The Chicago Bears will host the NFC Championship game against the Green Bay Packers next Sunday in a game that already has Green Bay as slight favorites. These two teams met twice during the regular season and split both games. The Bears beat the Packers early in the year, 20-17, and the Packers returned the favor in Week 17, 10-3.
SB Nation's Acme Packing Company takes a look at three factors the Bears weren't used to the last time these teams met. First, James Starks, the unknown running back, is now a factor. He has 189 yards in the last two weeks. Second, Tramon Williams is playing his best ball at cornerback right now. Third, James Jones isn't dropping anymore passes.
The Packers are on a roll right now winning four straight and, when they are hot, they're among the league's best teams. So if the Packers go in and play like they have the last few weeks, then the Bears will have some trouble.
At the same time, the Bears are here for a reason. They've proven they can beat the Packers and did them one game better during the regular season winning 11 games to the Packers' 10.
Because these teams are so evenly matched, and they played a three point and seven point game in the regular season, I imagine this will be another close, one-score game.
Check out Acme Packing Company and Windy City Gridiron for more on the game.