I'll be taking some time each Friday to preview some of the things that I think will make the difference in the Packers' upcoming game, but that are flying a little under the radar.

People have been talking about the matchup with the Bears tight ends (specifically Greg Olsen), matching up on the Packers' linebackers, especially in no-huddle situations. What I find interesting here is that few people are mentioning Devin Hester at all. His pure speed scares the living daylights out of me. Is he a good route runner yet? My instincts say no. Will he be a threat against the Pack's aging corners? I say yes. Will he be able to get behind the secondary for a few long bombs? That is the question. To me, this matchup comes down to the Packers' safeties' support behind Woodson and Harris. If they can keep Hester contained and prevent him from breaking one deep, I think this considerably helps the rest of the defense, both in the running game and in the rest of the passing game.

 

 

The other crucial matchup will be the special teams play. Yes, we all know Devin Hester is a threat in the return game as well, and that this phase of the game has been one of the Bears' strengths. But it seems that the Packers have made a newfound commitment to special teams, especially when you look at the way the final 53-man roster was put together (see: three FBs, Brett Swain instead of Ruvell Martin, etc.). Even with Hester, I think the Packers' coverage teams will play well with Korey Hall and John Kuhn leading the way, and you know the Bears' guys will do the same. If one team's returner can break just one kick at some point in the game, that could be a major momentum swing in addition to affecting the field position battle.

That said, I think that Aaron Rodgers and his stable of receiving targets will be too much for the Bears' secondary to handle, and that it will be the difference in the game. But if the Bears make it close or pull out a win, I see it happening because of special teams play and a big play by Hester in the passing game.

Prediction: Packers 27, Bears 17