Packers Week 11 Winners and Losers vs. the Bears

Take a look at the best and worst from the 209th meeting between the NFL’s biggest rivals, the Packers and the Bears.

In their first matchup of the 2024 season, the Green Bay Packers and Chicago Bears faced off at Soldier Field. With the Packers coming off of a bye much healthier, and the Bears coming off of…being the Bears, this looked like it may be a one-sided game. It was not. In fact, this game ended up coming down to the very last play. In typical Bears fashion, the field goal was NO GOOD, and the Packers survived with a 20-19 win over their biggest rivals. Let’s take a look at the winners and losers of today’s nail-biter.

Winner: Josh Jacobs

Much of the Packers’ offensive gameplan went through Josh Jacobs today. Not only was Jacobs relied upon as their workhorse on the ground, but he saw a ton of action in the passing game as well. On the ground, Jacobs racked up 18 carries for 76 yards, as well as his 50th career rushing TD. As a receiver, Jacobs brought in 4 catches for 58 yards, including a big 21 yard pickup during a Packers scoring drive.

Loser: Carrington Valentine

The Packers are missing Jaire Alexander very badly. Alexander was active to start the game, but ended up leaving with a knee injury. As a result, second-year player Carrington Valentine stepped in and got burned. A lot. On three consecutive plays, Valentine 1) gave up a big first down to Keenan Allen, 2) gave up a big first down to DJ Moore, 3) tried to tackle Rome Odunze and bounced off of him like one of those rubber balls you get in the treasure chest at the dentist. As soon as Caleb Williams saw Valentine step onto the field, he had him targeted. I know Packers fans find it very easy to get frustrated with Jaire Alexander, but he’s dearly missed in the secondary.

Winner: Christian Watson

Christian Watson had his best catch of the season today, and then he had his best catch of the season today. It’s been a quiet year for Watson thus far as both Jordan Love and Malik Willis have spread the ball around the receiving room, but when Watson is their guy, he is THEIR GUY. Today, he brought in all 4 of his targets for a whopping 150 yards (37.5 avg). His contested catches today were crucial in getting the Packers into the redzone, as was the electric 60-yarder (his longest of the season) which came during the Packers’ final scoring drive of the game. A massive day for the receiver, who deserves every bit of glory from today’s win.

Loser: Keisean Nixon

With Jaire Alexander out, and Carrington Valentine on the other side, Nixon is DB1. This is a problem, because…Nixon is not DB1-material. He was beat multiple times today by rookie Rome Odunze, including on a 4th and 3 which Odunze easily converted for a first down. Odunze also had the opportunity to turn an ugly Caleb Williams pass into a one-handed catch, but lucky for Nixon, who was flat on his face, the receiver wasn’t able to hold onto it. Ugly stuff today from #25.

Winner: Karl Brooks

Karl Brooks singlehandedly saved the Packers’ win streak against the Bears. PUN INTENDED. LOOK AT THIS BEAUTY OF A BLOCKED KICK.

Toyotathon Merchant?: Jordan Love

In case you missed it, I discussed the Toyotathon Theory (patent pending) earlier this week. With Love’s absolutely disgusting endzone pick during today’s game, I thought the Toyotathon theory had been put to bed, but now I’m thinking: maybe this is a Packers thing. Maybe they hold the automotive power. Or maybe its power has transferred to the left hand of Karl Brooks.

Anyways, besides the interception (I feel like we say this every week now), Love honestly looked fine. He looked much more composed and calm with the pocket collapsing. He was able to extend plays with his legs, including this run which was nearly a TD.

This game wasn’t as messy as what we’ve seen from Love so far this season. It could’ve been better. And it certainly could’ve been worse. In fact, if the Packers hadn’t come away with the win, the interception would probably have me feeling much differently about his overall performance. Love finished the day 13/17 for 261 yards, 1 TD, and 1 pick. Good enough for a 113.0 rating.

The Packers jump to 7-3 on the season, but are still in third place as they chase what looks like it’s going to be a Wild Card playoff spot. Next week, they prepare to face the team who’ve been their kryptonite for the past 12 years: the San Francisco 49ers. The game will be at Lambeau Field during Sunday’s later slate of games. Do Jordan Love and Matt LaFleur have what it takes to defeat the team who knocked them out of the playoffs last season?