The Athletic Football Show: A show about the NFL Week 14 Preview: Bears-Packers finally means something again
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Dec 5, 2025 Week 14 in the NFL features some thrilling matchups with playoffs on the line, including a significant Bears-Packers rivalry. The hosts explore Chicago's run game against Green Bay's defensive strategy, highlighting tactical nuances. They also discuss the resurgence of Christian Watson and the implications for Green Bay's offense. Additionally, fierce clashes like Colts-Jaguars and Texans-Chiefs are previewed, along with intriguing playoff scenarios and injury concerns affecting key players.
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Rivalry Regained
- Bears-Packers feels meaningful again because both teams are good and playing for seeding late in the season.
- The renewed rivalry juice comes from on-field stakes and recent coach/fanbox tensions, per Robert Mays and Derrik Klassen.
Force The Quarterback To Earn It
- Make the Bears drive their passing offense and limit explosive runs to force Caleb Williams to beat you.
- Expect Green Bay to use bigger fronts and walk linebackers down to disrupt Bears' zone-run strengths.
Cloud Coverage As A Defensive Lever
- Green Bay plays cloud coverage heavily in nickel, combining Cover 2 and Cover 6 roughly a third of the time.
- The Bears have struggled into those looks this year, creating a key matchup wrinkle on passing downs.