NFL Week 12 Review of Packers loss vs. 49ers, NFL Week 13 Preview vs. Giants — A twofer once again!

So, Packers fans, we come into game 12 of the NFL season (13th week overall) atop the NFC North at 8-3 (well, technically tied with a tiebreaker advantage over the Vikings). This is a record which, we're guessing, most all Green Bay fans would have gladly taken at the beginning of the season. Indeed.

Still, after the particularly concerning way in which the Pack was handled by the Niners in last weekend's game (by the way, dear reader, this is the only mention we will make by way of "review" about that game), some folks may be questioning if the team is as good as the record.

Keep in mind that the Packers have basically been through the hardest part of its schedule in terms of opposing teams' records; the Pack now goes into these final games of the season with the easiest schedule of any playoff contender based upon opposing teams' records. So there's that. Three of the remaining 5 games are on the road. Next up is Washington at Lambeau Field. Then the final 3 games are all vs. division opponents, with Da Bearz at home then at Minnesota and Detroit to close out the regular season.

The Preview and Prediction

With its game today vs. the Giants in New York, the Packers begin what should be a run to another division title. If. If they can stay as relatively healthy as they are now. If they can somehow figure out a way to cover over the middle and down the field. If they can somehow figure out a way to keep getting Davante Adams and Aaron Jones the ball in addition to at least one more playmaker (someone needs to step up regularly) so Aaron Rodgers can spread the ball around. If they can stay out of 3rd and long. If they can somehow, some way find a way to get a punt return or two along the way...just even for positive yardage. If. Lots of ifs.

Packers WR Davante Adams needs to have a big day today against the Giants.
(Photo: Tony Avelar, AP)

But coming off last weekend's debacle in the Bay (San Fran not GB, that is), the New York Giants should be what the doctor ordered. Aaron Rodgers always seems to play well in New York and also typically has a good bounce-back game following a loss. Given the hype and expectations that fell flat in the Niners game, there should have been some soul-searching during this week on the part of the Packers players and coaches. Head coach Matt LaFleur said he definitely needed to do a better job coaching. Yep. He failed to have the team make the adjustments they needed to during the game and was out-coached by his former fellow coaches and his brother.

Wipe that slate clean. Today sets up well for a win. The Packers are favored by 6 points on the road going against a rookie QB with fumbling problems and a Giants team that has lost 7 games in a row. But players still need to perform. The offense will be helped greatly if RT Bryan Bulaga is able to return from his leg injury and play at a high level; if not, there will be reordering along the offensive line which could present problems for both the rushing and passing attacks.

Overall, let's hope the Packers got a reality check last weekend and play with renewed commitment and energy today.

We're calling this game Packers 31 - Giants 20.

Go Pack Go!!!