The Chicago Bears (7-6) are riding a three-game winning streak and, most importantly, confidence heading into Sunday’s game against rivals Green Bay Packers (10-3) at Lambeau Field.
While things didn’t go as planned in the season opener, where the Packers squeaked out a 10-3 win, this time the Bears are ready to face their foes with playoff aspirations on the line.
Bears-Packers is always different. Anything can happen, including these four bold predictions.
1. Leonard Floyd will record 2 sacks
No one likes playing the Packers more than linebacker Leonard Floyd, who in 5 games against Green Bay has logged 7.5 sacks. In three of those games, Floyd registered 2 sacks.
While Floyd hasn’t lived up to expectations as an edge rusher opposite Khalil Mack, he does always manage to show up against the Packers — that is, when he’s healthy. In the season opener, Floyd accounted for 2 of the Bears’ 5 sacks of Aaron Rodgers. Chicago’s defense managed to contain Rodgers and the Packers’ offense, giving up just one touchdown.
The Bears will need Floyd, who has 4.5 sacks in the last two games against Green Bay, to, once again show up against the Packers with Chicago’s season on the line. And while I wouldn’t bet on Floyd’s long-term future with the Bears, I will be on Floyd getting after Rodgers on Sunday.
2. Mitchell Trubisky will out-duel Aaron Rodgers
Now, this bold prediction completely blew up in my face in the season opener, but Mitchell Trubisky has me feeling these weird feelings of optimism right about now. I’m not sure I trust it, but I’m going to ride this wave of optimism until it dies out.
Trubisky has strung together five solid games over the last month, but it’s been his last two performances — especially the Cowboys game — where he’s really impressed. His confidence is at a season-high, and he’s fighting for his future in Chicago.
While Tramon Williams was happy to have Trubisky “try to play quarterback” against them in the season opener, he might regret that come Sunday — especially now that Trubisky has also rediscovered his mobility.
3. Bears tight ends will account for 100+ receiving yards
The Bears haven’t gotten much production from their tight ends this season. But there were signs of life last week against the Cowboys from Chicago’s young reserves.
With the Bears already down receivers Taylor Gabriel and Javon Wims (both didn’t practice Wednesday), expect tight ends J.P. Holtz and Jesper Horsted to get more looks in the passing game.
Last week against Dallas, Holtz and Horsted combined for 7 catches and 92 receiving yards — where Holtz led the Bears in receiving with 56 yards. Chicago has been lacking consistency from the tight end position, and I guess I’m riding that optimism high with Holtz and Horsted, who have already looked better than Trey Burton and Adam Shaheen ever did this season.
4. Ha Ha Clinton-Dix picks off his former QB
It’s difficult to intercept Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Only two players have managed to do so this season. But if there’s no one on the Bears that wants to pick off Rodgers more than former Packers safety Ha Ha Clinton-Dix.
Clinton-Dix has two interceptions this season — including a pick-six — both against his former team the Washington Redskins. So in the latest game of his revenge tour, you have to believe Clinton-Dix is looking to do the same against the Packers.
The Bears defense hasn’t managed nearly as many takeaways as last year — just 16, including 8 interceptions — but things always mean a little more against the Packers.
