Chicago at Green Bay

The preseason is always considered to be a bunch of useless scrimmages by the general public and the talking heads on TV. But, those of use that live and breath sports betting know better. There are moments on the field that one has to take note, and that is when the starters are playing the opposing teams starters. It certainly gives you a peek at what a team has or doesn't have. The Packers first team was on the field for 13 possessions during the preseason. It is hard not to acknowledge what Green Bay did with those 13 opportunities. Aaron Rodgers has had a year to gel with a talented corp of receivers and in in the preseason he and his starting offense were good. They put the ball in the end-zone nine times, had one FG, no turnovers and was forced to punt just once. The Packers have a new defensive coordinator and will be featuring a 3-4. In those same 13 possessions, the defense forced seven turnovers and three punts, allowing just one TD and two FG's. This Packers team dropped seven games a year ago by four points or less, so the 6-10 mark is likely to be vastly better this season. In fact, the Packers, and Aaron Rodgers, should have a breakout season. The Bears acquired Jay Cutler in the offeseason, so everyone is immediately hoisting the NFC North banner over Chicago. But Jay Cutler does not have the weapons he did in Denver and is a high risk QB that could prove costly in Green Bay at Lambeau. The Bears defense is not what it was a few years ago, when it led them to a Super Bowl appearance as it has aged and regressed. The Packers in the Mike McCarthy era are 13-5 ATS vs. division opponents. This will be a very hostile primteime environment for the Bears and the Pack will be very confident. I like Green Bay to come out with a big game one win here.