The Green Bay Packers are preparing for a Week 18 contest against the Chicago Bears. Packers head coach Matt LaFleur said starters will play this week, though his team’s playoff seeding is mostly locked in. The Packers presently sit as the No. 7 seed in the NFC and have already clinched a playoff spot, but they can move up to the No. 6 seed.
A win over the Bears on Sunday and the 2024 Packers can become the 15th team in team history—and 4th during the LaFleur Era—to get to 12 regular-season wins. The NFL playoff picture is heating up as Week 18 approaches with some crucial matchups that will determine postseason berths.
Here are two key matchups to watch out for:
Packers defensive line vs Bears offensive line
The defensive line of Green Bay couldn’t get pressure on Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold, but they’ll annihilate Caleb Williams in the pocket. Packers defensive end Rashan Gary leads the team in sacks and QB pressures. He also leads the defensive line in run stops.
Something will need to be done about the Bears’ offensive line, since they have been unable to protect rookie quarterback Caleb Williams all season. Williams was sacked 67 times this season.
Packers’ wide receivers vs Bears wide receivers
The ball distribution between the Packers wide receivers gives them every chance to make a big play. Wide receiver Jayden Reed leads the Packers with 809 yards in receiving. Tight end Tucker Kraft has 671 yards with seven touchdowns.
The wide receiver DJ Moore, representing the Bears, had 880 yards with a chance to get 1,000 yards for the fifth time this season. Keenan Allen has 719 yards, while on the other side, rookie wide receiver Rome Odunze adds 716 yards.
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