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The Chicago Bears will begin their quest in defending their NFC North division title when they host the hated-rival Green Bay Packers in the season opener on Thursday night.
The last time the Bears played the Packers at Soldier Field was back in December, when Chicago defeated Green Bay to clinch the division crown.
Now, nine long months later, both teams seem primed to make a run in the NFC, and fans and media pundits are generally split on who they think will end up being the better ballclub this season.
Of course, all that matters right now is Thursday evening, a game in which the Bears are rightfully favored, so here are four reasons Chicago will beat Green Bay in Week 1.
4. They're Home
The Bears went 7-1 at home in 2018. The Packers went 1-7 on the road. You do the math.
Obviously, you play your divisional opponents two times each throughout the season, and sweeping them is very tough. Chances are, Chicago will not be sweeping Green Bay, so you would think the Bears would win on their home turf.
I don't want to call this a “must-win” for Chicago, because it's only Week 1, but the Bears need this game quite a bit more than the Packers. At least Aaron Rodgers and Co. can fall back on having a matchup with the Bears in Wisconsin later on in the season.
But if Chicago loses this game? Then it will suddenly be in danger of getting swept, which could end up deciding the NFC North.
The Bears know what's at stake here.
3. Their Offense Should be Better
Chicago ranked just 21st in the league in total offense in 2018. It did, however, finish ninth in scoring, so, at the very least, the Bears made the most of their opportunities.
But this year, Chicago's offense should be better. You have to expect naturally progression from Mitchell Trubisky, and the Bears have a very interesting backfield with Mike Davis, Tarik Cohen and rookie David Montgomery. Plus, they have a pretty solid receiving corps led by Allen Robinson.
The only concern here is the Week 1 status of tight end Trey Burton and wide receiver Anthony Miller, both of whom remain up in the air. Burton in particular is a big part of the Bears' offense, so it would be strongly beneficial if he suits up.
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Regardless, the Bears are a bit scarier on the offensive side of the ball this season than they were last year, which could be very significant in this matchup.
2. Their Ability to Protect the Quarterback
The Bears' offensive line ranked second in the NFL in pass-blocking efficiency in 2018 and allowed just 33 sacks on the season, so they know how to protect the quarterback.
The Packers are a team that can generate some sacks, as they totaled 44 to finish tied for eighth in the NFL in that category last season, so that was the one real strong point of their defense a year ago.
Make no mistake about it: if Green Bay can't find a way to get to Trubisky, it is going to have a very difficult time winning this game, as Trubisky will be able to pick the Packers apart.
To be fair, Green Bay has improved defensively from last season, but it is still hardly an elite defensive squad. The Packers' only hope may be getting into the backfield and pressuring Trubisky, which the Bears' offensive line is adept at preventing.
1. Their Pass Rush
Chicago ranked third in the NFL with 50 sacks in 2018, and there is no reason why the Bears won't be near (or at) the top of the league in that category again in 2019.
With Khalil Mack, Roquan Smith and a host of other young, talented players on the defensive side of the ball, Chicago is equipped to handle any offense in the NFL, including a high-powered passing attack like that of the Packers.
Mack is one of the top-five defensive players in the league, and the Bears' defensive front in general is loaded with ferocious players. We also know how good their secondary is, led by safety Eddie Jackson.
But the key here is getting to Rodgers, and Chicago should be one of the best teams in the NFL at being able to apply pressure on opposing quarterbacks, even savvy ones like Rodgers.
