It’s not often the Packers walk into Lambeau as home underdogs, but that’s where things stand heading into Week 5.
As of Monday morning, FanDuel Sportsbook has Chicago laying 2.5 points in Sunday’s early slate meeting between the Bears and Packers. That number fits the recent trend more than the usual Lambeau expectation: since the start of the 2024 season, Green Bay has been a home underdog only twice, and one of those spots came with the major wrinkle of a backup quarterback making his first start.
That first case came in Week 2 of 2024, when Malik Willis was set to start in place of an injured Jordan Love and Green Bay was catching 2.5 points against the Colts. The Packers answered with a 16-10 win, fueled by Willis going 12-for-14 through the air and Josh Jacobs piling up 151 rushing yards. The other time happened later that season, when Detroit came into Lambeau as a 2.5-point favorite and left with a 24-14 win.
This week’s setup has its own backup-quarterback angle, with Tyson Bagent back under center after missing the Bears’ previous game against the Eagles because of a concussion. He returned in Week 4 and helped Chicago beat the Jets 23-12, throwing for 268 yards and one interception. The Bears controlled that game from start to finish, holding the ball for nearly 43 minutes and running 89 offensive plays compared to New York’s 32.
Kyle Monangai was the engine for Chicago’s offense, carrying 30 times for 146 yards and two touchdowns.
For Green Bay, the challenge is straightforward: avoid long stretches without offensive traction and don’t leave the defense stuck on the field. That concern gets sharper with Edgerrin Cooper expected to be out, a notable loss after the third-year linebacker has played at a very high level early in the season.
If the Packers can keep Jordan Love protected, there should be chances to attack downfield. Still, the betting market isn’t forecasting a shootout. The over/under sits at 44.5.
The Packers will also be wearing their Rivalries uniforms on Sunday as they try to handle the spread at home.
In Other News...
White Sox Got An Unusual Midgame Alert During ALDS Tension
Tension was already high in Game 1 of the ALDS between the White Sox and Guardians when a pair of Chicago fans picked up on something unusual from the stands. Dave Williams and Jordan Lazowski noticed Cleveland players were signaling breaking pitches by tapping their helmets, and the observation quickly turned into a midgame alert that made its way to White Sox players and executives.
Chicago acknowledged the warning and addressed it during the game, a reminder of how closely postseason baseball is watched when every pitch matters. It was an unusual wrinkle in a playoff opener that already had plenty of edge, with fans in real time helping the White Sox stay aware of what was unfolding across the diamond. [Read more 🡒]
Will Venable Put White Sox Fans On Notice Before A Massive Game 4
The White Sox finally ran into trouble in Game 3, dropping a 9-3 decision to the Guardians and seeing a four-game postseason winning streak come to an end. Even so, the loss hardly changes the bigger picture in this ALDS, where Chicago still holds a 2-1 lead and has put itself in position to control the series at home.
Will Venable did not sound rattled after the setback, instead projecting confidence that his club can answer in Game 4 on Thursday at Rate Field. For a White Sox team that has handled the pressure well through the first three games, the chance to clinch in front of its own crowd now brings a different kind of edge, with Cleveland trying to force the series back into uncertainty. [Read more 🡒]
Hawk Harrelson Has A Message White Sox Fans Will Love Before Game 3
The White Sox are set for their first home playoff game since 2021 at Rate Field, and the mood around the ballpark is exactly what you would expect with a 2-0 series lead in hand. Even with the postseason spotlight back on the South Side, one familiar voice from the franchises past stepped in to help frame the moment.
Hawk Harrelson appeared on ESPN 1000 ahead of Game 3 to deliver a message White Sox fans were sure to appreciate, a reminder that his allegiance has never really faded. Harrelson, who retired in 2018 and was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2021, remains one of the clubs most recognizable supporters, and his timing only adds to the sense that this is the kind of night White Sox fans have been waiting for. [Read more 🡒]