Josh Jacobs is no longer on the injury report just in time for Week 1 of the playoffs!
The weather report for Sunday looks as follows according to Yahoo Sports:
“Sustained winds from the West at 19mph will provide constant push back against play. With gusts getting up to 39 mph in the first half, blowing from sideline to sideline. Those breezes will calm a bit in the final 30 minutes. However, they’ll remain disruptive, with sustained winds of 16 mph and gusts reaching 37 mph.
Adding to this chilly climate is the potential for snow showers in the first quarter. Snow is expected to pick up around 6 pm ET and continue into the opening frame. (55% chance of precipitation) before petering off around 9 pm ET.“
When the weather picks up, so does the run game. Take a listen to Jacobs’ locker room interview Wednesday discussing his health. The former league leader says he feels healthier than he has in the last month and half!
Josh Jacobs Is A Difference Maker
When Josh Jacobs is at full strength, Green Bay’s offense becomes significantly more dangerous. In the 2025 regular season (despite playing through multiple injuries) Jacobs logged 929 rushing yards on 234 carries with 13 rushing touchdowns. He consistently shows the ability to find the end zone and grind out tough yards between the tackles.
With his combination of power and yards after contact (YAC), he’s among the NFL’s YAC leaders. Leaning on him to run north and south allows the squad to convert short yards, sustain drives, and flip field position in their favor.
In contrast, when Jacobs has battled injury or faced sub-optimal blocking, the Packers’ run game has struggled to consistently spring explosive plays early. Don’t get me wrong, my guy Emanuel WIlson and Chris Brooks have certainly put down some great tape this year. However, it is not the same level of impact that Jacobs brings to the field. A true 4 quarter running back like Jacobs transforms defensive game planning and opens up the rest of the offense to operate without becoming predictable.
Reinforcement To The O-Line Incoming
Adding to the hype is the impending return of right tackle Zach Tom. A cornerstone of Green Bay’s offensive line, Tom’s presence in the run game can’t be overstated. He’s easily the best lineman on the roster right now. In fact in 2025 he was graded at 83.5 by PFF ranking him top ten in the league at Tackle.
When Green Bay has its starting five up front, including Tom, the cohesion in run lanes help Jacobs break through the second level and set up explosive opportunities. With Tom back, the Packers not only bolster their pass protection but create more consistent rushing lanes, meaning Jacobs doesn’t have to win every collision on his own. In a rivalry clash like Sunday’s matchup with the Bears, that combination of a healthy Josh Jacobs and a firmer offensive line could be the decisive factor that tips the balance.
Final Predictions
While I definitely am excited to see Jordan and his wideout crew back in action, the 1-2 punch of bad weather and the Bears subpar run defense are the easiest keys to victory.
The Bears rank 27th in the NFL in rushing yards allowed per game, allowing an average of 134.5. It has been a consistent weakness for Chicago throughout the 2025 season. If LaFleur can capitalize with the play calling, the Packers should have the edge.
I expect this to be another tight, chippy, and bitter post season match up. The last time these teams met in the post season was 15 years ago.
I can’t help but take the opportunity to throw down this classic BJ Raji clip. Courtesy of the Rob Westerman.
The last time the Bears beat the Packers in the post season was on Dec. 14, 1941, the week after the attack on Pearl Harbor. The match up was the first ever divisional playoff game in the NFL, and it was played at Wrigley Field. The Bears walked away with a 33-14 win.
Should the Packers find a way to protect the football and limit their penalties, I belive they will walk out of Soldier Field with a victory 17-14.
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