NFL Week 16 Predictions: Packers Will Bounce Back in a Big Way vs. Bears

Take the Packers -13 at home against the Bears. Here’s why:

The Green Bay Packers are smart for losing a game.

The bullseye that comes with a perfect record is like no other in sports (just ask the ’07 Patriots). Now that they lost 19-14 to the Chiefs, the pressure is off and now they can focus on securing home-field advantage throughout the playoffs.

While the injuries to Greg Jennings and the offensive line hurt, it’s nothing compared to what the Chicago Bears are dealing with.

They have lost their quarterback (Jay Cutler), running back (Matt Forte), best receiver (Johnny Knox) to injuries and a strong special teams player (Sam Hurd) to jail. I don’t care how good your defense is, there is no saving that situation. After going 0-4, Caleb Hanie has been benched in favor of Luke McCown, who hadn’t played in an NFL game since ’09 before making a relief appearance last Sunday.

He has the daunting task of putting up more than nine points, which is the average amount the Bears have put up over the last three weeks.

Sure the Packers give up yards in bunches, but that’s against decent QBs. The Bears situation is among one of the worst in the league right now and don’t forget that the Packers are quietly 12th best in the league against the run, allowing 108 yards per game. Chicago showed signs of quitting in last week's 38-14 debacle against the Seahawks. 

I expect Aaron Rodgers and Co. to come out of the gates fast to insure they can relax in the second half. The Packers know they are one really strong half away from the one seed, and with the chance to embarrass their division rival at home…it’s going to be one-sided from the kickoff. The Packers already own a 27-17 win over the Bears at Soldier Field with a healthy Cutler back in the last week of September.

Here are a few trends to consider:

Bears are 2-6 ATS in their last eight meetings.

Packers are 8-0 ATS in their last eight games following a ATS loss.

Bears are 1-4 ATS in their last five games following a double-digit loss at home.

Prediction: Packers 26, Bears 9

(Spread courtesy of Covers.com)