Canadian football is well underway. College football has just started so now it’s time for the NFL to hit the field.
Thursday night rivals Green Bay Packers and Chicago Bears will officially open the 2019-20 season. There are high expectations for both teams, but experts are pointing to the Bears winning the division once again this season.
※ Current Odds Date & Time: September 2nd, 11:30 a.m. (EST)
Online bookmaker 5Dimes has the O/U for total points at 46½.
It’s a new era in Green Bay. Mike McCarthy is no longer with the Packers. Instead, former Titans offensive coordinator Matt LaFleur was appointed head coach for Green Bay.
Green Bay’s offense will get a test to open the season. Chicago had one of the best defenses in the NFL, led by players like Khalil Mack and former Packers SS Ha Ha Clinton-Dix.
Bears’ head coach Matt Nagy is hoping his squad can build off of last season. The Bears won the division for the first time since 2010, ending the regular season with a 12-4 record.
It will be a new look of Packers when they hit the field Thursday. Jordy Nelson announced his retirement, while Clay Matthews and Randall Cobb have transitioned to other teams.
2018 saw the Packers ranked 22nd in rushing yardage, but 9th in passing yardage. Meanwhile, the Bears were ranked 11th in rushing yardage and 21st in passing yardage.
Chicago’s playoff appearances have been few and far between since the early ’90s. The new crop of Bears can only hope that their success continues this season.
It will be a good test for both teams. Green Bay are trying to prove they are a legitimate threat once again, while the Bears look to flex their muscles as the division’s top team
