The Packers took care of business last Sunday against a floundering Giants squad. Now they must beat the 2010 NFC North Champion Chicago Bears to secure the sixth seed in the playoffs.
Green Bay received a gift from the most unlikely of teams, the Minnesota Vikings, on Sunday night. The Vikings went into Philadelphia and upset the playoff-bound Philadelphia Eagles. The Vikings victory helped the Chicago Bears wrap up the second seed and a first round bye before their game with the Packers this Sunday.
What then, do the Chicago Bears have to play for in today's game?
Not much, besides possibly the satisfaction of knocking the Packers out of the playoffs. However, whether Lovie Smith would be willing to risk health for that opportunity is still uncertain.
Smith has been adamant that his starters will play in the game. After throttling the Jets for 38 points last Sunday at Soldier Field, it seems the Bears offense might be better than originally thought or the Jets defense was exposed. Yet, other reports out of Chicago have led to conclusions that the Bears might be preparing their backups to play in Green Bay.
Either way, the Packers must take care of business and focus on their game to beat the Bears.
The Packers self-destructed in their 20-17 loss in Chicago earlier this season. A season-high 18 penalties including a monumental pass interference call on rookie safety Morgan Burnett close to the endzone helped the Bears wind down the clock and kick a game-winning chip shot field goal.
This week 17 showdown doesn't have as much at stake as originally thought earlier in the year with the two teams battling for the division title. However, the Packers have to be fairly satisfied with a win to get in opportunity after all their injuries.
The Packers are one of the most injury ravaged teams in the NFL, losing key playmakers on both sides of the ball. Yet, McCarthy has been able to get his team prepared to win every time they step on the football field.
The Packers will come into Sunday's game motivated and know that a win will put them in the playoffs for a second consecutive win. The Packers would be one of the the most dangerous six seeds in playoff history with a quick strike offense and a playmaking defense led by the Energizer bunny linebacker Clay Matthews and Charles Woodson and Tramon Williams in the secondary.
The Packers will win on Sunday due to superior motivation and the Bears resting their starters late in the third and fourth quarter.
Packers 27, Bears 13
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