Bears predictions: Week 1 vs. Packers, season totals

The Chicago Sun-Times’ experts offer their predictions for the Bears’ season opener at the rival Packers — and their record for the 2018 season:

RICK MORRISSEY

Packers, 27-13

The Packers should see a much different Bears squad when the teams play again Dec. 16. But the defense they’ll see Sunday has two important players — Khalil Mack and Roquan Smith — who could be rusty. And Bears quarterback Mitch Trubisky is still an unknown. Bears’ season record: 8-8.

RICK TELANDER

Packers, 24-21

I have to see Aaron Rodgers shut down at least one time to believe it can happen. No matter how average the Packers say they are, they always have something special for the Bears. Season: 9-7.

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ADAM L. JAHNS

Bears, 27-23

This isn’t a Kool-Aid pick. The Packers should have the better record when the season ends, especially if Rodgers stays healthy. But Week 1 games can be wild. They are full of surprises and unscouted looks, and that’s where the Bears have the advantage. Season: 9-7.

PATRICK FINLEY

Packers, 24-20

The Mack trade is the most exciting thing to happen to the Bears since Devin Hester’s Super Bowl kickoff return. Step outside the maelstrom, though, and you’ll see the Bears, even with Mack on board, are still touchdown underdogs at Lambeau Field. It’ll be closer than that, but don’t expect a win. Season: 8-8.

MARK POTASH

Packers, 27-17

Several unknowns make this game difficult to predict: Trubisky, Mack, Smith, the Packers’ defense, etc. But — until further notice — the Packers still have the biggest trump card in Rodgers. Season: 8-8.