TNF Betting Preview: Bears at Packers

A visit from the lowly Chicago Bears may be just what the struggling Green Bay Packers need to turn things around, as the NFC North rivals meet up on Thursday Night Football this week.

The Packers are an 8-point favorite at online sportsbook Bovada, but they’re coming off a 30-16 upset loss to the Dallas Cowboys as a 5.5-point home favorite. Aaron Rodgers completed 31 of 42 passes for 294 yards with a touchdown, an interception, and a lost fumble in the defeat.

Eddie Lacy rushed for 65 yards on 17 carries, but he won’t be in the backfield this week. Lacy suffered an ankle injury that will reportedly sideline him for weeks. With James Starks also hurting the Packers acquired Knile Davis from the Kansas City Chiefs to fill the void.

Chicago was a 7.5-point favorite last week versus the Jacksonville Jaguars but lost 17-16. Brian Hoyer passed for 302 yards with no touchdowns and no interceptions. Jordan Howard had Chicago’s lone touchdown while rushing for 34 yards on 15 carries.

There were reports that QB Jay Cutler could be ready to return from a thumb injury Thursday night. However, after he did not return to practice earlier in the week he remains doubtful with Hoyer expected to get the start again.

With last week’s loss Green Bay is a surprising 4-5 straight up and 3-5-1 ATS in their last nine games. They’re also a disappointing 3-4 SU and 2-4-1 ATS in their last seven games at home.

Chicago is 1-6 SU and ATS in their last seven and 2-9 SU and ATS in their last 11. They have only one SU and ATS win in their last five road games.

In the last five matchups between Chicago and Green Bay the Packers are 4-1 SU and ATS. They’re also a stout 10-2 SU and 9-3 ATS in their last 12 versus the Bears. At home the Packers own a 6-2 record SU and 5-3 mark ATS in their last eight against Chicago.

For totals bettors the UNDER is 6-2 in the last eight games between the Bears and Packers in Green Bay. The total has gone UNDER in 12 of the last 17 games between the Bears and Packers overall and the UNDER is 8-1 in Green Bay’s last nine home games.