10 NFC predictions for Week 1 of 2018 NFL season

7 of 10

DETROIT, MI – DECEMBER 16: Chicago Bears quarterback Mitchell Trubisky (10) scans the field during a game between the Chicago Bears and the Detroit Lions on December 16, 2017, at Ford Field in Detroit, MI. (Photo by Patrick Gorski/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

4. Chicago’s the best value on the board

While the Packers’ secondary is going to be much-improved, the Chicago Bears are still the best betting value on the board at +7.5. That’s a line that may better reflect the 2017 version of the Bears, who lacked any type of scoring punch or zeal. But new head coach Matt Nagy brings a quarterback-friendly attack that’ll ask Mitchell Trubisky to rely on his playmakers more than do the heavy-lifting.

Aaron Rodgers is amazing, but he’ll be challenged by Vic Fangio’s defense even if Khalil Mack isn’t ready to play the majority of available snaps. For starters, he doesn’t have a dynamic scheme to help elevate an average cast of receivers, and his running backs will be facing a terrific run-stopping unit. The Bears’ defense will keep this game close.

Nagy’s ability to shorten the game with running back Jordan Howard is also underplayed. The Packers’ linebackers are still unproven despite the upgrades around them. Trubisky may not have a big day passing, but the Bears shouldn’t need an offensive explosion to keep this a one-score game.