The Chicago Bears will head to Lambeau Field to take on the Green Bay Packers in Week 15. This is a must-win game for the Bears if they hope to keep their already-slim playoff chances alive.
The Bears come into this game with a 7-6 record, having won their past three games. However, those three wins came against three teams who didn't have a winning record (New York Giants, Detroit Lions, and Dallas Cowboys).
Nevertheless, Chicago has shown signs of life amid their three-game winning streak. This week will show whether or not the Bears can compete with one of the better teams in the NFL.
The one player who has improved his play over the past month is Mitchell Trubisky. The third-year quarterback has completed 70 percent of his attempts for 860 yards, seven touchdowns, and four interceptions.
Without a doubt, the Bears are going to need their signal-caller to carry over his newfound momentum into Sunday's divisional game. Besides Trubisky, here are two major X-Factors for the Bears as they square off against the Packers in Week 15.
David Montgomery
When facing the Packers, one of the best ways to beat them is to keep Aaron Rodgers on the sideline. The Bears can do that by handing the ball to David Montgomery early and often.
The Bears' rookie running back has rushed for 680 yards on 192 carries and five touchdowns. Furthermore, Chicago is 0-3 when he is given fewer than 10 touches.
With the weather being below freezing, running the ball is going to be a popular choice on Sunday. If the Bears want to upset the Packers on the road, they'll need to use a heavy dosage of Montgomery.
Akiem Hicks
The Bears have been without Akiem Hicks in the interior of their defensive front since Week 5. The veteran defensive tackle is slated to return after being activated from injured reserve ahead of Sunday's clash with the Packers.
Earlier in the season, Chicago's run defense was formidable in the three games that Hicks was able to finish. In those three games, Hicks and the Bears' defense held opposing teams to an average of 66.7 yards per game.
Following his injury, the Bears began to falter against the run. From Weeks 7-14, Chicago gave up 104.6 rushing yards per game. Green Bay will undoubtedly want to get Aaron Jones involved on the ground.
Upon his return from injury, Chicago could use Hicks to contain the rushing attack of the Packers on Sunday. Hicks is also going to be vital to Chicago's ability to apply pressure on Rodgers in the passing game.
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