After both the Bears (3-5) and Packers (5-3) had Week 9 byes, the two longtime rivals renew acquaintances this Sunday night at Lambeau Field. Here's a breakdown of Chicago's Week 10 opponent:
What's new: Like the Bears, Green Bay used its first-round pick last May on a defensive back. And like the Bears, Green Bay has been quite happy with the results. Safety Ha Ha Clinton-Dix - taken 21st overall, seven spots after the Bears selected Kyle Fuller – has become an impact player in the Packers' secondary. Clinton-Dix has 41 tackles, third-most on the team despite only cracking the starting lineup two games ago, to go along with an interception and three passes defensed. A physical hitter, the rookie has made a terrific impact in the team's run defense, racking up 24 tackles over the last three games.
What's old: In Jordy Nelson and Randall Cobb, the Packers have one of the NFL's most-prolific receiving tandems. Of course, it helps when Aaron Rodgers is throwing them the ball. Together, the three players are nightmare for defenses to match up with, and have been for some time. Nelson is tied for ninth in the NFL in receptions with 50, while Cobb has added 40. Both players average more than 14 yards per reception. Rodgers, who went six consecutive games without throwing an interception before being picked off twice in Green Bay's Week 8 loss to New Orleans, has been impressive as well, posting a quarterback rating of 113.6. Together, the trio lead a passing attack that gains 7.71 yards per pass play, fourth-best in the league.
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Last time out:** Green Bay was on bye last week, so the taste in their mouth from Week 8's loss to the Saints still lingers. The Packers jumped out to an early lead – thanks to a 70-yard touchdown from Rodgers to Cobb – but were unable to keep up with the prolific New Orleans offense. Rodgers threw for 418 yards, but couldn't match Drew Brees, who had 311 passing yards and three touchdowns. The Saints also destroyed Green Bay on the ground, rushing for 193 yards.
Series history: The Bears hold a 93-90-6 all-time record in the most-played matchup in NFL history. Green Bay has won the last two games, including a 38-17 victory at Soldier Field in Week 4. The Bears won the last game played at Lambeau Field, a 27-20 win on November 4, 2013 on "Monday Night Football."
Local connection: Bryan Bulaga grew up in Crystal Lake, Ill. and was a big-time Bears fan growing up. That all changed in 2010, when Bulaga's allegiances became green and gold, after he was taken by the Packers in the first-round of the draft. Bulaga has started 40 career games, including seven this season as the team's right tackle.
Injury report: The big question surrounded Rodgers, who appeared to injure his hamstring in the Packers' last game. However, he practiced on Monday without a problem, and should be good to go for Sunday night. The status for three of Green Bay's defensive starters - Sam Shields (knee), safety Morgan Burnett (calf) and defensive end Datone Jones (ankle) - are unknown. All three missed the Saints game, but did return to practice following the bye.
Did you know?: Chicago is still holding the all-time series lead, but the Packers are cutting it close. The Bears being ahead is nothing new, as they have held the series advantage over Green Bay for quite a while. The last time the Packers had a winning record in the head-to-head series was in 1932, after Green Bay won the last of their three consecutive NFL championships. Following that season, the Packers held an 11-10-5 all-time lead over the Bears.
