Green Bay Packers

Packers vs. Bears: Players to watch for and key matchups

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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The Green Bay Packers entertain the Chicago Bears on Thursday Night Football. Which players will be key to the game?

Aaron Rodgers will look to prove himself once again this week against division-rival who he has scorched up in his career.

In his first meeting with the Bears, Rodgers threw for three touchdowns and zero interceptions, with a completion rating of 78.3 percent.

Currently, Rodgers is being outplayed by back-up QB Brian Hoyer, and he will look to prove himself tomorrow night. Let’s look at key players and matchups ahead of the game.

WR Jordy Nelson

Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports

After missing all of the 2015 season, Nelson will look to get back to his old ways against the Bears.

In 2014, the star wideout had 16 receptions for 260 yards, and four touchdowns in just two games with Chicago. Nelson will look forward to pick back up right where he left off.

Packers young secondary vs Bears receivers

Green Bay recently placed number one cornerback Sam Shields on the IR, and other starting CBs Damarious Randall and Quinten Rollins have been ruled out.

This means the Packers are going to rely on LaDarius Gunter, Demetri Goodson and Josh Hawkins. The Packers will be relying heavily a young secondary to stop superstar Alshon Jeffery who had 12 receptions for 168 in just two games last season.

TEnd Zach Miller will also be a matchup to watch for, as Miller has the most receptions on his team with 31. Miller also three touchdowns on the year, with 265 yards receiving, averaging 8.5 yards per reception.

The Bears currently rank fourth in the league in passing yards per game with 284.2 yards.

Packers D-Line vs Bears rushing attack

Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Last week the Packers defensive gave up 157 yards on the ground to rookie running back Ezekiel Elliott on 28 attempts.

The Packers currently rank first in league against opponents run game, averaging 72.4 yards a game to running backs and only a single touchdown.

With the injury to Jeremy Langford, the Bears replacement, Jordan Howard came in and has been solid in the backfield. Howard has rushed for over 100 yards in two of his last three games.

It will be interesting to see how the Packers can bounce back after allowing the Cowboys to run all over them last week.