Chicago @ Green Bay
The Chicago Bears gave the NFL a taste of how much they’ve improved with their Week 1 victory over the Colts. Jay Cutler had no problems rekindling his chemistry with top receiver Brandon Marshall, hooking up with the star wideout nine times for 119 yards and a touchdowns. Matt Forte and Michael Bush look like an elite running back tandem, the two tailbacks have combined for 122 yards and three touchdowns so far. This offense is playing with confidence, and they’re ready to make a statement against their top rivals on Thursday.
Green Bay enters this game with a lot of questions to answer. Their performance against the 49ers showed that Aaron Rodgers and their elite passing attack alone may not be enough to guarantee victory over good teams this year. Their deficiencies in the running game and on defense came back to haunt them against San Francisco, and they may have similar struggles against Chicago.
I love this Chicago team and the potential that they have this season, but I just can’t imagine the Packers beginning the year 0-2 and dropping two straight games at home (three if you count the loss to the Giants in last year’s playoffs). Green Bay has a lot to prove, and a strong showing against the Bears could be enough to quiet doubts about their ability to dominate anymore.
Pick: Green Bay
