NFL best bets and predictions Week 18
It appears the Packers have found their next franchise quarterback, more than three years after trading up in the first round of the 2020 draft to take Jordan Love. In the NFL, which currently has a shallow pool of top-notch quarterback talent, Love is rising during a sink-or-swim season.
Is something similar happening for Justin Fields? The 11th overall pick of the 2021 draft is finally showing the Bears he could be their man. But that’s up for debate, and Fields’ future will be a tough call for a franchise holding the No. 1 pick in the April draft.
The dueling young quarterbacks will be in the spotlight today when Chicago (7-9) and Green Bay (8-8) get together again at Lambeau Field. Fields has an opportunity to make a bold statement by getting a rare road win in the one-sided rivalry. Love has a shot to lead the Packers to the playoffs, something Aaron Rodgers failed to do a year ago.
After making only one start in his first three years, Love has grown up quickly this season while passing for 30 touchdowns. Green Bay is 5-2 in its past seven games, with Love passing for 16 touchdowns with one interception.