Matt from Fitchburg, WI

Time with family and friends, a nice buck, and two Packer victories. What a week.

Now, I'd say that was worth a few drumsticks. I hope you all had a nice Thanksgiving. Let's get back to it.

Steve from Scranton, PA

Wes…after two weeks, the Packers were anointed NFC champions. A few weeks later, the Eagles were sitting pretty until they coughed up a big lead at home vs. Denver. Then, the Bucs got to 5-1 and Baker Mayfield was this season's MVP. By mid-November, Matthew Stafford took over, and the Rams were "unstoppable." Today it's the Chicago Bears and their shirtless HC leading the way. One piece of advice: Heavy is the head that wears the crown (or something like that!).

Funny how that works, huh? I got a good chuckle over all the talking heads saying, "The Packers are for real" on Friday morning – just like they did after Green Bay started 2-0 to start the year. Narratives are an exercise in regurgitation. Just beat the Bears.

Mark from Appleton, WI

It appeared the Packers' offense picked up its pace against the Lions compared to previous games. Is that a strategy that would beat the Bears as well or do we grind the clock?

Protecting the football is what it will take to beat the Bears. Chicago had one of its stingiest defensive performances in Philly but has allowed production on both the ground and through the air this season. Where the Bears have clearly outclassed opponents is those 26 takeaways and 17 interceptions. However Green Bay decides to attack Dennis Allen's unit, it must do so with caution.

Jeff from Mequon, WI

The Bears appear to be really good at the things you need to be good at to beat the Packers: Run the ball, control TOP, play aggressive defense. No doubt that is what they'll try to do against Green Bay. Mike said regarding the Lions, "We'll see how they handle success." Same for the Bears. They are fired up, they are playing well, but this is the Packers, and we have been here before. What do you think Matt LaFleur's message to the team is this week?

The Packers have been forged by fire this season and must learn from those lessons to make a run here. I look at Chicago today no different than I viewed Detroit in the Johnson era – be ready for anything. Coming off that win over the Eagles, the Bears are going to be riding high coming into Lambeau this Sunday. I'm sure they feel 10 feet tall and strong as an ox, but the Packers gotta remind them who runs the North.

Johnny from Nasewaupee, WI

Wes: "Calories come with the cake. And "shot themselves in the wing" (Eagles). Gold, Jerry, gold. Two guys on offense that have made a somewhat unsung difference: Sean Rhyan and Emanuel Wilson. Any chance we see Lukas Van Ness again this season?

Hopefully. Van Ness told Rob Demovsky on Monday that he's back on his "rehab plan and hoping (to) turn the corner shortly." Rhyan and Wilson are perfect examples of why you build as much depth as you can on an NFL roster. You need them all eventually.

Julian from Gastonia, NC

If Van Ness can return healthy, I think that will help to minimize the loss of Devonte Wyatt in rushing the passer. I have two concerns for Bears week. The Packers need to score enough touchdowns to keep the crowd cranked up throughout four quarters, and how will GB defend the run without Wyatt? Can you alleviate my worries?

I think it will be more challenging to replace Wyatt's pass rush than necessarily the run defense. Wyatt is a penetrating defensive tackle who can collapse a pocket, which is why he's third on the team in quarterback hits and sacks despite missing as much time as he has. The Packers have what they need to effectively defend the run still. Colby Wooden and Nazir Stackhouse major in that while Green Bay has the speed and physicality at the second level to fit it. It's who steps up to push the pocket in Wyatt's stead.

Gregory from Westerville, OH

OK, check my memory on this one, but I seem to remember that us Packers fans were ready to run Davante Adams out of town because of his drops during the early years of his career with the Packers. He eventually overcame his dropsy issues and became one of the best NFL receivers of this new millennium. I think that Dontayvion Wicks is moving on the same trajectory. With his improved hands, together with his body size and speed, Dontayvion Wicks could end up being as successful as Adams. Here's hoping I'm right.

We've seen immeasurable growth from Wicks over the past year. Everybody who's watched the Packers knows what Wicks can do. He's made some spectacular plays in a variety of ways for this offense, but consistency is always key. Thursday may have been Wicks' best day in a Packers uniform. Now, let's stack it.

Joe from Swansea, IL

Knock on wood, but the O-line play has been exemplary in the three-game winning streak. One sack in the last two games allowed, and three overall in that span. And the team has averaged 133 yards on the ground, at 4.2 yards a carry. That'll play.

That's been the difference. Also, shout out to assistant director of communications Tom Fanning and the fine folks at Elias Sports Bureau for this odd nugget: The Packers have not turned the ball over or allowed a sack in their last three Thanksgiving games. They're the first NFL team since the merger to do so in three straight Thanksgiving games. Unsurprisingly, Green Bay won all three contests.

Marcos from Albuquerque, NM

I'm a first-time poster, and I've got to say, I'm absolutely loving how the offensive line is playing right now. They've really helped spark the run game and have been keeping Jordan Love upright lately. I love Elgton Jenkins, but I never felt like the move to center was the best fit for him. Maybe it's just coincidence, but I can't help noticing how different the line has looked since Rhyan stepped in at center. I hate that it took a Jenkins injury for the move to happen, but are you seeing the same thing?

Jenkins is a two-time Pro Bowler and the leader of that room. It ain't easy replacing a player of his caliber. That said, I've always felt center is Rhyan's best position. He reminds me a lot of Lucas Patrick in that he's a smart football player who's learned to snap in the pros. It hasn't been perfect, but Rhyan passed a major test going into Detroit on Thanksgiving and keeping the operation clean.

Rob from Spring Lake, NJ

While Caleb Williams has made some good throws, the frequency of "good throws" is pedestrian. He currently has a 58% completion rate, compared to Love's 67%. The only starting QB with a lower completion percentage is J.J. McCarthy. To put the comparison into perspective, Love could spike the ball for his next 53 attempts and still have a better completion percentage than Williams! Given how errant Williams' passes have been, it's remarkable that he only has five INTs. Pack needs to increase that number!

Williams protects the ball at a premium, which can often result in more throwaways. It looked to me like he attacked the field a bit more in Philadelphia, but everything goes back to the run game for Chicago. If D'Andre Swift and Kyle Monangai get going, that offense becomes difficult to stop.

Connor from Sunrise, FL

In regards to the third-down play before the "shoeless catch," I am not second-guessing the decision to throw, however I did find it telling that neither Emanuel Wilson nor Josh Jacobs was in the backfield. If I am the opposing defense and I see Chris Brooks in the game I am 99% sure it is going to be a pass. Any thoughts why neither of our two best running backs are in the game at that point even if it is as a decoy?

I remember Green Bay ran a draw out of the shotgun with Brooks on second-and-long against New York, so that play is on film. I don't know what the splits were, but I feel like it was the right play. Brooks is a true third-down back and Jacobs was banged up. You can't get too cute. Solid pass protection is a must if the Lions chose to blitz.

Al from Green Bay, WI

Williams may not be the most accurate passer, but his athleticism is eye-popping. In the Bears game against the Giants, I saw Williams Houdini his way out of several sacks where he was dead to rights. Is there an approach or technique the GB pass rushers must employ to minimize his slipperiness?

You can't stop your feet. You must keep playing to the whistle blows when Williams is lined up across from you because he can extend plays with the best of them. That means rushing to contain and keeping No. 18 in front of you at all times.

Jim from Hudsonville, MI

Curious how (if) the game-planning changes when facing the same opponent twice in three weeks. Are both games somehow combined, creating a larger than normal call sheet? Or plan the first, and adjust for the second? Or some of each? Then, sandwiched in between is a 10-win Broncos team. Yikes.

I don't know how many secrets are left to be told at this point of the season, but I'm sure LaFleur and Ben Johnson both have a few wrinkles prepared to test the other's defense this Sunday. I don't think the two games in 13 days require different game plans, though. The rematch will be based more on adjustments than reinventing your scheme.

Scott from Noblesville, IN

Two quickies – the Lions' pre-half TD is (sadly) a painful example of our DBs needing to wrap and tackle, and not just try for the big hit. On a more positive note, no matter what happens the rest of the way, we've already tripled our division wins over 2024, so we've got that going for us…

There ain't nothing NFL fans love to latch onto more than a missed tackle in the open field. It's a play Carrington Valentine undoubtedly wants back, but the missed tackle was a paragraph in that game vs. the Lions – not a chapter. Valentine has had a hell of a year given the circumstances.

Robert from Verona, WI

Given that playing with the lead allows the defense to do what it does best, do you see value in the Packers choosing to receive the ball when they win the coin flip? I personally love the opportunity to double up at the end of first half and beginning of the second half (and let's face it, it's not a bad thing to send our defense out on the field first), but I'm curious to know if you see value in trying to get our defense the lead early in the game by electing to receive.

Playing with your foot on the gas is more than what happens at the coin toss, but I see the truth in that statement. While it ended with a field goal, I still felt like the Packers set the tone on that initial drive on Thanksgiving.

Ray from Phoenix, AZ

I am not big on stats but just wondering about the production at TE since Tucker Kraft went down. Does not seem any of our TEs have stepped up their games. Am I missing something?

All three tight ends have stepped up, but the direction of the offense also has shifted to three-receiver concepts. For example, Luke Musgrave made a big 23-yard catch on second-and-8 during the Romeo Doubs touchdown drive, but it didn't get many headlines because of all the fourth-down heroics.

Nick from Mount Horeb, WI

Why doesn't Love run more when it looks like he has quite an opening to make first downs or good yardage? Is he afraid?

Was Love sacrificing his AC joint to the NFL Gods against the Giants not enough for you?

Caleb from Knoxville, TN

Who wins the AFC North this year? It doesn't seem like anyone wants it!

Perhaps the last starting quarterback left standing.

Jeff from Chanhassen, MN

Insiders, can the NFL flex this week's Packers-Bears game to Sunday night, claim they're flexing the Packers game and then flex the Bears-Packers game to Sunday night claiming they're flexing the Bears game? If the NFL were to flex either of those games, which one do you believe is the more exciting one to flex?

Technically, it already has been as flexing happens at least 12 days in advance. This was one was originally slated for a noon CT start time before FOX moved it to 3:25.

Zachary from Hixson, TN

How is Love and the coaching staff working to get Matthew Golden more involved in the passing game?

The Packers need to get the rookie healthy first. Once Golden is, the opportunities will be there.

Rob from Knoxville, TN

Change of pace, did you watch the F1 race this weekend? Why didn't McLaren pit? Going to be a fun Sunday with the last race in the morning and Packers game in the afternoon. Let's Go Packers!

McLaren keeps tripping over its feet while Max Verstappen has been near-flawless since the Hungarian Grand Prix. Without the safety car, Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris probably finish one-two. Instead, Piastri becomes the first driver to not win Qatar after leading on the first lap and Max's hopes for a fifth straight title endure. The F1 and Packers schedules could not have possibly lined up better for the kiddo and me. I'm excited to watch the Abu Dhabi finale with him before heading to the stadium Sunday.

Rick from Negaunee, MI

Justin Jefferson wants out of Minnesota. I know you guys know he's one of the best receivers to play the game. Pack should pick him up!

If it were only that simple, Rick.

J.R. from East Moline, IL

With the biggest game of the year thus far coming up, I feel it's a good time to ask important questions: "Uncle Buck" vs "Planes, Trains?"

Always "Planes, Trains and Automobiles." It's a holiday tradition for me. I watched it at the hotel on Wednesday night. And it's the biggest game of the year because it's the next one, my friend. Have a great Tuesday.

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