NFL Week Five: Chicago Bears vs. Green Bay Packers

A Battle of an Undefeated and a Defeated? Chicago’s Season on-the-Line at Lambeau!

Twenty-three years ago on this day in NFL history, Chicago Bears running back Walter Payton became the league’s all-time leading rusher, surpassing Jim Brown’s record mark of 12,312 yards during a 20-7 victory against the New Orleans Saints. Payton’s record would, of course, be broken years later by Dallas Cowboys running back Emmit Smith, who hung on way too long to break the record.

Last weekend, Green Bay Packers venerable quarterback Brett Favre threw his NFL record 421st and 422nd touchdown passes in a 23-16 road victory against the Minnesota Vikings.

The disappointing Chicago Bears could only wish that it had players of Payton’s and Favre’s talent at the running back and quarterback positions. Third-year running back Cedric Benson has been a bust during his first year as a starter while the Bears revolving door at quarterback is now open to Brian Griese, who replaced the embattled Rex Grossman last week against the Detroit Lions and was absolutely brutal.

Entering Lambeau Field tonight, the Bears and Packers are in positions that not many would have expected at the start of this year. The surprising Packers are 4-0, on top of the NFC North with a three-game lead on the defending NFC Champion Bears, who are a disappointing 1-3. In simple terms, a loss tonight will seal any chance of Chicago winning the division for the third straight year.

With that said, expect the Favre magic to continue tonight in an ugly 17-12 Green Bay victory. Chicago’s defense will keep the Bears in it for a while but Favre will muster two touchdown drives. As for the Packers, its underrated defense will limit the Bears to four field goals as the season is officially lost tonight.

Chicago’s defense is still hobbled, the offensive line still in shambles, and the offense still junior varsity. Green Bay is playing much better, all-around football, thanks to the inspirational Favre and a nice, young defense, and will win its ninth straight game dating back to last year.