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This is an intriguing match-up. Green Bay, who are my early prediction for the Super Bowl this year, take on the Bears, who now have Jay Cutler in place.

I can't quite understand quite why the Broncos let Cutler go. In my mind they should have done everything to make sure he was happy. They must have known that replacing a talent like his is not easy. I like Kyle Orton, but I know many others do not rate him so highly and I would be the first to admit he is no Cutler. Anyway, the Broncos loss was the Bears' gain.

There are still some things to be learned about Cutler's targets at wide receiver, and some have doubts that they will be enough to give the Bears the force going forward that they need. Devin Hester needs to have a better season and Earl Bennett needs to prove that he is up to the job now that Head Coach Lovie Smith has handed him the opportunity.

Cutler seems happy that his receivers are up to it though, saying "We don't really worry about what anybody else is saying about our receivers or tight ends or running backs. We think we've got a good group. I have a lot of faith in those guys, and I know that they're very confident going into this one. As long as they go out there and do what they're supposed to do and execute the offence, we're not going to have any problems."

Some problems could arise in defence for Chicago. Charles Tillman, Daniel Manning and Zackary Brown are all nursing injury, which may leave the defensive wall a little thin. Expect Green Bay to test this weakness often.

The Bears look like they are set for quite a good year, but they really couldn't have a harder start. Green Bay have looked fantastic during pre-season. Defensively they have been so strong, it is almost like they have extra men on the football field. They should have little problem shutting down Chicago's forward movement.

In Green Bay Aaron Rodgers has turned Favre into a distant memory. A great season followed by a fantastic pre-season, there are no indications that the regular season will be any different for the quarterback. His non-stop development should reach new highs this year and I for one can't wait to see what he has to offer.

My opinion is that the Green Bay Packers will open their season in style by sweeping aside the Bears. However, I do think both teams are set for good performances this season.

I love trading on Betfair, but I am looking at this as a straight bet. The odds available for Green Bay ([1.58] at time of writing) offer great value in my opinion. Even if this was not a home game for the Packers I feel they would have power to spare when facing the Bears. Another great week 1 game to look forward to.