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Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love (10). Jamie Sabau-USA TODAY Sports

NFL Week 18: Chicago Bears vs. Green Bay Packers betting picks, preview

By Matt Wiesenfeld | Last updated 1/5/24

Chicago can not make the playoffs this season, so we have to take their second-half surge with a grain of salt. Green Bay can though and I believe all they have to do is win to make that happen. That makes this rivalry game interesting for both sides, as there is nothing better than spoiling things for a team you do not like. This might not be picturesque football on the "frozen tundra" but it is meaningful.

Chicago Bears vs. Green Bay Packers Saints Betting Trends and Odds

Sunday, Jan. 7, 2024 — 4:25 p.m. ET
Spread: Green Bay -3, Over/under 45, Chicago +136 | Green Bay -162

Green Bay won when these teams met in September, 38-20. That is nine straight wins for the Packers and they have covered in all of those victories — quite a run. A lot has changed for both of these teams since then and the margin between them might not be that great. Competent quarterback play is everything in the NFL and both teams have been getting that (for the most part).

Picks for Chicago vs. Green Bay

Green Bay -3; Jayden Reed 60+ Receiving Yards +140

I am not buying that Chicago is really on track for winning. If you look at their recent run, they have just one win over a team with a winning record and barely beat Carolina at home and Minnesota on the road. Plus, how do you not back a team playing at home, with a better quarterback, and massive motivation to get a win ... the domination over the Bears for the last five seasons is just the cherry on top. Green Bay quarterback Jordan Love has really elevated his game over the second half of the season and in the early win against the Bears, he was excellent. The Bears' pass rush, and defense in general, has gotten better as the season has progressed but, not to a level that has me worried. Green Bay should win and do so without us having to sweat much in the fourth quarter.

Jayden Reed has become more a part of the offense as the season has progressed. In the past three games he has had at least eight targets and with his shiftiness, he only needs a few grabs to make this work. They are getting more and more creative with getting him the ball too. I think the Packers might lean on the ground game late so we may have to get this one quickly.

I am surprised that Chicago is getting more of the tickets and money so far. I am not seeing it, but it makes me think we can wait. Maybe we get under that key number of -3. I can always go Moneyline with the Packers too.

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