Aaron Rodgers: Green Bay Packers QB Returns to Face the Chicago Bears in Week 17

Green Bay Packers vs. Chicago Bears
Sunday, 12/29/13, 4:25 PM EST
Opening Point Spread: Green Bay -2.5
Current Betting Line: Green Bay -2.5
Opening Total: 52
Current Total: 52
Odds Courtesy of Bookmaker

The Green Bay Packers are fourth in the NFL in averaging 395.4 yards per game

Green Bay is currently in second place in the NFC North division, with the winner of this earning a spot in the playoffs. The Packers have won nine of their last 10 season finales, which is important to consider when making your pro football picks in Week 17. Starting quarterback Aaron Rodgers is expected to return to the field after missing the last seven games with a broken collarbone, as he enters with 15 touchdowns and four interceptions during the 2013 regular season. Green Bay is 12-6 SU and 10-7-1 ATS versus teams with a winning record the last two-plus season, with the OVER going 10-8 in that situation.

The Packers have won eight of their last 10 meetings against the Bears, which is hard to ignored when looking over the pro football odds page. Green Bay ranks fourth in the league in averaging 395.4 yards per game, while it has compiled a 17-16 regular-season record in December/January since 2009. The franchise has put together a 34-12-1 SU overall regular-season record against division opponents under head coach Mike McCarthy.

Chicago had its two-game winning streak snapped in suffering a 54-11 defeat to the Philadelphia Eagles as 2.5-point road underdogs in Week 16, as it was out-gained by 257 yards in that affair. The Bears will need to play better against the run to have a chance in this matchup, as the defense is allowing a league-worst 161.5 yards per game on the ground. Veteran linebacker Lance Briggs is hoping to play better in his second game back from suffering a fractured shoulder, as he tallied just one tackle last week. Chicago is 4-9 SU and 3-9-1 ATS in December the last two-plus seasons.

The Bears are capable of matching the Packers on the scoreboard, as quarterback Jay Cutler has two major targets on the perimeter in Alshon Jeffery and Brandon Marshall, who have combined for 180 catches and 2,562 receiving yards. Chicago has an opportunity to sweep the season series between these rivals for the first time since 2007.