NFL
Rivals Bears And Packers Step Onto Lambeau Field For Their 197th Meeting
The Green Bay Packers and Chicago Bears’ rivalry dates back to almost the beginning. The old-time rivals Bears and Packers faced each other first the first time in 1921. The Bears shut out the Packers the first five games creating a record of 7-1-3. But Green Bay came back with a vengeance shutting out the Bears five straight games.
But until the 60’s the Bears controlled the rivalry heavily holding a 49-26-6 record. Despite playing each other 196 times, these teams have only met in the post-season twice. 1941 and 2010, but both years one of the teams went on to win a championship.
Now, Green Bay currently controls the rivalry with a 96-94-6 record and holds a four-game winning streak.
Who Will Be Playing Week 1
The Bears and Packers face each other Sunday night at Lambeau Field. Neither team has any notable inactive players on their roster just yet, but the story for both teams is not about who isn’t playing. It is about who is playing.
Packers
The return that every Packer fan has been waiting on. Aaron Rodgers will play his first regular season game fully healthy since Week 6 of the 2017 season. Last season before he broke his collarbone, he was on his way to another MVP season.
In six games he already had 16 touchdown passes and over 1,600 yards. Also, we can’t forget in 2014 when Rodgers threw six touchdown passes just in the first half against the Bears. Another important Packer making his return is sixth-ranked right tackle Bryan Bulaga. Bulaga tore his ACL in Week 9 of last season. Top ranked left tackle and Rodgers most important man, David Bakhtiari suffered from ankle problems every season but will be ready to start week 1.
Bears
The newest addition to the Bears is something that is all over the news right now. They traded away a total of five 2019 and 2020 first and second-round picks to acquire 2016 defensive player of the year, Khalil Mack. With the addition of Mack and re-signing Danny Trevathan, Rodgers and his offensive line may be in some trouble.
WR Allen Robinson will be making his return in Week 1 after surfing from a torn ACL in the opener last season. He will be a top prospect for second-year QB Mitchell Trubisky.
Fantasy
Rodgers is back, his accuracy and ability to maneuver outside of the pocket is the key to hitting his target. With his favorite target Jordy Nelson now a Raider look to play the next best things. New addition TE Jimmy Graham is agile and connects well with Rodgers and star wide receiver Devante Adams had a break out season last year with a backup QB. The trio is something to look out for.
Allen Robinson could pose a huge threat for the Packers secondary. The loss of Damarious Randall and starting second-year CB Kevin King, the secondary has some issues. With the possibility of being Trubisky’s top WR, Robinson could fly by the naive defense.
Photo Credit to Kevin Krave via Flickr
