The Green Bay Packers will visit the Chicago Bears on Nov. 17, 2024, for a critical Week 11 showdown at Soldier Field. Both teams are playing for momentum in a highly competitive NFC North, and the game is expected to be close, with the Packers entering as six and a half point favorites. According to data-driven predictions, the game will be a low-scoring affair, with Green Bay projected to win by a narrow margin, around a score of 23-21.
For Green Bay, quarterback Jordan Love’s performance will be pivotal. Although the Packers’ offense has shown flashes of potential, led by Coach Matt Lafleur, it has struggled with consistency. Love, still early in his career as a starter, faces a key test against a Bears defense that, while shaky against the pass, has the capacity to pressure quarterbacks. Running back Josh Jacobs could also play a significant role in this game, as the Packers may look to establish the run to alleviate pressure on Love. Additionally, watch for the Packers’ pass-catchers, including Romeo Doubs and Jayden Reed, to test a Bears secondary that has allowed big plays downfield.
Senior Cameron Speich, a lifelong Packers fan, has confidence in their upcoming match against the Bears, predicting a decisive victory and giving insight on what a win for the team would mean moving forward.
“There’s a lot of really good teams in the NFC, so I think there’s a really big win if they beat them,” Speich said. “But I think it’d be really big if we not only beat the Bears this time around, but then beat them in the last game of the season.”
On the other side, the Bears are dealing with some of the same inconsistencies as the Packers, particularly around quarterback Caleb Williams and coach Matt Eberflus. Known for his athleticism and mobility, Williams can create plays both through the air and on the ground. He has developed a strong connection with wide receiver Rome Odunze, who has become a key asset. The Bears will likely lean heavily on their running game to control the clock and keep Love and the Packers’ offense off the field. Running back D’Andre Swift is expected to be important to this approach, as Chicago’s game plan will likely focus on wearing down the Packers’ defense.
Nicholas Moreano from CHGO Sports has high hopes for the Bears in this divisional matchup. He shared his thoughts on a podcast published on Nov. 9, giving a full analysis of the upcoming game.
“I think the Bears secondary can take advantage of Jordan Love’s health and could create some turnovers that will be crucial to the game,” Moreano said.
Defensively, Green Bay’s young secondary must be ready for Williams’ dual-threat capability. The Packers have historically struggled to contain mobile quarterbacks, so their ability to limit Williams’ scrambling and force him to throw from the pocket could be a deciding factor for the Bears’ passing attack. Chicago’s defense, though vulnerable, can disrupt the game if they pressure Love consistently. Both defenses have had issues with preventing big plays, which could result in some explosive moments despite the projected low total score.
This divisional rivalry has high stakes, with both teams aiming to improve their playoff positioning. Ultimately, the game could rely on each team’s capability to limit turnovers and maintain control of the clock. Given the close score predictions and the unpredictable nature of these young quarterbacks, this matchup could be one of the most thrilling NFC North games this season.