Packers vs. Bears: 5 things to watch and a prediction

The Green Bay Packers (9-3) won’t have the opportunity to clinch the NFC North title on Sunday night, but the primetime showdown with the rival Chicago Bears (4-8) still represents a chance for Matt LaFleur’s team to take another big step towards a third straight division crown.

With a win over the Bears and either a Vikings loss or Packers win next week, Green Bay would be the NFC North champion in 2021.

The Packers will be facing a desperate opponent. The Bears have lost six of the last seven games and need a win to stay in the playoff hunt. But the one-sided dominance of this rivalry is hard to ignore: The Packers have won 20 of the last 23 matchups with the Bears.

Here are five things to watch and a prediction for the Packers’ matchup with the Bears on “Sunday Night Football.”