Game Preview: Green Bay Packers at Chicago Bears

WISCONSIN -- It's a rivalry for the ages, but this week, the Green Bay Packers can do something that no Packers team has done in decades: they can even-up their series against the Chicago Bears.

That's right. After 95 years of play, the storied Packers vs. Bears rivalry stands at 94 wins for Chicago, 93 wins for Green Bay and six ties.

Always after the edge, Packers coach Mike McCarthy is letting his team know about this historical footnote for some extra motivation:

You Can Throw Out the Records

As often is the case, you can throw out the records when these two teams meet. Why, who can forget the Bear's stunning Thanksgiving night win Lambeau Field during "Brett Favre Day?" We didn't.

But my, oh, my Bears fans, we hardly knew 'ye.

This season, these two teams are headed in opposite directions. The Packers have won three straight games and sit at 7-6. They're on the fringe of the NFC playoff conversation and need to keep winning and some teams ahead of them in the playoff picture in order to make the playoffs. (We're looking at YOU, Detroit Lions and Tampa Bay Buccaneers).

The Bears, on the other hand, have been scuffling their way to a Bears-like 3-10 record. This isn't the same directionless and terribly-coached team from the Marc Trestman years, but they're down to their third-string quarterback in Matt Barkley and feature a young and improving team under the direction of head coach John Fox.

Yahoo! Sports Players to Watch:

Chicago Bears: Jordan Howard
If the Bears are going to win they’re going to do it by running the football and limiting the Packers offensive possessions, so Howard’s success on the ground will directly influence how this game turns out.

Green Bay Packers: Ty Montgomery
The newly designated running back is also the most interesting player in this Packers backfield. Montgomery is set to have another breakout day for the Packers with his ability to run, catch and run after the catch.

Game Info

• GREEN BAY (7-6) AT CHICAGO (3-10)
• Sunday, Dec. 18
• Soldier Field
• 12 p.m. CST
• TV: FOX Sports, now in its 23rd season as an NFL network television partner, will broadcast the game. DIRECTV subscribers can watch the game on Channel 711.

  Radio: Milwaukee’s WTMJ (620 AM), heads up the Packers Radio Network that is made up of 50 stations in five states. The broadcast is also available on Sirius Satellite Radio (WTMJ feed). Westwood One will air the game on radio across the country.

>>> composite image from patch.com file photos