2024 NFL Week 11: Packers vs Bears Preview & Prediction

Coming off the Packers Week 10 Bye, it's now that most special time of the year: Bears Week. Or, more accurately, it has been Bears Week all week, hasn't it? Now, we are on the cusp of the first of the two 2024 regular season games against that NFC North Division rival from south of the (Wisconsin) border: Da Bearz. Eeewww. We know. It is truly the longest-standing rivalry in the NFL, although it may not have felt like it for Chicago fans as Packers head coach Matt LaFleur hasn't yet lost to Da Bearz in his tenure in Green Bay: 10 straight wins. Will that streak continue today? More on that in a bit.

So the Packers have had a chance to get rested, especially one Jordan Love, i.e., the starting quarterback for the Packers. According to him, he stated in interviews he is probably as close to 100 percent as he has been since the opening game where he sustained the MCL sprain in his left knee. After being sidelined with that for two games, as we know, he then sustained a groin injury that has hindered his mobility and accuracy. One could say it has forced him, in his mind, to try to make plays where he shouldn't; i.e., some ill-decided throws which turned into interceptions and points for the opponents. Hopefully, with his body more right his head will be more right as well in his decision-making. The Packers need Love to be more like the second-half of last season Love than the first. That can start today against Da Bearz.

Oh, and during the downtime, Packers GM Brian Gutekunst traded away longtime veteran DE Preston Smith, ostensibly to give some of the younger players more playing time. To be fair, Smith's playing time and impact have been on the downturn this season. So...it was time. Thank you for your service, Mr. Smith. As some pundits speculate, the coaches et al must be seeing something on the part of the young defensive linemen that lead them to conclude they will be just fine moving on from Smith at this time. The end result will hopefully be a reenergized defensive line effort. As Packer fans know all too well, the pass rush in the first half of the season has not been all it should be. Not a lot of sacks. Time to get that turned around. And Da Bearz are just what the doctor ordered after they gave up nine sacks in their most recent game against the Patriots. Chicago's rookie QB, Caleb Williams, may have first-overall-pick talent, but he can't do much if he's lying flat on his back.

Let's get on to a preview of the game, shall we? (Oh, before we go on to the second half of the 2024 season schedule, we should note that in our preseason prediction we had the Packers record at 6-3 at this stage ... in fact, exactly where they currently stand. Well done, us! No applause, just throw money. Thank you.)

A throwback pic: Packers head coach Vince Lombardi and his team before a game against the Bears in 1963 at Wrigley Field in Chicago. Yes, Wrigley Field. The most historic rivalry in the NFL resumes Nov. 17, 2024, at Soldier Field.

(Photo via Milwaukee Journal Sentinel files)

The Preview

Let's start with the Packers. As noted above, the Pack now sits at 6-3. Two of those losses, regrettably, are against division rivals Minnesota and Detroit. So picking up a win in Chicago would be a plus, not only in the division but also in terms of overall NFL standings. Gotta stay in the hunt for the playoffs, if not as winner of the division — which seems possible but not probable at this point — then as a wildcard team.

It's pretty much all hands on deck for the Pack today. The only players ruled out on the latest injury report are rookie RB MarShawn Lloyd and rookie OT Jordan Morgan. Lloyd has not had the rookie season he or the Packers had hoped for when he was selected in the third round of the 2024 NFL Draft. A twisted ankle early on and then lingering hamstring issues have kept him on the sidelines. It appeared earlier in the week that he would finally be available for this game ... until Friday when he awoke not feeling well. Turned out it was appendicitis. So his return in a few weeks or at all this season is a question mark. Morgan had been making progress and making spot performances. So his absence today is a hit to an already thin offensive line, at least in terms of reliable backups. In fact, the Packers placed Morgan on injured reserve Saturday and elevated CB Robert Rochel to the game-day roster. The other question mark for today is CB Jaire Alexander who is questionable with a lingering knee issue. Other players have this and that and are listed as questionable. DL Colby Wooden, who has been making an impact in spot play, is listed as doubtful.

For Chicago, they'll likely be missing a couple starting offensive linemen again this week, which certainly should help the Packers get to Williams today. DE Montez Sweat is listed as questionable with an ankle injury but we would expect him to play.

Keep in mind that Packers RB Josh Jacobs should help set the tone today. If the Pack can get the running game going early on that should allow coach LaFleur to open up his full offensive scheme, keeping Chicago on their heels. And if defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley can dial up the pressure from his front on Caleb Williams, Green Bay's turnover margin should increase accordingly.

There's been a little bit of smack talk — shocking! — between Packers S Xavier McKinney and Chicago WR DJ Moore. Let's see what comes of that on the field. Our money is on McKinney if push comes to shove ... which it very well might. Stay tuned. 

The bottom line is that Chicago is going nowhere after what seemed like a fast 4-2 start that fizzled as they now find themselves at 4-5 after a three-game losing streak. They fired their offensive coordinator earlier this week. Yeah, like that'll solve Chicago's problems.

The Packers have more weapons and talent on both sides of the ball than Da Bearz. The Pack have the playoffs in front of them. But they must take care of business. And that's what this trip to Chicago today is all about: TCB, as Elvis would say. (And, yes, Elvis has left the building.) Gotta show up and play the game. Do not take Da Bearz for granted.

Will weather play a role in today's game? It may have an impact: both teams may be dealing with some wind and rain today. Winds are forecast at 10-15 mph, while the chance of rain is near 30 percent. Sounds as if this would likely affect kickers more than anything else if both were to come to pass. We don't see this game as coming down to a field goal differential, so weather should not present a major problem.

The Prediction

The Packers are now favored by 5-1/2 points over Chicago at the time of this writing, down from 6-1/2 earlier in the week. Not sure what moved the line other than the oddsmakers figure Da Bearz desperation may lead them to an upset win at home? Not. Going. To. Happen.

The Pack will take care of business today, despite this being — as seemingly always with Chicago — their Super Bowl. According to PFF, with a win today the Packers have an 80 percent chance of making the playoffs; with a loss, that chance drops to 48 percent. We prefer the 80 percent, thank you very much.

And with all due respect to my friend, Billy Da Bearz Fan, who offered a "prediction" of Bearz 19 - Packers 18 ... not ... going ... to ... happen. Jackie Da Bearz Fan's Wife (and Packers fan ... yes, it happens), was much more realistic, offering a prediction of Packers 27 - Bearz 6. That's better. Much better. And why we love Jackie.

We're calling it Packers 30 - Da Bearz 13.

Go Pack Go!!!

2024 NFL Week 10: Packers Bye Week!

Week off. Enjoy, Packers fans. And players ... get healthy. Especially lookin' at you, Jordan Love!

See you next week.

2024 NFL Week 9: Packers vs. Lions Preview & Prediction

The Lions come to Lambeau.

But first, a quick recap of last weekend's win at Jacksonville. Real quick. Because I was traveling and unable to actually see the game. (I know, I know...) Only heard afterwards that QB Jordan Love left the game with a groin injury and backup extraordinaire Malik Willis stepped in and implemented a game-winning field goal drive in the closing seconds. Kicker Brandon McManus booted his second game-winning field goal since being signed to the Packers a few weeks ago. In other words, a win. And that's what it's all about.

The Packers are now 6-2 and the above-mentioned 6-1 Detroit Lions visit Lambeau Field today with the NFC North lead on the line, as well as potential playoff seedings down the road. Not a disaster if the Pack drops this one. But we all know a win is better than a loss no matter at what point of the season.

A blast from the past: Packers running back Ryan Grant takes it to the Lions in 2007 at Lambeau Field. The Packers won 34-13. The running game will factor strongly into today's game as windy and rainy weather is expected and QB Jordan Love may be limited in his mobility.

(Photo by Rick Wood / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)

The Preview

Arguably, the two top teams in the NFC face off at Lambeau Field in Green Bay today for the first of their two divisional games. Both come into this game on winning streaks; the Packers have won four straight games, the Lions five. So something will give there.

Both teams have injuries at key positions. The Lions top defensive player, DE Aidan Hutchinson, is out for the season after suffering a broken leg against Dallas a couple weeks ago. The Packers QB, Jordan Love, after sustaining a sprained MCL in his left knee in the season opener and missing two games, last week sustained a groin injury during the game at Jacksonville and had to be replaced by backup Malik Willis who has done nothing but win in his three appearances for the Pack. Love is listed as questionable and a game-time decision. Also listed as questionable for the Packers are CB Jaire Alexander (knee), RB Josh Jacobs (ankle) and cornerback Corey Ballentine (ankle). C Josh Myers (wrist) is doubtful to play and S Evan Williams (hamstring) is out. Myers being out will require a shift of players along the O-line and that could be of benefit to Detroit.

The Lions have top-level, tough, offensive and defensive units and are a reflection of their head coach, Dan Campbell. They have been putting up points behind QB Jared Goff. Getting pressure on him today will be key to the Packers being in and winning this game. One point of note is that (if memory serves) this is Goff's first outdoor game this season. And the conditions are not going to be conducive (according to weather forecasts) even to a QB such as Love who plays outdoors most of the time. This could also open up opportunities for the Pack's very opportunistic defense to generate a takeaway or two, which could be the difference in today's game. But the Packers defense also needs to be on-guard against the Lions trick plays; no team does them more often — or goes for first downs on fourth downs — like Detroit. Be ready!

Regardless of Love's mobility today, the O-line is going to need to keep him upright and in the pocket so he can make his reads and on-target throws. And if Love can't go today, Willis — and a separate game plan — will have to step up as he has in all three of his prior appearances. That effort, for either quarterback, will be aided greatly by having a balanced run-pass game plan and giving the ball to RB Josh Jacobs to chew up yardage and the clock as often as circumstances allow.

Bottom line is that this game will be a grinder, especially for the Packers. Need to prevent turnovers and generate a takeaway or two. With a bye next weekend, the Pack can leave it all on the field today and have an extra week to get healthy.

The Prediction

At the time of this writing, the Lions are favored by 2-1/2 over the Packers with the over-under set at 45-1/2 points. Both sound about right. And, really, who are we to argue?

We think the weather will hold down scoring a bit, which seems to be factored into the total points for the over-under.

We're calling it Packers 24 - Lions 23.

Go Pack Go!!!

2024 NFL Week 8: Packers vs. Jaguars Preview & Prediction

Before we get into the preview and prediction for this weekend's game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, here's a quick review of last Sunday's match up between the Packers and the Texans ... it was certainly closer than we thought it would be ... or that it needed to be, for that matter. But that's what three turnovers can do when you don't reciprocate in kind (for the first time this season).

It all came down to a last-second field goal by a veteran kicker — Brandon McManus — who was just signed to the team and arrived about two days beforehand replacing rookie Brayden "Wide Right" Narveson. McManus actually had to make that game-winning 45-yard field goal twice, as Houston called a timeout just as he kicked the first one. It was good. But didn't count. Had to do it all over again. While the first one was perfect on all counts — snap, hold, kick, down the middle — the second kick, oy: bad snap, recovery-mode hold by the punter, Daniel Whelan, with the ball appearing to start a bit to the left but it stayed inside the goalpost. Yowza! WHHHEEEWWW! That's the way to start your Packers career, Mr. McManus! And thank you for your service! (We wish Narvey well on his kicking career; big leg, just has to get the consistency thing down.)

It was also another opportunity for the Pack's rejuvenated defense to help pull a victory from the jaws of defeat in what was not, shall we say, one of QB Jordan Love's best games (2 INTs). The D kept Houston's sophomore standout QB C.J. Stroud under pressure all afternoon. Ten of Houston's 22 points came off Packers turnovers...and it could have been worse if the defense hadn't really buckled down in some key situations.

But a win is a win. And the Packers find themselves just a half game back at 5-2 in the race for the NFC North and, arguably, a Super Bowl contender. Still, lots to work on. Especially Love taking more after Rodgers and less like Favre in terms of taking care of the ball. But let's enjoy that exciting 'Winter Warning' win and look at the upcoming game against the Jaguars in Jacksonville.

Packers TE Tucker Kraft gets down and funky while making a catch against Houston last Sunday. He's really becoming a breakout star for his blocking and receiving capabilities this season.

(Photo by Wm. Glasheen USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin)

The Preview

First, in the interests of disclosure, we must note that we are writing this post mid-week instead of on the weekend as usual because of other weekend commitments; likely won't even see the game until replays. And, of course, final injury reports are premature at this point. As of Wednesday, Quay Walker, Corey Ballentine, Josh Myers and Elgton Jenkins did not practice. DT Devonte Wyatt did return to practice after missing three games due to injury. Defensive lineman Jonathon Ford was elevated off the practice squad on Monday perhaps to provide additional depth depth just in case Wyatt can't go again this week. Walker sustained a concussion early in the game last week and is still in the concussion protocol. If he can't go, veteran LB Eric Wilson more than stepped up to the challenge in replacing him; he had himself a heckuva game. Beyond that, the Packers good luck on the health front seems to be holding steady, although any hits to the offensive line would not be to Love's or the Pack's advantage. But right now, it seems as if all hands should be good to go (Let us pray...).

For the Jags, offensive lineman Cam Robinson is in the concussion protocol, so who knows whether he will be available or not. RB Travis Etienne missed their game last weekend with a hamstring injury. Again, who knows?

The Jags are 2-5 and, well, not great. QB Trevor Lawrence is an up-and-down talent, it seems. Big arm, lots of possibilities and occasional big plays. Just not the consistency I'm sure the Jags coaches and fans have been waiting for. The only way we see Jacksonville staying in the game is if the Packers let them...through turnovers by the offense and special teams and/or the defense not playing up to their abilities. Jordan Love should have a big day against this Jacksonville secondary as long as he doesn't try to force things the way we have seen since his return from injury; we need more second-half of last season Love rather than first-half. Keep spreading the ball around, push it downfield when it's there, and try to get RB Josh Jacobs at least 20 carries in the game.

The Prediction

At the time of this writing (see above) the Packers are favored by 4-1/2 points with an over-under of 51 points. While the Jags need to win to turn their season around in a bad AFC, the Packers need a win to stay in touch with the ViQueens and Lions who are each now a half-game up in the standings. And, of course, to stay ahead of Da Bearz (ewwwww).

We're calling this game Packers 34 - Jaguars 17.

Go Pack Go!!!

2024 NFL Week 7: Packers vs. Texans Preview & Prediction

Last weekend, Packers fans, Green Bay played its most complete and balanced game so far this season beating the Cardinals 34-13. The Pack dominated Arizona on both sides of the ball. QB Jordan Love threw for 258 yards, 4 TDs and 1 INT (the latter coming after a slip by the receiver). Total yardage for the Packers amounted to 437 compared to 303 for Arizona. The rushing attack amounted to 179 total yards for Green Bay compared to 89 for the Cardinals. The Pack's defense also continued its takeaway binge, recovering 3 fumbles by Arizona and also getting an interception (by Xavier McKinney, of course). The Packers dominated time of possession by nearly a full quarter.

A great win, especially against a team that had just the week before beaten the Packers' kryptonite team, the 49ers.

So that was then. Now is now. Which brings us to the matchup Sunday between the 4-2 Packers and the 5-1 Houston Texans.

You won't be seeing the Packers in their traditional home colors today.

Instead, the Packers will be rolling out their new 'Winter Warning' color scheme.

For more looks, check out these views.

The Preview

This is a game many were looking forward to as it would showcase two hot young quarterbacks — Jordan Love and C.J. Stroud — and teams expected to compete not only for the playoffs but perhaps even the Super Bowl this season.

For the Packers, the Texans are coming to Lambeau Field at an opportune time. Based upon the latest injury reports available, the Packers are expected to be pretty much all-hands-on-deck, with only DL Devonte Wyatt, and TE Luke Musgrave, who was previously placed on the IR list, out. Conversely, the Texans come to town a bit beat up and without several of their key players both on offense and defense which plays to the Pack's advantage.

Jordan Love, as evidenced by his performance vs. the Cardinals, seems to be nearly over his MCL knee sprain, although he will still be wearing a brace on the left knee for protection. WR Romeo Doubs, despite whatever was going on with him the week he was suspended, returned with a subdued vengeance catching two TD passes from Love. WR Christian Watson also seemed to be past his ankle sprain, lengthening the field for a huge and wide open TD pass. RBs Josh Jacobs and Emanuel Wilson continue to get the yards on the ground.

Defensively, the Packers are thriving on and benefitting from takeaways. The linebackers and secondary are making plays. Most fans are still waiting for the defensive line to exert more pressure on the opposing quarterbacks. But keep in mind this is the first season under new defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley's 4-3 scheme. It seems over the last few games particularly that he is devising different schemes as he has become more familiar with what his personnel are capable of. So perhaps we'll see more pressure on Stroud who, like Kyler Murray last week, is one of those run-pass threats that has so often given the Packers fits. The key will be containing him. In doing so, the Packers defense will also have to stop Houston's running backs, particularly Joe Mixon. While WR Stefon Diggs will be available for Stroud, Robert Woods is out. So not his full complement of weapons, shall we say. On defense, Houston will be shorthanded at linebacker and in the secondary, which should play to Love's advantage over the course of the game.

If there's any question mark in this game it is, we have to say, the kicking game. Oy. It's been a dumpster fire since the Packers opted to let Mason Crosby walk away. The Packers are now on their third active kicker...actually, they have had seven kickers in the building from preseason till now and, as U2 might say, they "still haven't found what they're looking for". I repeat: oy. The team parted ways this past week with rookie kicker, "Wide Right" Brayden Narveson, and signed veteran Brandon McManus. He has kicked in a Super Bowl, so there's that. You can read all about McManus here. Let's hope he can bring the consistency that Narveson et al were unable to bring in their appearances.

The Prediction

Looking at the records, one would probably give the nod to Houston. But the Packers are healthy and the Texans are not. Some may feel Stroud is the better QB over Love; we would not...a push at best.

With the Packers at full strength, the offense humming, and the defense feeling its mojo, we give them the advantage in this game.

Weather is not expected to be a factor; actually, the forecast is very good for this time of year.

The point spread is favoring the Pack by 2-1/2 points at the time of this writing.

We're call it Packers 34 - Texans 24.

Go Pack Go!!!

2024 NFL Week 6: Packers vs. Cardinals Preview & Prediction

The Packers got a big win in Los Angeles last weekend, 24-19. In fact, Packer fans, it was the team's first win against the Rams in LA since 1966 (courtesy of a lengthy stay by the Rams in St. Louis from 1995-2015, of course)! The game turned out to be a bit closer than it should have been, but the Pack found ways when it needed to to escape, coming home with a "W" instead of a "L".

At 3-2 going into the game against the 2-3 Cardinals — also a former St. Louis team, for those that remember (poor St. Louis!)...and, yes, they were in Chicago before that, too, for the history nerds out there! — the Packers are two games behind the 5-0 ViQueens in the NFC North. (Who would have imagined at this stage of the season Minnesota and Kansas City would be the remaining undefeated teams in the NFL?)

Let's look at this game vs. the Cards to see if the Pack can gain a bit on Minnesota during that team's bye week.

 

QB Jordan Love will continue his recovery from his left knee injury against AZ.

(Photo by Mark Hoffman/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)

The Preview

For starters, the Packers may have both wide receivers Christian Watson and Romeo Doubs once again available as pass-catching threats; Watson is listed as questionable on the injury report. Without them last weekend, the Pack did just fine, but having these additional threats available — particularly even the threat of Watson to stretch the field against a so-so Arizona defense — certainly opens things up even more for the Packers offense.

Unfortunately, Green Bay placed TE Luke Musgrave on IR late this week, resulting in them picking up TE John FitzPatrick from the Atlanta Falcons practice squad. Tucker Kraft has been the tight end of choice as the season has developed, helping not only with his blocking but receiving skills. FitzPatrick did participate in the team's Friday practice after arriving in Green Bay so he may find himself in a few select blocking sets and perhaps on special teams, as well. The Packers also elevated fullback Andrew Beck from their own practice squad. It would seem from these moves that the Packers are loading up on blocking to help establish and exploit the running game with Josh Jacobs and Emanuel Wilson to open up the passing game. It could be a lot of fun if that were to all fall into place...and not get hampered by offensive penalties as has been the bugaboo so far this season.

Another player expected to return for the Pack, although still listed as questionable on the Pack's injury report, is Jaire Alexander. Certainly, having him available to go against Cardinals WR Marvin Harrison Jr. would be a plus for the defense. He did have limited participation in practice this week so he should see action.

As for the Cardinals, things pretty much begin and end with QB Kyler Murray. He's one of those quarterbacks that have historically given the Packers fits — regardless of defensive coordinator: a run-pass threat on every offensive play. Much like Jalen Hurts in the first game of the season, the Packers need to keep Murray from beating them with his legs. But he's got a strong arm, too. Tough to defend. Has some weapons around him, particularly the aforementioned Harrison. Arizona also has a suitable running back in the relatively unknown (at least in these parts) James Conner. And the Cards defense — especially its red zone defense — hasn't been horrible; in fact, some analysts suggest it was the reason they went against the Niners last weekend on the road and came home with a 24-23 win.

While favored by 5 points at the time of this writing, this game is not a cake-walk for the Packers...no game is. In fact, Bill Huber who has covered the Pack since 2008, just wrote this article for Sports Illustrated entitled 'Three Reasons Why Packers Will Lose to Cardinals'. So while the Packers should win, especially at Lambeau Field, nothing is a given.

The Prediction

While the consensus generally has the Packers winning this game, as the above-linked article notes there are reasons to think otherwise. Clearly, if the Packers don't play to the level of which they are capable — especially on defense — Arizona could pull off the upset just as they did against the Niners.

We, however, feel that the Packers have the personnel and are showing the grit — yeah, grit — and growth to prevail. It might not always be pretty, and they may once again leave some points on the field (and have badly-time penalties) to make it closer than it should otherwise be. But assuming that the Packers can get out to an early lead and make the Cardinals a bit more one dimensional, the Pack will go to 4-2 on the season when the clock winds down to zero at the end of the 4th quarter.

We're calling it Packers 30 - Cardinals 24.

Go Pack Go!!!

P.S. Yes, we know that our Packers score would generally indicate three field goals among the scoring (OK, OK, or four TDs and a safety...happy now?!) in order to achieve the total. But we have to believe rookie K Brayden Narveson has worked on his "wide right" issues so it's not a crap shoot every time he kicks the ball. Today, if he gets three chances, he makes them.

2024 NFL Week 5: Packers vs Rams Preview & Prediction

Before we dive into a look at today's game vs. the Rams in LA, a word about out last week's loss at Lambeau to the ViQueens. That word is: oy. To expound: a horrible first half of football — down 28-0 at one point! — followed by a great second half-plus in which the Packers outscored Minnesota 29-3. That last "3", unfortunately, made the difference in the final score of 31-29. As we said, oy.

Now, it should also be noted that, while not placing the loss on the rookie kicker, Brayden Narveson did miss two first half field goals. Making just one would have made the difference between a win and a loss. Right now, Narvy has missed at least one field goal in each game, albeit one which was wiped off the board in the Tennessee game because of a Titans' penalty. And, also of note, each of his misses has been either off the right upright or wide right which indicates a mechanics issue more than anything else; hence, why the Packers are sticking with him. At least for now. They like his leg and his attitude. And, frankly, there just aren't that many good options out there right now in terms of replacing him. Not a great spot to be in unless the young man can make whatever mechanical corrections he needs to make. And fast.

But, as stated, it wasn't all on him. Not when you go down by four TDs in one half of play. The defense had no pass rush on MN QB Sam Darnold, who is having a career-resurrecting season so far. Give him time — as the Pack did last Sunday — and he will connect with his receivers. Advantage ViQueens. And, ultimately, despite Jordan Love finally warming up in the second half, there were just too many things wrong that led to too big of a hole to climb out of. Familiar things. Along with the missed kicks, there were far too many penalties once again. The lack of pressure on the opposing QB. You know the story by now.

What will be the story coming out of today's game in LA? Let's take a look at some possible story lines.

Packers RB Josh Jacobs should have a big game rushing against the LA Rams.

(Photo Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)

The Preview

Let's get the big news out of the way first: WR Romeo Doubs has been suspended by the Packers for today's game because of "conduct detrimental to the team", according to the official statement. He attended Wednesday's practice where the game plan for the upcoming game is presented to the team. Doubs was apparently unhappy with his role, perhaps not just for this game but because of how he has been used so far this season. He didn't attend Thursday's practice — team staff were sent to his home to check on him because he didn't even bother to notify the team he wasn't coming in — or Friday's. The Packers announced the suspension Saturday. So, with Christian Watson still out with his high ankle sprain, that leaves the wide receiving corps for today consisting of Jayden Reed, Dontayvion Wicks, Bo Melton and Malik Heath. They are certainly all capable of making big plays. Add in the tight ends and there will not be a noticeable drop off in production today despite Doubs' absence. Wish he was playing, but he's made his choice and the Packers made theirs. So it goes.

The rest of the look for today should play to the Packers advantage: the Pack is hitting LA at a time when the injury bug has really hit the Rams. The Packers should be able to get a good pass rush on QB Matthew Stafford if they decide to bring it...and they better because Stafford, given time in the pocket, can shred the defense like Darnold did last week. While we know that new defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley doesn't like to blitz out of his 4-3 scheme, he sure better make better uses of it than he did last week.

Offensively, the Packers should be able to take advantage of a beat up and bad Rams defense. RBs Josh Jacobs and Emanuel Wilson should find room to run and the receivers the Packers do have on the field should be able to find pass-catching lanes available. Let's leave it at that.

As for who is in and who is out for the Pack, according to packers.com: "The Packers have listed seven players as questionable for Sunday's game against the Los Angeles Rams. Those seven are cornerback Jaire Alexander (groin), linebacker Edgerrin Cooper (hip), guard/tackle Elgton Jenkins (knee), tackle/guard Jordan Morgan (shoulder), tight end Luke Musgrave (ankle), cornerback Carrington Valentine (ankle), and defensive lineman Jonathan Ford (ankle/injured reserve). Receiver Christian Watson (ankle) and receiver Romeo Doubs (personal) are doubtful after not practicing Thursday or Friday. Defensive lineman Devonte Wyatt (ankle) has been ruled out."

For the Rams, key players out for today are WR Cooper Kupp and DE Darrell Murchison. A few other key players, while not officially "questionable" on the injury report are listed as not practicing most recently. Will see how that goes.

The Prediction

A little factoid of history for you: the last time the Pack beat the Rams in Los Angeles was when Vince Lombardi was the head coach. Yowza! How can that be? Well, recall there was a long period of time when the Rams were headquartered in St. Louis. So there's that.

The Packers are favored by 3 points at the time of this writing with the over-under set at 49.

We think with Love having a full week of practice following shaking off some game-speed rust last weekend, that the Packers should bring a "W" back to Green Bay after the conclusion of today's game to go to 3-2 on the season.

We're calling it Packers 31 - Rams 24.

Go Pack Go!!!