After a full day of eating Thanksgiving turkey, there is no better way to end a classic American holiday then a classic NFL rivalry with the Chicago Bears against the Green Bay Packers. The Packers regained control of the NFC North with a win over the Minnesota Vikings this past Sunday, and head coach Mike McCarthy will look for his team to create some separation in the division with a win over Chicago. The Bears lost to the Packers week one at home, and would like nothing more than to celebrate Thanksgiving evening with a win at Lambeau Field.
The Bears are expected to get back two key weapons on Thursday in the return of running back Matt Forte and wide receiver Alshon Jeffery, according to NFL reporter Chris Wesseling. Forte is a key piece to Chicago's offense, and will likely be eager to get back on the field after missing three weeks with an MCL sprain.
The Bears star running back has rushed for 548 yards this season, but is a dual threat coming out of the backfield, as he has 25 catches for 219 yards as well this season. Head coach John Fox will get Forte plenty of opportunities on Thursday, but running back Jeremy Langford has proven himself a viable option the past couple weeks. The Bears backup running back has had 366 all-purpose yards in Forte's absence, but is likely to see a smaller role on Thanksgiving.
Quarterback Jay Cutler will be happy if Jeffery returns on Thursday, as he is the Bears leading receiver. Jeffery has been dealing with groin and shoulder injuries but reportedly feels a lot better. The Bears top wide out has 36 receptions for 515 yards and two touchdowns this season. Cutler is 1-12 against the Packers in his career, and the return of Forte and Jeffery will increase his chance at earning that second win.
Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers is looking to lead his team to their eighth win of the season, and is having another incredible season. The 2014 NFL MVP has thrown for 2,482 yards and 23 touchdowns to just three interceptions. Rodgers will look to target wide receivers James Jones and Randall Cobb, as they both can break open in coverage.
Jones leads the team in receiving yards with 592 yards this season, and has scored seven touchdowns. Cobb isn't too far behind with 553 receiving yards and six touchdowns. Cobb has seen 36 more targets than Jones this season, but both wide outs will look to make their presence felt on Thanksgiving night.
The Bears-Packers rivalry is the perfect way to end Thanksgiving evening, especially with both teams still fighting to make the postseason. The Packers are looking to take control of the division, while Chicago wants to close the gap on the Packers lead. The game starts at 8:30 p.m. Eastern time, and you can watch the live broadcast here. To listen to the Packers' radio broadcast, click here, and for the Bears' radio broadcast, go here.
