The Chicago Bears sprinted out to a 5-1 start, with the wins coming by an average of four points. Then reality set in, and they lost their next four, limping into their bye week at 5-5. Nine of their 10 games have been decided by a single possession.

BETTING NFL PARLAYS AT AMERICA’S BOOKIE

After beginning the season 4-0, the Green Bay Packers have gone 3-3 since but still lead the NFC North. They averaged 38 points a game in those first four wins, with an average victory of almost 13 points. They’ve cooled off considerably and are coming off a disappointing 34-31 overtime loss to Indianapolis.

This week the Bears visit the Packers in the 201st edition of this storied NFC North rivalry. The Bears will have to find a way to win to have any hope of staying in the division race. They currently sit two games behind the 7-3 Packers and can’t afford to fall further behind.

Betting Lines 

The host Packers are 7.5-point favorites with a moneyline of -385. The Bears have a moneyline of +300. Top online sportsbooks currently have the over/under at 45.5 points.

On the season, the Bears’ record against the spread is 5-5, and they’re only 3-7 on the over/under. Green Bay is slightly better at 6-5 against the spread and also on the over/under.

Our last free pick was a winner! Check out our Week 10 Colts at Titans betting preview.

Bears on the Season

Chicago has been outscored by almost two points and outgained by almost 40 yards a game. Statistically, it’s easy to understand how its fast start quickly came to a halt. They rank 31st in the league in scoring and total offense and dead last in rushing yards.

In their last game, a 19-13 loss to Minnesota, the Bears gained a dismal 149 yards in total offense. They gave up two and a half times that many yards and miraculously still had an opportunity to win. Defensively, they rank ninth in the league in total yards but sixth in points allowed.

Packers Are More than Rodgers

Future Hall of Fame quarterback Aaron Rodgers is usually the story for the Packers. This year, he’s been getting some help from another Aaron, running back Aaron Jones. His 4.7 yards a carry and six touchdowns have taken a little pressure off Rodgers.

The veteran signal-caller has again been his usual spectacular self, with 29 touchdowns and only four interceptions. The Packers are third in the league in scoring offense and seventh in total yards. Defensively, they’ve been good enough at a rank of 12th in the league to assist their potent offense.

Editor’s Choice > Smart Bettors Use Multiple Sportsbooks

Game Preview and Pick

It’s hard to believe that despite the statistical disadvantage, the Bears have managed to stay in every game. They’re coming off a bye, so perhaps they’ll bring some renewed energy to Lambeau Field. The Packers swept last season’s games by scores of 10-3 and 21-13.

Going by the records, this could be perceived as a close game, just like all of the Bears’ contests. It just seems as if eventually, the Bears’ lack of offensive punch will result in a lopsided score. The Packers turned the ball over four times a week ago against a good defense and still almost won.

Pick: Green Bay 27 - Chicago 19

Bet: Packers to cover and take the over