Heading into Week 15 of the 2019 NFL season, the Green Bay Packers are looking to make a major statement to the rest of the league. After back-to-back wins over bad football teams in the New York Giants and Washington Redskins, Aaron Rodgers and company are now set to face off against the rival Chicago Bears.
Matt LaFleur has his work cut out for him against a rejuvenated Bears' offense. Matt Nagy and Mitchell Trubisky have gotten things back on track and are currently 7-6 on the season, which has kept their playoff hopes alive for the time being.
All of that being said, the Packers need a couple of players to step up in this week's matchup. These two players are going to be major X-Factors for the team this week as they look to take a strangle hold on the NFC North ahead of their key matchup with the Minnesota Vikings next week.
Beating the Bears would sweep the season series and would give the Packers a chance to take a two-game lead depending on how the Vikings' matchup with the Los Angeles Chargers goes.
Let's dive in and take a look at two major X-Factors for the Packers this week.
Jimmy Graham, Tight End
While Jimmy Graham hasn't received much hype again this season, he has found ways to make plays for the Packers. He has caught 32 passes for 382 yards and three touchdowns on the season. The numbers haven't been great, but he is capable of making a big-time impact when Rodgers looks his way.
Against a stout Bears' defense, the Packers are going to need their 6-foot-7 and 265-pound target to step up. Rodgers will need him to come up big in clutch situations. Whether it be a big third-down conversion or a big play in the red zone, Graham needs to make an impact on this game.
Adrian Amos, Safety
In the first matchup between these two teams, it was Adrian Amos who came up with the key interception in the end zone late in the game that propelled the Packers to victory. He will need to step up against his former team again this week.
Green Bay's defense has had consistency issues all season long. Amos has been a solid addition, but he hasn't made the massive impact that many fans were expecting. If the Bears are driving late in the game and the Packers need a play, Amos' familiarity with Chicago's offense could become a major factor.