The Chicago Bears and Green Bay Packers will take part in the second game on Saturday in a matchup that is one of the most highly anticipated of the Week 16 slate.

The Packers and Bears are locked in a hotly contested race for the NFC North going into Saturday. Chicago currently owns the top spot, but the Packers can knock the Bears off their perch with a win.

The good news for the loser is that they will remain in a playoff spot, falling to the No. 7 seed in the conference.

Both teams also have an opportunity to clinch a playoff spot with a victory and a Detroit Lions loss. A tie plus a Lions loss would also send Chicago and Green Bay to the postseason while also eliminating the Lions from playoff contention.

With so much on the line on Saturday, here’s how experts view this game between the Bears and Packers going in Week 16.

Bears vs. Packers picks, predictions

Vinnie Iyer, The Sporting News: Packers 20, Bears 17

Iyer: “The Packers took several blows in their loss at Denver, with Micah Parsons hurting their defense and Christian Watson and Zach Tom being a tough 1-2 punch on the offense. They still have Jordan Love and the running game and a solid run defense. Caleb Williams and the Bears’ run defense will oblige as the Packers finish a season sweep in swift succession.”

Bill Bender, The Sporting News: Bears 28, Packers 26

Bender: “What a difference a week makes. The Bears are back in first place, and the Packers lost Micah Parsons (ACL) in a Week 15 loss to Denver. Bo Nix had 302 passing yards and four TDs against Green Bay in Week 15. Caleb Williams should have success behind the running game – and Chicago takes control of the NFC North.”

ESPN

Stephania Bell: BearsMatt Bowen: BearsMike Clay: PackersJeremy Fowler: BearsDan Graziano: BearsKalyn Kahler: BearsPamela Maldonado: BearsEric Moody: BearsJason Reid: PackersLindsey Thiry: BearsSeth Wickersham: Packers

MMQB

Clare Brennan: PackersMitch Goldich: BearsGilberto Manzano: BearsConor Orr: BearsJohn Pluym: PackersMatt Verderame: Packers

CBS Sports

Pete Prisco: PackersJared Dubin: PackersRyan Wilson: BearsJohn Breech: PackersTyler Sullivan: BearsDave Richard: BearsJamey Eisenberg: BearsMore NFL News

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