Chicago's path to dominance: pound the run, force turnovers, and unleash quick passes against Green Bay's formidable defense.
The stakes couldn't be higher for the Chicago Bears as they take on the Green Bay Packers this Sunday.
Both teams are neck and neck in the NFC North, with the Bears leading at 9-3, but the Packers are close behind with an 8-3-1 record.
It will be Chicago's first time seeing Green Bay this season, but not this year, as the two faced off to end the 2024 regular season in January. The Bears won that game 24-22, but it'll be much more difficult this time around.
That is partly due to Green Bay's pass rush being led by Micah Parsons, who already has 12.5 sacks in 2025.
It might take a lot to beat Green Bay at Lambeau Field, but here's how I think it could be done:
Running Game Must be a Priority
The Bears are already going to be without Rome Odunze, who is dealing with a foot injury, making things challenging on the receiving core.
Green Bay's pass defense ranks among the best in the league, allowing 202.7 passing yards per game. Running the ball efficiently to set up the play-action game should be priority number one.
Caleb Williams has had success with it this season, with a sack rate of 4.1% and QBR of 77.5 in those scenarios. The Bears need to make it easier on him, especially with Parsons breathing down his neck.
Forcing Jordan Love Into Turnovers
There's an interesting stat regarding Packers' quarterback Jordan Love and turnovers.
When the quarterback has taken care of the football and not had any turnovers, the Packers are 7-0. However, when Love has ended with one or more turnovers in a game, they are 1-3-1.
The recipe for success is straightforward, and Chicago's defense is very good at forcing turnovers, leading the league with 26.
Green Bay's offense doesn't give the ball away often, leading the league with the fewest turnovers at 7, but Chicago would be the team to do it if it happens.
Quick Passes Are Key
With a threat like Parsons in this game, the best thing the Bears can do is not let Williams hold the ball for too long.
Ben Johnson needs to dial up some quick, short throws early in this game before trying to test the Packers' secondary deep. The Bears' offensive line is one of the best in the NFL and needs to give Williams time to release the ball fast to keep Parsons from getting to the backfield.
Can the Bears beat the Packers for the second time at Lambeau Field in 2025? We'll see on Sunday at 3:25 p.m. CT on Fox.