The Chicago Bears as a Team Need to Win the Turnover Margin and Find Hidden Yardage in Special Teams
Both the offense and defense need to be extremely focused on the turnover game, something that escaped them last time they faced the Packers. Fortunately, both groups have figured out how to hold onto the ball, with the defense skyrocketing to the league leader in interceptions with 2. Offensively, the group has played, especially Fields, who has avoided throwing an interception in five of his last six games.
If the Bears can create turnovers on defense and hold onto the ball on offense, the team will likely come out with a win, but the Bears do need to improve at scoring off turnovers. Take for example last Sunday, where the Bears scored just 10 points off of four turnovers. Granted, one of these interceptions was late in garbage time, but still, scoring after forcing turnovers needs to happen more.
The Bears can certainly prevail in Lambeau and earn their eighth win, nearly tripling their total from a year ago, but it will take a complete effort of sound football, and the turnover margin will certainly play a part in the outcome. Special teams will also be an outcome, and while the kicking team led by Cairo Santos is in safe hands, or feet, the punt game will need to improve as well.
Returner Trent Taylor is ranked 18th in the NFL in yards per punt return with just over eight, while punter Trenton Gill is ranked dead last with a net punt yards average of 38 yards. To get the offense into a better starting field position, it will be important to be more productive in the return game, while better punting will give the Packers' offense a worse starting field position, something that could help win the game if it comes down to it.