The Chicago Bears are out for revenge against the Green Bay Packers in Week 16, welcoming their rival to Soldier Field on Saturday in a prime-time matchup.

Chicago came up just short in Week 14 on the road at Lambeau Field, with quarterback Caleb Williams struggling in the first half before turning it up in the second half to bring them within seven points in the end. Ultimately it was Williams’ end-zone interception that sealed the game for the Packers, but the Bears responded in Week 15 with a 31-3 blowout victory of the Cleveland Browns, where Williams thrived all game.

Looking to take a 1.5 game lead over Green Bay in the NFC North with just three weeks remaining in the regular season, the Bears will have plenty of momentum after their big performance last Sunday, and the stakes couldn’t be higher coming into the game. Here are three reasons for optimism coming into Saturday’s prime-time matchup:

A different Packers defense

During the Packers’ loss to the Denver Broncos last week, Green Bay suffered the biggest loss of their season with superstar pass rusher Micah Parsons being lost for year due to a torn ACL. Parsons did not record a sack in the Week 14 matchup against the Bears, but there’s no denying that his presence changed the entire identity of the Packers defense this season. Chicago’s offensive line had their troubles with Myles Garrett of the Browns last week, but with no Parsons on the field, that is a big loss for the Packers defense to have to adjust for this weekend.

Caleb Williams’ momentum

One of the biggest narratives of the entire Bears season has been their inconsistencies in getting off to a hot start during games, forcing them to play from behind in several games. After putting on one of his best performances of his young NFL career, Williams highlighted it all with his second touchdown pass to DJ Moore last week that will live on highlight reels for years to come. If Williams can carry his momentum and get the Bears off to a hot start in the first half, they should be in favorable position on Saturday night.

Packers injuries

Not only are the Packers going to be without Micah Parsons, but there is doubt surrounding the availability of offensive lineman Zach Tom and running back Josh Jacobs, while wide receiver Christian Watson appears to be on track to play. No team is fully healthy at this stage in the season, and while the Bears will be without both receivers Rome Odunze and Luther Burden, the Packers could be in serious danger with multiple weapons on their offense, especially if Jacobs misses this game.

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