Green Bay Packers
Record: 12-6
NFC Finish: #6
NFC North Finish: #2
Offensive Rank: 9th in YPG (358.1), 10th in PPG (24.2)
Defensive Rank: 5th in YPG (309.1), 2nd in PPG (15.0)
v.
Chicago Bears
Record: 12-5
NFC Finish: #2
NFC North Finish: #1
Offensive Rank: 30th in YPG (289.4), 21st in PPG (20.9)
Defensive Rank: 9th in YPG (314.3), 4th in PPG (17.9)
@
Soldier Field
Chicago, IL
The Details
Kickoff: 2:00PM CST
TV: NFL on FOX with Joe Buck and Troy Aikman on the call
Radio: Packers Radio Network with Wayne Larrivee and Larry McCarren on the call
Weather: Party Cloudy, 19°F (Feels Like 8°F), Winds from ESE at 9 mph.
Line: Packers by 3.5.
The Past
All Time History: Chicago currently leads the all-time series, 92–83–6
Last Game: Packers pulled out a victory at home against the Bears 10-3 to secure the final wild card berth.
Last Playoff Matchup: 1941 Western Division Title Game, Bears over Packers 33-14.
Injury Report
Packers: LB Frank Zombo (Knee, OUT), C/G Jason Spitz (Calf, Questionable), LB Diryal Briggs (Ankle, Probable), T Chad Clifton (Knees, Probable), LB A.J. Hawk (Knee, Probable), DE Cullen Jenkins (Calf, Probable), RB John Kuhn (Shoulder, Probable), CB Pat Lee (Hip, Probable), LB Clay Matthews (Shin, Probable), DE Ryan Pickett (Ankle, Probable), LB Eric Walden (Shoulder, Probable), CB Charles Woodson (Toe, Probable).
Bears: S Chris Harris (Hip, Questionable)
Keys To The Game:
Special Teams: The Packers Special Teams unit needs to show up and play. Special Teams has been the Achilles' heal of this team throughout the season, with missed field goals, poor kick coverage, and and a disappointing return game. This will be magnified on the road against the Bears outstanding Special Teams unit, lead by return dynamo Devin Hester and reliable field goal kicker Robbie Gould. Holding up in kick coverage, managing field position, and making our field goals will go a long way towards securing a victory.
Turnovers: Both teams sport aggressive defenses that know how to force turnovers. The Packers average a +0.7 turnover margin differential per game, while the Bears average a +0.2 turnover margin differential. Both teams average 2.1 takeaways per game. Additionally, the last two Packers/Bears matchups were largely decided by turnovers: In Week 17, Jay Cutler threw two costly interceptions which cost the Bears the game at Lambeau, and in Week 3, the Bears forced two Packer turnovers, including a costly James Jones fumble late in the 4th to stymie a Packers comeback. The team that takes care of the ball is likely to pull this one out.
Running Game: Matt Forte was largely kept quiet in the two regular season matchups, running for 29 yards on 11 carries in Week 3, and putting up a respectable 91 yards on 15 carries in Week 17. On the other hand, the Packers didn't fare much better in either game. The team that is able to get some big runs, especially on the goal line, can help balance their offensive attack, manage field position, control the time of possession, and really take over this game.
Pass Protection: The Bears and Packers need to protect their quarterbacks in order to win this game. The Bears gave up six sacks in a Week 17 loss to the Packers, and three sacks in their Week 3 victory. The Packers have protected Rodgers fairly well in these matchups, but look to expect pressure from Julius Peppers on the end, especially when matched up against suspect rookie RT Bryan Bulaga.
Penalties: The Packers had 18 penalties for 152 yards in their Week 3 loss to the Bears. The Packers had only 4 penalties for 30 yards in their Week 17 win. Holding down the penalties and playing disciplined football will help the Packers maintain drives and shut down the Bears on defense.
Gratuitous Semi-Nudity:
Ashlynn Brooke: Packer Fan
Hype It Up:
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PqEvAa3Y0OM[/youtube]
Gratuitous Bear Bashing:
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=avRHH9uAL4Q[/youtube]
What's At Stake:
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BClqFqGWbzM&feature=related[/youtube]
Let's Do This! Go Pack Go!
