NFL Week 18 Bears at Packers Betting Preview
Green Bay Wins and They Make the Postseason
Chicago (7-9) can keep their archrivals out of the playoffs with a win on the road Sunday in the week 18 Bears at Packers betting matchup. Matt Eberflus’ team has played better down the stretch with wins in five of their last seven, but also haven’t beaten Green Bay since 2018 – a stretch of nine straight losses.
The Packers (8-8) control their own destiny, as if they beat Chicago they are in the playoffs for the first time since 2021. Like their opponents in week 18, Green Bay also got hot at the right time as winners of five of their last seven as well. The Packers are -3 point favorites, but 69% of the public likes the Bears and the points.
Why the Bears Have Value at +3
Even though they are eliminated from the playoffs, Chicago has plenty to play for on Sunday at Lambeau Field. The Bears have a 9-game win streak against the rival Packers, and a strong showing from coach Eberflus and QB Justin Fields could ensure they both return to the Windy City next season.
Fields was great in last week’s 37-17 win over the Falcons, throwing for 268 yards and a TD while also running for 45 yards and a score. Fields and DJ Moore connected 9 times for 159 yards and a score but Khalil Herbert also added 124 yards rushing – which could be a key factor against Green Bay’s #28 ranked rush defense (131.6 ypg).
As spectacular as Fields has been in recent weeks, the Chicago defense has really fueled their late season success. The Bears have held opponents to 17 points or less in each of their last five wins and last week harassed the Falcons into 4 INTs.
Why the Packers Have Value at -3
Sure, Chicago has won five of their last seven but their opponents have included Carolina, the Vikings, the Cardinals, and Falcons as well as a nice win against Detroit The only road win over that span was 12-10 in Minnesota as the Bears have gone just 2-6 in away games this season.
Chicago’s defense looked amazing last week against Atlanta – but the Falcons also have the #26 scoring offense in the NFL as well as some very real QB concerns. The Packers have scored 30+ points in back to back games -both on the road – with Jordan Love closing in on a 4,000 yard passing season.
Maybe the biggest reason to like Green Bay in the finale – aside from the Lambeau Field crowd being in an absolute frenzy in what is essentially a playoff game – is due to the Packers absolute dominance over what is supposed to be their biggest rival. Green Bay won the opener at Chicago 38-20 and have won 8 straight in the series by at least 8 points.
Free Week 18 Bears at Packers Betting Pick
Chicago has looked better in recent weeks – but mostly at home and against bad teams. Green Bay’s late season success has come even while playing four of their last six on the road, and this one looks like a game in which the Packers punch their ticket to the postseason.
Free Pick: Packers -3
