GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN – DECEMBER 15: Anthony Miller #17 of the Chicago Bears is tackled in the second half against Tramon Williams #38 of the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field on December 15, 2019, in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Quinn Harris/Getty Images)
The Green Bay Packers were 60 minutes away from the Super Bowl in 2019, and these five games are must-wins if they want another shot at a ring.
Year one of the Matt LaFleur era was a successful one for the Green Bay Packers, who returned to the playoffs after a two-year absence. The Packers got all the way to the NFC Championship Game, where they were absolutely demolished by the San Francisco 49ers.
The expectations have now been raised for Green Bay, which has to be thinking Super Bowl or bust entering the 2020 season. These five games are critical ones for the Packers in their quest, including a victory over their oldest rivals, the Chicago Bears.
5. Away: Chicago Bears
The NFL’s oldest rivalry is the one between the Packers and Bears, but last year’s series was all Green Bay. The two teams actually began the season in Chicago, with Green Bay scoring a win that set the tone for both team’s seasons.
The Bears, who had gone 12-4 in 2018 to win the NFC North, slumped to 8-8 and ended up missing the postseason. There are significant quarterback questions in Chicago but the Bears still possess a defense capable of giving the Packers’ offense fits.
The game at Soldier Field has strong trap potential for the Packers so they would be well advised to take their trip to Chicago seriously. A win over the Bears on the road would be a great first step towards repeating as NFC North champions.