Packers vs Bears NFL Wild Card Picks

Following a long and eventful 18 weeks of the NFL regular season, the postseason gets underway with Super Wild Card Weekend, as six games will be played over the course of three days. Saturday’s action will conclude with an NFC North Clash between the Green Bay Packers and Chicago Bears, and since the first two games played between these teams have been extremely memorable, there's no telling what these hated rivals will have for an encore in this one. 

The game will be played in Chicago, at Soldier Field, with kickoff set for 8:00 PM ET on Amazon Prime. With both teams looking to make a statement in this elimination game, let’s dive into our expert’s Packers vs Bears predictions and best bets for this Wild Card Weekend showdown.

Packers vs Bears Predictions

• Pick #1 - Green Bay Packers -1 (-110)
• Pick #2 - Under 45.5 Total Points (-110)
• Pick #3 - Luther Burden III Over 3.5 Receptions (+100)

PICK #1: Packers -1 (-110)

The previous matchups between these teams have each been decided by one possession in wild fashion, and we should have another close game in store for us this weekend. However, our expert thinks the love for the Bears has gotten a little out of hand, and Green Bay has some positive regression coming against a Chicago team that has a whopping six wins this season when trailing with two minutes remaining in the game. It’s also been a fairly easy schedule for Chicago, and QB Caleb Williams has also been at his best against weaker defenses, which he won’t see in this matchup. 

Both teams are very familiar with each other, but given Green Bay’s playoff experience and the advantages that QB Jordan Love and Matt LaFleur's offense should hold over a very poor Bears defense, it’s hard for us to look anywhere but Green Bay in this spot.  

PICK #2: Under 45.5 Total Points (-110)

Historically, outdoor playoff games have tended to be lower-scoring affairs, as the Under is hitting at a 68% clip in these games dating back to 2004. That trend certainly makes sense on paper; offenses are more likely to be more deliberate and cautious in an elimination game setting, while defenses tend to hold an advantage in colder temperatures that make it harder for opposing offenses to push the ball downfield.

We should see a similar story on Saturday, especially since temperatures in Chicago are expected to be frigid, with sustained wind gusts of 15 miles per hour. Look for both sides to start slow and ease their way into this all-important game. Don’t be surprised if this final score barely reaches 40 total points. 

PICK #3: Luther Burden III Over 3.5 Receptions (+100)

Part of why the Bears offense has taken off in the second half of the season has been the emergence of rookie wide receiver Luther Burden III. The Missouri product has been a major part of this offense over the last six weeks, and the results have been rock solid, with Burden clearing this reception prop number in four of his previous five games played. 

The rookie has established a good rapport with Williams. Since it’s the first playoff start for the young quarterback, it wouldn’t be a shock if Williams targeted Burden on some key downs because of their familiarity and budding relationship on the field. Let’s grab this prop at plus-money odds.