SnoTapWI Packers Preview: Chicago vs. Green Bay

Green Bay Packers begin their 100th season on Sunday night. Mitch and I talked on the podcast yesterday about what an incredible accomplishment this was for the Packers.This couldn’t be done in sports today. It’s never happening again. Packers fans should enjoy all the moments this season. They kick off the season with a matchup against the rival Chicago Bears. The Khalil Mack addition by Chicago will be the dominating storyline, but there are so many others including the return of Aaron Rodgers.
TIME: 7:20 pm
TV: NBC
SPREAD: Green Bay -6.5
‘Seeing the offense unhinged.’ – Davante Adams said those words this week that the offense finally gets a full game together. There seems to be a great deal excitement about this offense from Adams, Rodgers and Mike McCarthy. Green Bay’s script in the first 15 should be special and don’t be surprised if Rodgers launches one deep to Adams early on in this ball game. Green Bay wants to set to tone, and I believe they can. Bears have a good defense, but there are ways to exploit it. Look for Adams to have a big day after he tore up these corners with Brett Hundley in Chicago.
Trey Burton could be a problem – With Allen Robinson still working back from an ACL injury, Trey Burton could be the real force on Sunday night for the Bears offense. Mitchell Trubisky did go to them in the very limited time he played in the preseason. My guess is he will be used as a security blanket all game long. Packers are weak at middle linebacker, and teams will try to exploit that consistently until Oren Burks returns from injury.
Setting expectations for Packers rookies – This is the hardest part of the first couple weeks of the season. With Green Bay leaning on young, talented guys, they might have a big moment, but they could struggle in their first full game. I’m very excited to see what Josh Jackson nd Jaire Alexander can do for the team. I imagine Mike Pettine will rotate the young guys in with Tramon Williams being the leader. Ourlads currently has the Williams and Kevin King as the depth chart leaders. Jackson making a big play would not surprise me.
Don’t sleep on G-Mo – Rodgers went out of his way to praise Geronimo Allison and talked about the confidence he has in him. That’s always important when you hear those things from Rodgers. He tends to do that when he thinks a player is ready to take off. Allison having a big game from the outside to compliment Adams would not surprise me. Rodgers may look for him early and often.
Prediction: I have the Packers beating Chicago, 27-17. Packers have too much firepower on offense, and they’re playing the Bears at the right time. It’s going to take a few weeks before Chicago really puts it together. I expect a strong performance from Rodgers plus a good defensive showing.
Charlie.