

The Packers Will Go to the Super Bowl

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ATLANTA, GA - JANUARY 15: Aaron Rodgers #12 and Brandon Jackson #32 of the Green Bay Packers celebrate as they walk off the field after the Packers won 48-21 against the Atlanta Falcons during their 2011 NFC divisional playoff game at Georgia Dome on Jan

The Packers have looked great in the past two playoff games and they looked very good against the Bears as well. The Bears, meanwhile, let the Seahawks score 21 fourth quarter points. Yes, the game was already won, but you can't let a team get a fighting chance.

When a team's armed with Clay Matthews, Greg Jennings, Charles Woodson, Tramon Williams and, of course, Aaron Rodgers, the Packers will make their way to the Super Bowl this year.