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...
Illinois Suddenly Face A Huge Backfield Question After CaLil Valentine News
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Now the Illini have to turn quickly to Aidan Laughery and Jordan Anderson to absorb the carries and keep the ground game on schedule. It is the kind of midseason adjustment every staff dreads, especially when it comes without much warning and forces the offense to redistribute work at a spot where stability matters. [Read more 🡒]
Illinois May Finally See The Zvonimir Ivisic Underwood Envisions
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Underwood also said Ivisic is in much better physical condition, which only adds to the intrigue heading into the season. Illinois has had few injury concerns beyond David Mirkovic, so getting Ivisic healthy and active gives the Illini a chance to finally see the version of him Underwood has been envisioning - one that can anchor the paint and make life difficult for anyone driving into it. [Read more 🡒]
Illinois Is Waiting On One Crucial Frontcourt Answer With Mirkovic
Brad Underwood is preaching patience when it comes to David Mirkovic, and for Illinois that makes sense with the season still in its early stages. The freshman forward is working his way back from a broken left foot suffered during summer workouts, and while he has been cleared for light individual work without contact, the staff is still easing him along rather than pushing for a quick return.
A doctor's appointment is next on the calendar to help determine when Mirkovic can get back into full practice and eventually games, giving the Illini a little breathing room before their Nov. 10 road trip to Texas Tech. With more than a month before that game, Illinois can afford to let the rehab process run its course, but Mirkovic remains one of the more important frontcourt questions on the roster as the clock ticks toward opening stretch run decisions. [Read more 🡒]