Green Bay Packers at Chicago Bears: NFL betting preview, TV channel and tip

Where to watch

Sky Sports Main Event, 1.20am Thursday night

Best bet

Chicago -3
1pt 7-8 RedZone

Match betting

Vegas handicap Green Bay +3
Vegas points line 46.5

Team news

Green Bay
Wide receiver Darrius Shepherd (hamstring) and linebacker Oren Burks (pectoral) are injury doubts and tight end Jace Sternberger (ankle) is out. Tight end Jimmy Graham (finger), cornerback Ka’dar Hollman (neck) and cornerback Kevin King (hamstring) are likely be fit.

Chicago
A late decision will be taken on tight end Trey Burton (groin). Offensive lineman Rashaad Coward (knee) should be available.

Betting preview

Chicago renew their fierce rivalry with Green Bay when the sides kick off the NFL's 100th season on Thursday night, and the Bears should start their campaign with a victory.

It is the first time since 2004 that the Super Bowl champions have not featured in the opening game, with the famous franchises chosen to mark the league's century with their 199th clash.

The NFC North rivals met on the opening weekend last year with the Packers earning a 24-23 win in Green Bay, but a lot has changed since then.

The Bears were rampant and finished the season winning nine of their last ten games, before crashing out in the NFC Wild Card game 16-15 to the Philadelphia Eagles as Cody Parkey's last-gasp field goal attempt hit the post.

Their 12-4 record was largely down to the efforts of their defence and linebacker Khalil Mack in particular, who ran roughshod against offences.

That dominance is likely to continue, but the visit of the Packers and Aaron Rodgers provides a perfect test for whether they are up to the challenge.

Rodgers has starred in the NFL for more than a decade now, but his weapons have diminished over time and after a decent season last year it awaits to be seen whether Davante Adams can truly break out as a top receiver.

Marquez Valdes-Scantling should show improvement after a steady rookie year, though he faces a tall order to perform against such a strong defence.

The Bears gave up the fewest rushing yards per game in the league last year, and Packers running back Aaron Jones could also be in for a frustrating evening.

Tarik Cohen should be raring to go and, under the lights in front of the Bears faithful, Chicago can pick up from where they left off last year.

The lowdown

Venue Soldier Field, Chicago, Illinois
Surface Grass
Weather Clear and dry, 20C

Key stat

Chicago conceded the fewest points in the NFL last season.

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