For the second time in three weeks, the Green Bay Packers (9-4-1) and Chicago Bears (10-4) will square off against NFC North teams. The winner of Saturday night’s primetime showdown will clinch first place in the division and berth as the NFC’s No. 2 seed with two weeks to go.
The Packers defeated the Bears in Week 14 at Lambeau Field. Can Matt LaFleur’s team complete the sweep, or can the Bears, who easily defeated the Cleveland Browns on Sunday, take complete control of the NFC North?
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Here are five things you need to know about the Bears:
last week
The Bears easily defeated the visiting Cleveland Browns on Sunday at a frigid Soldier Field. Caleb Williams threw for two touchdowns and the defense intercepted Shedeur Sanders three times and sacked him five times as the Bears easily won 31-3. DeAndre Swift and DJ Moore each scored two touchdowns. The Browns managed just nine first downs and totaled 192 yards. The Bears took an early lead in freezing temperatures and the Browns never got back into the game. Chicago reached 10 wins for the first time since 2018.
How did Caleb Williams perform last week?
The Bears quarterback had a stellar performance against the Browns. Williams averaged 8.6 yards per attempt, threw two touchdown passes to DJ Moore, including an incredible pass to the back of the end zone while crawling to his right, and didn’t turn the ball over. PFF praised Williams for three big throws. After the game, Williams completed 11 of 14 passes for 147 yards and two scores. He also completed 6-of-9 passes for 76 yards and a score under pressure.
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Any new injuries?
Wide receiver Rome Odunze, who is still dealing with a foot injury, did not play in Sunday’s game and did not practice in Tuesday’s practice. Rookie wide receiver Luther Burden II had six catches for 84 yards on Sunday but did not play Tuesday because of a new ankle injury. Defensive lineman Andrew Billings was ill and did not play in Tuesday’s game. Tight end Cole Kmet suffered a knee/ankle injury and was limited Tuesday. Injuries of note: Linebacker Tremaine Edmonds was designated to return from injured reserve and practiced Tuesday. His return would be huge for the Bears defense.
Highlights from the first meeting
Hear what Bears coach Ben Johnson had to say
Johnson had plenty to say about the Packers heading into the bubble:
This article originally appeared on Packers Wire: Packers vs. Bears: 5 things to know about Green Bay’s Week 16 opponent