NFL Week 17: Packers vs. Ravens Preview & Prediction

Before our preview ... a review ...

The game in Chicago last Saturday night didn't turn out as anticipated, did it, Packer fans? A heartbreaking loss. Not only of the game, putting Da Bearz back in first place in the NFC North for the time being — and along with that a second seed in the NFC playoffs — but also losing QB Jordan Love to a concussion in the second quarter of the game on a hit for which the offender was subsequently fined. Backup QB Malik Willis came on in Love's place and, as he has done every time when called upon, kept the Packers in the game.

It even looked, with about 5 minutes left and up by 10 points, that the Pack would walk out of the Mistake By The Lake (i.e., Soldier Field) with a victory. But a comedy of errors, including a botched onside kick recovery by Romeo Doubs with less than 2 minutes to go — and missed opportunities over the course of the game (five trips to the red zone and only three field goals to show for their efforts) — wound up seizing defeat from the jaws of victory. Fugly. By the way, in the last two games the Packers are only one for nine in touchdowns in their red zone trips...a  recipe for defeat if ever there was one... eeesh!

Still, with Aaron Rodgers and his resurgent Steelers beating the Lions last weekend, and the ViQueens beating Detroit in a Christmas Day game, the Packers locked up a playoff berth. Currently the 7th seed, if memory serves, they could still wind up finishing as the 2nd, 3rd, 5th, 6th or 7th seed depending on how these final two games go for them as well as others in the NFC. 

So that brings us to tonight's game. So let's see what lies ahead, shall we?

Backup QB Malik Willis will be leading the Packers

offense against the Ravens as starter Jordan Love is still

in concussion protocol following last weekend's game.

(Photo via Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)

The Preview

The first thing to note by way of the preview is that QB Jordan Love has been ruled out for tonight's game as he is apparently still in the league's concussion protocol from last week's game against Chicago. Since he practiced a couple days this week there was a great deal of optimism that he would be available tonight. But ... not. Backup Malik Willis will be taking the snaps, despite also having suffered a shoulder injury against Chicago late in the game. No doubt head coach Matt LaFleur saw the handwriting on the wall as the week went on and has schemed his offense to make the most use of Willis' own talents while giving Willis a full week to also be prepared to play against Baltimore, despite missing a practice with an illness; illness is hitting the Packers' locker room, btw, as both guard Aaron Banks and receiver Savion Williams were downgraded to questionable because of illness. Oy.

The question about who will be Willis' backup inevitably arises: practice squad quarterback Clayton Tune will be in uniform tonight, wearing #19. The Packers have the option of signing him to the 53-man roster or elevating him to the game-day roster. Either way, let's hope Willis makes it through the game unharmed and keeps Mr. Tune carrying the clipboard throughout.

RB Josh Jacobs is expected to return to the field this evening despite the knee issue which has hindered him the last few weeks. Of course, he had a costly fumble at Chicago's 2-yard line last weekend that would likely have sealed the win for the Pack had they gone on to score there either by TD or FG. Jacobs was, for whatever reason, held out the rest of the game with Emanuel Wilson carrying the bulk of the load from there on. It will be interesting to see how LaFleur divides the carries, especially with more of a run-centered approach with Willis at the helm.

Now, the Ravens will also be without their starting QB, Lamar Jackson, who is dealing with back issues. In his place, veteran backup Tyler Huntley will be behind center. As the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel article by veteran Packers reporter Tom Silverstein reminds us: "When he last played the Packers, on Dec. 19, 2021, Huntley led the Ravens from a 14-point deficit to the cusp of victory in place of Jackson, who was out with an ankle injury. He completed 28 of 40 passes for 215 and two touchdowns and ran 13 times for 73 yards and two touchdowns. Down 31-30, coach John Harbaugh chose to go for the win, but safety Darnell Savage broke up Huntley’s 2-point conversion pass to tight end Mark Andrews. Huntley has shown the Ravens don’t have to change their offense when he's in the game." So...the Packers defense still needs to show up.

That is especially the case in trying to defend against RB and full-on rushing load Derrick Henry. What is he: 6'2" and 250 pounds? Something like that. As big as or bigger than many linebackers. But the Ravens also have RB Keaton Mitchell who received the majority of carries in their last game. They will attempt to pound the Packers' defense and wear down the front. If the Packers can't contain Henry — or Mitchell — in could be a long night on the Frozen Tundra of Lambeau Field.

The Prediction

Following the downgrading of Jordan Love to being out for tonight's game, the point spread went from the Pack being favored by 3-1/2 points to (at the time of this writing) 2-1/2 points. Obviously the marquee matchup between Love and Jackson at the time the NFL flexed the game to tonight has fallen by the wayside. Now, it's who wants it more? The Ravens are still fighting for their playoff lives while the Packers still — believe it or not — have a shot at winning the NFC North and securing the #2 seed in the NFC playoffs ... yeah, it could happen. Why not? Not many breaks have gone the Packers way this season so perhaps they get one for a change. Some fans are calling for the team to rest some players who could use a couple weeks off to be ready for the playoff run. But, again, until Da Bearz win their two remaining games, the NFC North title is still in play. So ... play.

This time of year and in northeastern Wisconsin one must always take a look at the weather forecast. Via sportingnews.com: "According to AccuWeather.com, the temperature will sit around 34-35 degrees the entire game, which isn't bad for this time of year. Adding to that, both teams are accustomed to playing in cold weather. Wind and precipitation won't be a factor, either, as there is a zero-percent chance for the latter and wind gusts will only reach a high of about 12 MPH." So, no worries about weather impacting the game.

We're calling this one Packers 20 - Ravens 17.

Go Pack Go!!!

NFL Week 16: Packers vs. Bears Preview & Prediction (Part Deux)

The Preview

After a disappointing loss in Denver last weekend, Packer fans, including especially the loss of DE Micah Parsons with a non-contact ACL tear that shuts him down for the remainder of the regular season, playoffs, and likely into the early part of the 2026 season, we come tonight to the regular season rematch with Da Bearz. Two games against each other in three weeks. Who makes these schedules???

As we recall, the Pack won the first round at Lambeau Field, although it came down to an end-of-game 4th-and-one-near-the-goal-line interception in the end zone to seal the deal. The Packers seemed to have things well in hand in the first half, although they left points on the field by having to settle for field goals rather than touchdowns (one in particular early on could have well helped put that game away). Following halftime, Chicago took charge and made a game of it. Despite the then-uninjured Parsons chasing Bears QB Caleb Williams all over the place, he did not record a sack. Williams found his on-the-run passing mojo and kept drives alive and the Packers defense on the field and wearing down. Not great.

But, still the "W" went in the Packers column. As it rightly should be.

The Packers defense — without Micah Parsons — will have to be on top

of its game against Chicago and QB Caleb Williams to emerge

with another "W" against Da Bearz.

(Photo via Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)

So tonight, Packers defensive coordinator, Jeff Hafley, will have to pull out all the tricks in his bag to contain Williams and make him throw from the pocket — not his strong suit. Still, coming off his best game of the season, Williams will be looking to build upon his success. The Packers must find ways to force him into mistakes and to take advantage of those mistakes when they come their way. All season long, the Packers have had a tough time getting turnovers and especially hanging onto potential interceptions. Williams may very well throw a couple that should be picked off; Packers defenders must catch them.

Simple game, isn't it?

At this point in the season, though, injuries for all teams play a big role in outcomes. As of the time of this writing, the Packers have 9 players listed as questionable, about half on defense. Late this week, the Pack elevated DE Brenton Cox Jr. off the injured reserve list. He was having a good early start to the season before suffering a groin injury that placed him on injured reserve. Whether he plays tonight and how effective he'd be is anyone's guess. But football sometimes is a game of attrition and right now the Packers can use any able body, especially on defense. DE Lukas Van Ness should also see spot duty, so that's a plus. And do we also need to mention that DE Rashan Gary really needs to step up tonight in Parson's absence? Nobody's going to individually replace Parsons, but a collective effort along the defensive front can go a long way.

Offensively, RB Josh Jacobs is still dealing with knee issues but we can expect head coach Matt LaFleur to use him as he has in recent games: strategically. Jacobs knows he's a big factor in the Pack's offense and he'll do whatever he can do when he's in the game to win, whether running or in the passing game.

WR Christian Watson, who spent time in a Denver hospital following the game against the Broncos with what appeared to be possibly another season-ending injury at the time, may actually play in the game tonight. That would be huge as there's no Chicago defender that can cover him one-on-one. Another big lift would be the emergence of 2025 1st-round draft pick WR Matthew Golden. He's been used in small doses, but successfully so, especially recently. Perhaps with Watson somewhat limited (?) LaFleur will dial up Golden a bit more. With Jayden Reed back in the flow, Jacobs a legitimate receiving and yards-after-catch threat, if the Packers O-line (likely minus RT Zach Tom who was also injured vs. the Broncos) can protect QB Jordan Love, control time of possession, and convert touchdowns instead of field goals when they are in the red zone, the Packers should come out on top.

No denying, this will be a battle. While it pains us to acknowledge it, Chicago has the record it has for a reason at this point. They scraped by by the skin of their teeth through a number of games but still won. If the Packers let them hang around, as they did in the earlier meeting, Da Bearz could sneak out a win. Can't...let...that...happen.

For the Packers: stop the stupid pre-snap penalties, take advantage of turnover opportunities, special teams needs to come through...play a full 60-minutes in sync...you know, complementary football. You got this. Remember: you own Da Bearz!

The Prediction

The weather forecast for this evening is actually balmy for this time of year in Chicago. A few weeks ago, the forecast had frigid weather for this evening; now, temps at game time are supposed to be above freezing ... low/mid-30s...with wind chills in the 20s and going down throughout the game. With two of my good Bearz fans buddies attending the game tonight, I really was hoping for the frigid forecast. You know, what are friends for, right?

At the time of this writing, Chicago is favored by 1-1/2 points. Not surprising, at home and all. The over-under is set at 46-1/2.

Both teams are playing for the lead in the NFC North and playoff seeding. The Packers need to win 2 out of the next 3 games in order to secure their playoff berth. Run the table and they win the division, as well. Many pundits are taking Da Bearz tonight. Even my friend, Billy Da Bearz fan — not surprisingly — is taking his favorite team, 28-27. I commended him for his surprisingly close call...so out of character!

Against the odds tonight, we think the Pack will find a way to get it done.

We're calling it Packers 27 - Da Bearz 24. Hope it's not that close.

Go Pack Go!!!

NFL Week 15: Packers vs. Broncos Preview & Prediction

Before looking at this Sunday's game in Denver vs. the 11-2 Broncos, a quick look back to last weekend's game vs. Da Bearz in Lambeau Field. Here it is: Packers won ... 28-21! (If you check our prediction for that game, we once again had the spread correct on the final score, just off a few points for both teams with the prediction. Still ...)

The Pack was in control in the first half, but Chicago made adjustments at halftime which basically allowed them to make a game of it in the second half by controlling the time of possession. The Pack's defense was gassed. They couldn't get off the field and when they did, Green Bay's offense either scored too quickly (as defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley noted in his chat with the press during this past week) or couldn't sustain possessions to let their defense get a breather.

It was a nail biter at the end, with the victory sealed by an interception in the end zone on a 4th-and-1 play that new Chicago head coach Ben Johnson would probably like a mulligan on. Whew! The Packers see Da Bearz next Saturday night in Chicago in primetime in what will be an even colder game than they played last weekend. Bundle up if you're going (like my Chicago fan buddies Bill and Jack ... good luck with the cold guys, not the game).

On to the game at hand.

We hope to see the Packers celebrating like this

throughout the game versus the Broncos on Sunday.

(Photo by Jamie Schwaberow/Getty Images)

The Preview

Both of these teams are mentioned as Super Bowl contenders. Some pundits even suggest that this game may be a Super Bowl preview. Let's set that aside for the moment. Can't even get there without winning one game at a time, starting with this one, obviously.

Denver has won 10 straight games, albeit without really dominating opponents. They've won 11 straight home games going back to last season. The Broncos are coming off two straight road game wins. Returning to Mile High Stadium (is it still called that???), the home fans will be jacked. Historically, the Packers have not done well in Denver: 1-7.

Packers QB Jordan Love has already said the GB offense will be operating on a silent count the whole game because of the noise. Factor in the altitude, and this is a tough test for any team. 

The Broncos have a great defense — as does the Packers — and an ascending offense under QB Bo Nix. More on Denver's offense and quarterback in a moment.

The Broncos have the best third-down defense in the NFL and, coincidentally, the Packers have the best third-down offense in the NFL. The Broncos get many teams into a lot of third-and-longs. It will be a match up of heavyweights in those situations. Denver also likes to play the type of pass defense against which QB Jordan Love has had a great deal of success. So if the O-line can protect Love and give him time, he and his receivers could have a big day. That's a big if because Denver's defense has been a sack machine this season, on track to tie or even surpass the 1985 Bears. Yowza.

This will likely be the best defense, and especially defensive front, the Packers will see the rest of the season. The ability of the offensive line to create some running lanes for the Pack's running backs, to set up play-action, will be hugely tested. If they can't do that, it could be a long day for Love. It won't be easy as Denver's defense is No. 1 in the NFL in yards allowed per rushing attempt. Oy.

Back to Denver's offense and QB ... in terms of abilities, Nix reminds some of Chicago QB Caleb Williams: young guy, good arm and dangerous legs. The Packers know how to scheme against that type of quarterback. Execution of the scheme is, as always, the key. And Denver will have the home field advantage of the fans allowing them to call out the signals.

Weather conditions will be balmy in Denver for mid-December. Kickoff temperature is predicted to be in the low 60s. Sweet. Despite that, the Packers will still be wearing their "Winter Warning" all-white uniforms ... which have come to grow on at least some of us. (Yeah ... we like 'em!)

The Packers on Saturday, in a concerning move, added backup RB Emanuel Wilson to the injury report and listed him as questionable. This apparently arose due to an illness. It's concerning, of course, because starting RB Josh Jacobs is also questionable with his ongoing knee issue.  As a result of both of these circumstances, the Packers elevated RB Pierre Strong Jr. from the practice squad; this is Strong's third call-up of the season, the maximum allowed. Elsewhere, most of the receivers are good to go. And the Packers may even have DE Lukas Van Ness available, which would help along the defensive line. Every bit helps. Especially with the need to spell guys given the altitude issues which come along with a visiting team playing in Denver.

If it comes down to a special teams play, Denver has the edge. Returner Marvin Mims is statistically the greatest punt returner in league history in his young career with a 16.1 yard average. He's averaging 26.3 yards per kickoff return. Conversely, the Packers sit at 21st in punt coverage and 13th in kickoff coverage. Yikes! As fans know, penalties have been a real issue all season long for the special teams, with some Packers players now even suggesting that the officials are looking for penalties to call on the Pack while not doing so in a similar way for the opponents. More on that here.

Punter Daniel Whelen will need a big day when called upon to change field position. He's third in the league in average at 51.1 yards and seventh with a 42.7 yard net average. Obviously, kicker Brandon McManus also needs to be spot on with his kickoffs (i.e., make sure they land in the "landing zone" and not the end zone) and make his field goal attempts. With the thinner air, we may see some long attempts. Gotta make 'em, because it may come down to that.

The Prediction

Earlier in the week the Packers were favored by 2-1/2 ... against an 11-2 team ... who is playing at home. At the time of this writing, that spread has tightened and currently sits at 1-1/2 in favor of the Pack. In a game such as this, that doesn't really mean much. Accept perhaps giving the "no respect" card to the Broncos as added incentive. Both teams need to win to stay atop their respective divisions and help solidify playoff seeding in their conferences.

This game could well go down to who has the ball last. Hope not. 

We're calling this game Packers 24 - Broncos 23.

Go Pack Go!!!

NFL Week 14: Packers vs. Bears Preview & Prediction

Before getting into Sunday's game, let's take a victory lap for the Packers 31-24 win over the Lions in Detroit on Thanksgiving. Big win. A season sweep!

There. That's enough.

Now onto the game for the NFC North Division lead and the #1 seed in the NFL Playoff standings.

But first, I need to apologize for all the links that appear in this post. Some funky auto-insert thingie from Google that seems to be set to "on" and we haven't figured out how to turn it off. Sorry. Ignore them.

The Preview

Contender. Pretender. Da Bears. The Packers. Not necessarily in that order. One sitting at 9-3 atop the NFC North. (The horror ... the horror ...) The other, a half game behind at 8-3-1. But which team is really the better one? And which will emerge as the bona fide leader of the NFL and begin to separate a bit from the others as we head down the final stretch of the season? Yeah, a game with big consequences. Not a be-all, end-all. But with four out of the next five  games (including this one) in the division and two of those versus these same Bearz, this begins crunch time for playoff seeding, a first round bye, wild card, all that.

Da Bearz come into this game as a team not to be overlooked. They are atop the standings for a good reason, namely they create turnovers which has helped them cover up a number of glaring deficiencies. As Mina Kimes pointed out recently, Chicago is "leading the NFL with 26 takeaways, including 17 interceptions. But this is a boom-or-bust strategy. The Bears are 8-0 when they force at least two turnovers, but 1-3 when they create one or fewer takeaways." Digging into that stat further, she noted "The Bears' defense — dead last in success rate versus throws of 15 yards or more."

So, two things: the Packers have only had seven turnovers all season, including four fumbles. Packers QB Jordan Love has thrown only three interceptions. And when he throws downfield, he has had a good success rate, especially now that WR Christian Watson is back on the field. Dontayvion Wicks has also come on recently, especially with his big game on Thanksgiving.

Look for Packers WR Jayden Reed to be back

in the lineup against Da Bearz.

(Photo via Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)

The Packers will also likely have wide receivers Jayden Reed and Matthew Golden available for the game against Chicago, as well as LB Quay Walker. Unfortunately, as Packers fans know, DT Devonte Wyatt is lost for the remainder of the season with an injury suffered in the win over the Lions. At the beginning of the season, Kenny Clark and Wyatt were the two guys being counted on to stuff the run. Now, neither is on the field, one via trade and the other via injury. That leaves a large hole in the defensive line which some young and recently-signed players are expected to fill. Per this article by Tom Silverstein in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "... rookies Warren Brinson and Nazir Stackhouse will have to play meaningful snaps, along with newcomer Jordon Riley, to fill the void. The 6-foot-5, 338-pound Riley was signed off the Giants’ practice squad for one reason. “Run game, man,” Riley said. “I’m here to stop the run, especially this week with Chicago.” Even though he’ll have had just three days of practice, Riley should be active against the Bears."

With Chicago's running success in their last game on the road versus the Eagles — two running backs each with more than 100 yards rushing! — it could be a test for the Packers run-stopping defense which, let's be honest, has been hit and miss over the course of this season although in the game versus Detroit the Pack held Jahmyr Gibbs (the league’s No. 4 rusher) to 68 yards on 20 carries, and David Montgomery to eight carries for just 32 yards. Detroit is still primarily running the Ben Johnson offense which he brought with him to Chicago in his first year as head coach. So the Packers had a bit of a trial run against that offense on Thanksgiving. So there's that.

Bottom line: the way for the Packers to beat Da Bearz is for the Packers defense to stop the run and force the ball into QB Caleb Williams' hands while also keeping him from scrambling and beating you with his legs. Oh, did we note that Williams pass completion percentage is under 60 percent, which even Johnson noted was an element of their game that they were viewing as winning not because of but "in spite of". Hope you get that. By the way, Williams' favorite receiving target, Rome Odunze, is listed as out for the game. That's huge. Odunze is his security blanket. Will he now look more to his tight ends? Dump offs to the backs? Will be interesting to see the adjustments in the Chicago game plan as well as what Williams does when protection breaks down and he's about to get sacked by Micah Parsons. The game within the game, so to speak.

You can bet that Chicago will do their collective best to keep Jordan Love and the Pack offense on the bench. The best way to counter that approach, along with the Packers defense clamping down on Da Bearz running game, is for the Packers to get off to a fast start and have the "All gas, no brakes" mentality on both sides of the ball for a full 60 minutes.

Making Da Bearz play from behind puts the Pack in the driver's seat given Williams' issues. When Chicago stays close, they can pull off some late-minute heroics (remember the Pack's three-point losses to Cleveland and Carolina?). Da Bearz point differential — +6 — for a team with 9 wins is anemic. Again, all those takeaways have worked in their favor. Defensively, they are ranked towards the bottom of the league in a number of categories. Can't let them stay close. Need to put them away early and not let up.

An overlooked factor in the game today is the punting weapon for the Packers named Daniel Whelan. He's got a powerful leg (a 72-yard official yardage punt vs. the Lions ... yes, indoors, but still ...) and can definitely flip the field to the Packers advantage. We must also mention kicker Brandon McManus who seems to have rectified his accuracy issues since coming back from his quad injury. The one remaining issue is that he has been having trouble putting his kickoffs in the so-called "landing zone" and has been putting them into the opponent's end zone, which then brings the ball out to the 35-yard line. Not great. Can't give Da Bearz that kind of free yardage to start their possessions.

The Prediction

The Packers are currently favored by 6-1/2 points at the time of this writing. That seems like a lot for a game of this kind. But ... maybe not?

The playing conditions need to be factored in. It's December. In Green Bay. With a 3:25 p.m. CT kickoff and temps ranging from about 17 degrees down to about 11 degrees when the game ends, it will make the ball hard and slick. Runners and receivers will need to take extra care of the ball. Kickers and punters will need to be sure-footed, as will linemen, linebackers and defensive backs. A slip can make the difference between a win and a loss. But it's the same for both sides, as they say. Still, to get his team acclimated, head coach Matt LaFleur had his team practice outside all week. Can't hurt. Other than the possible frostbite.

We're calling it Packers 31 - Da Bearz 24. There's the contender and pretender order.

Go Pack Go!!!

NFL Week 13: Packers vs. Lions Thanksgiving Day Preview & Prediction

Before having a quick look at the Turkey Day extravaganza in Detroit, let's have a brief look back at this past Sunday's beat down of the ViQueens at Lambeau Field. The synopsis: the Packers won in dominating fashion behind a run-centric offense led by backup RB Emanuel Wilson, a pound-the-first-year-starting-quarterback defense, and a game-changing special teams play that turned the game on its head.

Do we need to say anything further? You know about all these things already if you are a Packers fan. And if you are reading this blog, you definitely are!

For the second week in a row, we also had the margin of victory correct, albeit again with a difference of 7 points on either end of the prediction, 23-6 final vs. the 30-13 prediction. Not bad.

Will we see a similar game plan offensively on Thursday? We hope not, frankly. Defensively, we'll definitely take the sacks, pressures and turnover the Packers generated. And if we can get a special teams play that turns the game, well, that would be just fine, as well. Because we expect this to be a close one. Let's take a look.

Packers fans hope to see QB Jordan Love successfully opening

up the passing game today vs. the Lions.

(Photo via the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)

The Preview

Let's begin with the Packers having RB Josh Jacobs return to the backfield. They rested him vs. Minnesota to give him a few extra days to get healthy for this Detroit game, with a longer break afterward to recover before the next game against Da Bearz. Of course, Wilson proved on Sunday that he can carry the full load once again if Jacobs is limited. We expect a mix of Jacobs and Wilson depending upon the flow and needs of the game, with head coach Matt LaFleur hopefully scheming and maximizing the strengths of each.

While not having their full complement of receivers available (see the injury report below), there will be enough to give Detroit problems. This assumes, of course, that the Pack's offensive line is stout enough to not only have the running game be effective but to also protect Jordan Love. Recall that Love has a left shoulder separation, according to reports, from taking that unnecessary hit on a scramble a couple weeks ago. He didn't even do handoffs using the left hand during Sunday's game, opting for doing it all with his right hand only. Now, as the game evolved, the bulk of the offense wound up featuring the running game. LaFleur actually said for the first time ever that he called the same running play five times in a row because Minnesota just couldn't stop it (Lombardi would have loved that!).

Against the Lions, however, the air attack will need to ramp up considerably. With WR Christian Watson now seemingly stepping into that Receiver 1 role since coming back from his ACL injury, both downfield and in other patterns, this helps open the door for other receivers, as well. And keep in mind, too, that Jacobs is also a very capable receiver and perhaps an even better run-after-the-catch threat that can be used out of the backfield. Yes, TE Tucker Kraft is not returning this season, and TE Luke Musgrave hasn't taken advantage of his opportunities, with the other tight ends appearing to be used more in recent weeks.

Along the offensive line, it appears that rookie and second round draft pick Anthony Belton may have beaten out Jordan Morgan for the right guard spot. After a bit of rotation in the first half on Sunday, Belton was at the spot the entire second half and did a very good job moving people off the line, opening holes for Wilson, and usually giving Love enough time to execute the limited passing plays that were called. We'd expect to see him start at the position today.

Defensively, the Packers will just need to keep doing what they've been doing, i.e., get after the quarterback. Lions QB Jared Goff, statistically, is very good when he is not under pressure but is, statistically, not so great when he is pressured. If the Packers can do against Detroit what they did against Minnesota they will go a long way to increasing the chances for a Packers win. 

One of the facets of the Packers defense, however, that still needs tightening up — in Week 13! — is the run defense. Lions RB Jahmyr Gibbs has been having a good season overall. You don't want to let him have explosive runs for big yardage, take the pressure off Goff and help the Lions control the time of possession. If the Packers come out the way they did in Week 1 against this same team, the result should also be the same.

Packers who are out for the today game include DL Karl Brooks, WR Jayden Reed (darn it!), DE Lukas Van Ness (again) and WR Savion Williams. Players currently listed as questionable include WR Matthew Golden, CB Nate Hobbs, CB Keisean Nixon, and LB Quay Walker. The Lions will also be missing some players, especially along the offensive line which should open up plenty of opportunities for DE Micah Parsons et al to get after Goff.

If the defense can contain Gibbs and get after Goff ... game, set, match.

The Prediction

The Lions are 2-1/2 point favorites at the time of this writing and according to one metric have about a 54 percent chance of beating the Packers. Really.

Yes, we, too, figure this will be a tight and close game...perhaps another one of those where the last team to possess the ball will win...or not. Hope not. But with the Pack sitting at 7-3-1 and the Lions at 7-4, it is a toss up. Either the Packers will be in first place (assuming Da Bearz lose on Friday to the Eagles) or in third in the NFC North depending upon the outcome of this game. We prefer first place, don't you?

While most pundits are giving this one to the Lions, we're calling this one Packers 24 - Lions 23.

Go Pack Go!!!

2025 NFL Week 12: Packers vs. Vikings Preview & Prediction

After two frustrating home losses, the Pack got back on the winning side of the ledger with their trip to the Meadowlands to take on the NY Giants last weekend. With a final score of 27-20, the Packers did what they needed to do against an inferior opponent.

Of course, as we know, so far this season the Packers have played down to the level of their opponents. Many reasons for that, but at least during the second half of the Giants game, head coach Matt LaFleur took the reins off the offense a bit and allowed QB Jordan Love the opportunity to go downfield, with good results. Now, there were still far too many dropped passes by both offense and defense, but in the end they did enough to win by 7. We had predicted a final score of 20-13 so we had the margin correct just not the tally. So it goes.

Let's now take a look at Sunday's game at Lambeau Field against the ViQueens ... the first of five NFC North Division games in the final remaining seven games of the season. Like many, we're of the view that backloading this many division games is not a great thing for the schedule. But it is what it is and it will definitely determine playoff seedings.

Unfortunately, Packers RB Josh Jacobs is

not available for  today's game against Minnesota.

(Photo via Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)

The Preview

The ViQueens swept the Packers in last season's two matchups, and they have won two straight at Lambeau Field. That's just wrong on so many levels, isn't it, Packer fans? Of course, they had a better quarterback than J.J. McCarthy directing the offense then, too.

The young QB, as most do, is struggling; he may yet turn into a good QB but right now ... not so much. Let's pray his coming out party isn't today. If the Packers want to get some takeaways today, McCarthy should be good for an INT or two. The Vikes aren't horrible, of course, they do have playmakers. And, as we all too well know ... the Packers seems to have it in them so far this season to let lesser opponents hang around far too long and give them the opportunity to win with a field goal.

We don't see that happening today.

There are now seven games remaining in the regular season, five of which including today, as we noted earlier, will be against NFC North Division opponents. This is where you can make or break your season.

Luckily for the Packers, since becoming the starting QB, Jordan Love has really come on in the second half of the season...right where we find ourselves. That started to emerge last weekend vs. the Giants. It should continue today, with or without Josh Jacobs at running back. (The early word is Jacobs is out, as are LB Quay Walker and WR Matthew Golden among the notable inactives.)

Love will have nearly a full array of receiving targets available today. Emanuel Wilson and Chris Brooks will share the running back duties. Matt LaFleur should be able, based upon last week's game and the unavailability of Jacobs, to open up the game plan more than he has in the earlier portion of the season. Granted, the issues with the offensive line are still there. But play-action and going deep earlier in the game to stretch the defense can help the running game, too. And might we see a special package or two for backup QB Malik Willis if the situation warrants it? Don't be surprised after what Willis again showed in very limited playing time last weekend when Love was out for a few plays with a left shoulder injury.

The Prediction

The current odds favor the Pack by 6-1/2 points. If the Packers defense plays as they have, and both receivers and defensive backs catch the ball when it comes their way, the Pack should win this one. And it shouldn't come down to whether or not now-beleaguered and still semi-injured (?) kicker Brandon McManus can make a field goal or extra point. We see the Packers taking this game with rounding-into-form play on both sides of the ball. In Week 12, it's about time, right?

We're calling this game Packers 30 - ViQueens 13.

Go Pack Go!!!

2025 NFL Week 11: Packers vs. Giants Preview & Prediction

Well, Packers fans, that Monday night game versus the Eagles at Lambeau Field worked out as we predicted but not as we hoped. And the score was lower, as well: 10-7. Oy. Philly took it. Or did the Packers give it away? Honestly, until the Packers offense begins playing as expected that question about giving the game away will be an ongoing one. A defense that holds opposing offenses to 26 points across two games with an offense scoring just 20. Maddening.

As former Super Bowl-winning quarterback and MVP Kurt Warner noted when asked about what's ailing the Packers by ESPN sportscaster Rich Eisen, Warner said the Pack had a lot of injuries at key positions on the offensive side of the ball. Granted, he also noted, everybody has injuries so that can't be an excuse. But it does offer context. He also thought that it seemed to him Jordan Love is going through perhaps four or five progressions when he could probably eliminate two or three of those at the line of scrimmage when reading the defense so he could get the ball out faster. He also said he saw a couple instances where Love had an open receiver that he's looking at directly, but then tries to throw to a different receiver rather than taking what's right there.

Wondering what the instructions are that head coach and play-caller Matt LaFleur is giving to Love? It seems as if Love is operating as close to whatever the script is as possible ... instead of letting it rip as was the instruction in late 2023 when Love's play was incredible. He still has the arm, he still has the ability ... what maybe he doesn't have — for whatever reason — is the confidence of the head coach ...? This is now part of the conversation around LaFleur, Love and the offensive impotence we've seen especially in the last two games.

Anyway, enough about what was (and perhaps is). Let's look at Sunday's game against the NY Giants.

The Packers need to see RB Josh Jacobs and other playmakers

crossing the goal line today vs. the Giants.

(Photo by Dan Powers/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin)

The Preview

The Giants are 2-8 coming into this game and after firing their head coach. But they still have four first-round draft picks on the defensive line. So if their performance is mixed as it seems to have been in most games this season, the Packers jerry-rigged offensive line may have opportunities to create some running lanes — wouldn't that be nice? — and provide pass protection to QB Jordan Love who, let's admit it, for whatever reason(s) in the last two games has been like a deer in the headlights. Whether LaFleur doesn't trust his mega-millions QB to operate the offense and "let it rip" or Love is second-guessing himself, something has to change.

Granted, the offensive line challenges for the Packers this season have been of the higher order. Center Elton Jenkins is now out for the season due to a torn ACL and fractured fibula suffered in last week's game. Sean Rhyan is now at center. Moving parts once again because it's not just one guy. Of course, the "deep" wide receiving room was almost scraping the bottom of the barrel last game; WR Bo Melton who had been moved to cornerback was moved back to wide receiver and was targeted on multiple occasions by Love with minimal success. On a crucial 4th-and-6 play late in the game Love hit him cleanly in what would have kept a drive and go-ahead opportunity alive. Instead, Melton never got his hands in position to catch the pass; hit him right in the shoulder pads. Basically, it was game over given the ineptitude of the play-calling and execution for the night. Fortunately, there will be a few better options at receiver in today's game.

But this also raises the question of why LaFleur brought out the still-injured kicker Brandon McManus to try a 64-yarder to tie the game as time ran off the clock after turning down earlier opportunities at shorter distances to use him, going for it on 4th down when a healthy kicker would have been the preferred option. Perhaps as a result of McManus missing field goals in each of the 3 games since his return (and coincidentally being 1-2 in those games with missed field goals playing a role in the two losses), he is listed as doubtful for today's game. Good thing the Packers kept the franchise record-holder, Lukas Havrisik, on the roster...just in case. Look for Havrisik to try to salvage the Pack's kicking game today.

The Prediction

The Packers are favored by 7 at the time of this writing. Oddsmakers are obviously factoring the Pack's defense to handle Giants backup quarterback Jameis Winston, who’s replacing Jaxson Dart who is out with a concussion. Winston has a strong arm but is prone to INTs. Plus, the Giants are without their top receiver and running back. Now, we've been there before, facing a team or teams who were without their top whatevers. Result? Packers still lost. It's a disturbing trend.

Still, this is one of those "get right" games for the Packers. They need this win before entering their three-game stretch against NFC North division rivals. Things don't get any easier from there, either.

The Pack needs this game to re-establish (establish?) their mojo.

We're call it Packers 20 - Giants 13. Yes, that's the combined score for the Pack from their prior two games combined. While it could be argued they should be scoring 20 in a half, we'll take it at this point for a game and a win.

Go Pack Go!!!