Bears vs Packers Week 17

Sometimes being thoroughly defeated is a blessing in disguise. Just ask the Chicago Bears (8-6, 6-6-2-ATS), who because of an earlier loss to the Green Bay Packers (5-9, 7-7 ATS) won’t overlook their NFC North rivals when the teams meet on Monday Night Football to close out action on the NFL betting board for Week 16.

The Bears were pounded 37-3 by the Packers back on November 16 at Lambeau Field, and the defeat isn’t forgotten in the Chicago locker room. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers went 23-of-30 for 227 yards with two touchdowns and an interception for the Packers, who rolled to the bank as 3.5-point home favorites in the win.

Running back Ryan Grant gave the Bears fits rushing for 145 yards on 25 carries with a score, while Green Bay racked up 200 yards on the ground. QB Kyle Orton finished 13-of-26 for 133 yards passing for Chicago, and got 94 all-purpose yards from RB Matt Forte.

The Bears are set to see some chalk this time around, and the line could move in their favor before kickoff. Oddsmakers have Chicago as 4-point faves for the contest, although with 63% of bets having come in on the Bears don’t be surprised to see the home team giving closer to five points to the beleaguered Packers.

Green Bay started the season well, but has lost six of its last seven (3-4 ATS) to play itself out of the NFC playoff picture. The Packers fell 20-16 last week to the Jacksonville Jaguars, as Green Bay couldn’t cover as 3.5-point road favorites. The Packers led 13-7 and 16-14, but quarterback David Garrard recovered his own fumble in the end zone with two minutes remaining to send Green Bay to the locker room on the losing end. It’s not just the Packers who felt the pain – so did their backers – who saw their team fall against the number for the fourth consecutive week.

Rodgers went 20-of-32 for 278 yards with a TD pass and a pick for Green Bay, while wide receiver James Jones hauled in four balls for 132 yards. The Packers need a better performance to cash in against the Bears, who need a win to keep their postseason hopes alive.

Chicago is coming off a 27-24 overtime win over the New Orleans Saints, as the game resulted in a push with the Bears as 3-point road chalk. Robbie Gould kicked a game-tying 28-yard field goal as time expired in regulation and then drove the game-winner through the uprights from 35 yards 2:46 into the extra frame. Orton was 24-of-40 for 172 yards with two interceptions and a TD on the ground, while Chicago won despite getting only 34 rushing yards from Forte, although the rookie sensation did record a touchdown for the Bears.

The Bears have won three of their last four games while going 2-1-1 against the number, and are certainly the choice of public bettors considering the action coming in during the week. Chicago has won six of its last nine SU against Green Bay, but only two of the last four contests at Soldier Field. More importantly, the Packers are 7-2 ATS in the last nine meetings in Chicago, meaning conditions could be ripe for a Green Bay backdoor cover.

Bettors handicapping the total are leaning towards the over on the 40-point number. The Packers are 22-8-1 O/U in their last 31 games overall, and are 9-2-1 O/U in their last 12 matchups away from home. The Bears are also trending over, as Chicago has played above the number in 20 of its last 27 home games and in 28 of its last 40 against NFC opponents.

Cornerback Charles Woodson (toe) is probable for the Packers, although safety Atari Bigby is out for the game and the season with a shoulder injury. Defensive tackle Tommie Harris (knee) and Forte (toe) are expected to play despite being banged up for the Bears, while WR Marty Booker (ribs) is questionable for the Monday nighter.