We've Seen This Before

Somebody explain to me why the Packers are favored in Soldier Field on Sunday. Somebody explain to me why people think the Packers are going to the Super Bowl. Somebody explain to me why people think the Packers can win this game.

Green Bay is currently a 3.5-point favorite over Chicago. We’ve seen this before. Seven years ago, the visiting Colts entered the AFC Championship Game with all the experts expecting them to defeat the Patriots. The next season, the Colts were actually favored in the divisional round on the road at New England. The Patriots won both games easily. When those two teams played in the 2003 and 2004 regular seasons, we saw nothing to suggest that Indianapolis could beat the Patriots in a game that mattered, especially in Foxboro.

This year, we have seen the Packers and Bears play each other twice. Nothing in those two games told me the Packers can win this game on Sunday. Like the Colts before them, the Packers have tricked the public into thinking they were an offensive juggernaut that can’t be stopped. Well, Chicago did a pretty good job twice this season. In Week 17, the two played in Lambeau Field in a game the Packers needed. That game meant absolutely nothing to the Bears. Green Bay barely squeaked that one out.

It’s not just that, though. Watching the games, it is clear to me that the Packers have trouble with their red zone offense against the Bears. They may get an occasional touchdown, but field goals are their game against Chicago.

I just don’t think they have it in them to win a playoff game in Chicago this year. I don’t see it happening. Give me the home dog.