Thursday, November 28, 2024

2024 NFL Week 13: Packers vs. Dolphins Thanksgiving Day Preview & Prediction

Happy Thanksgiving, Packer fans! Yes, we have much to be thankful for this day. And always. For starters, we have our breath. That's huge, right? After that, family, friends, being fans (and perhaps being owner-shareholders) of the most legendary franchise in the NFL: our Green Bay Packers. Amen.

Looking back to just a few days ago, we can also be thankful that the Pack finally did to the 49ers what the Niners have typically done to the Packers: beat them. And they did so in style, winning 38-10, with the largest margin of victory — 28 points! — in the long history of the match-up. Yay!

The Pack rode RB Josh Jacobs and his three TDs to the victory ... which may have even been put away before halftime had WR Christian Watson not dropped a 50+-yard surefire TD pass from QB Jordan Love. Watson! Frustrating. He can make some extraordinary catches, flashing inherent talent as he did the week prior against Da Bearz. And then he has these inexcusable drops. Still, among the remarkable receivers on this Packers squad, he remains really the only one that can stretch the field as quickly as he does. So have to keep going to him. No surprise there. Anyway ...

Packers QB Jordan Love launches a long ball in the game last Sunday vs. the 49ers. Can we expect a few more long balls tonight vs. the Dolphins? Stay tuned ...
(Photo via the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)


The Preview

As a result of the win this past Sunday, the Packers are now 8-3 going into this evening's Turkey Day game vs. the 5-6 Miami Dolphins at a reasonably cold (by Wisconsin standards ... or extremely cold by Miami standards) Lambeau Field. Which, in most divisions in the NFL would put the Pack in first place. But this season, the Pack still finds themselves behind the Lions and the ViQueens in the NFC North. Just have to keep on winning and the rest will take care of itself, i.e., playoff seeding. More on that as the season moves along to its final six games.

As for tonight's game, the temperature will be about 26 degrees at kickoff. Miami is 0-12, including playoffs, when the temperature is below 40 degrees. That should obviously play in the Packers favor. But as a few pundits have pointed out, that would typically be the case ... except for the fact that the Dolphins have a hot young QB by the name of Tua Tagovailoa. After yet again returning following what seems like his 100th concussion, Miami has gone 3-2, winning their last three games. On Sunday vs. the Patriots, Tua was 29 for 40 for 317 yards including four touchdowns; he was named AFC Offensive Player of the Week for his performance.

Tua has averaged between 28 and 40 pass attempts in each of his games back. Yeah, he wants to throw the ball. A lot. Will the cold affect his passing? Have to wait to see. Believe we saw somewhere that his hand size is actually pretty close to that of Aaron Rodgers which, if the case, means he should not have a problem hanging on to the ball. Although, as most cold-weather folks know, below-freezing cold can make the ol' pigskin slick. And if one is not used to that there can be issues both throwing and hanging on to the ball.

Of course, another reason he likes to throw a lot is that he has great targets to throw to: Odell Beckham Jr., Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle and Malik Washington. Miami is averaging 29 points per game with Tua at QB; the Packers are averaging 26.2 points this season.

Both teams will be missing a few key pieces. For the Dolphins, they will be without CB Kendall Fuller and LB Anthony Walker Jr. The Packers, unfortunately, will be without CB Jaire Alexander (once again), LB Edgerrin Cooper and WR Romeo Doubs. The Packers seem to know how to cover these gaps.

This will be an interesting game to see how the Packers attack the Miami defense and how the Green Bay defense defends against a dangerous passing QB. Can the Pack generate a consistent pass rush? (Tua doesn't run often, so getting to him in the pocket will be key to a win.) Can the defense cover some very good receivers on what projects to be a slick field at times? Can they get some takeaways on this cold evening? With a so-so rushing attack, can Miami do enough to keep the Packers defense guessing? Many questions, with the answers to play out soon.

The Prediction

This is a game that should go the Packers way: at home, on a cold evening, with most of the team's weapons on hand and both the offense and defense seemingly starting to click and play complementary football. But as we have seen all season long — and not just watching the Packers — there really are very few gimmee type games in the NFL this season.

The Packers are favored by 3-1/2 points at the time of this writing, with the over-under set at 47-1/2. Most pundits are seen the game as a close one and going with the "under".

We see the Packers winning this one. They dominated a beat-up San Francisco team four days ago. While not exactly facing the same swarm of injuries as the Niners, we are hoping the conditions tonight play out in the Packers favor and against Miami as has historically been the case.

We're calling it Packers 31 - Dolphins 20.

GO PACK GO!!!

Gobble gobble ....

Sunday, November 24, 2024

2024 NFL Week 12: Packers vs 49ers Preview & Prediction

Happy Football Sunday, Packer fans! Today, we have the Pack playing their West Coast kryptonite team, the San Francisco (more accurately, Santa Clarita) 49ers. At least this game is in Lambeau Field. Finally. More about this game in a second.

But we do have to first briefly take a look back at the win vs. Da Bearz in Chicago last weekend. Yowzers. That certainly was not the game we, most others, or apparently the Packers coaching staff saw coming. Shouldn't have been as close as a 20-19 last-second blocked field goal. In fact, in our preview for that game we boldly proclaimed that it would not come down to a field goal to decide the game. It did. Eeesh. But at least the Packers were on the right side of that block.

The Pack once again left points on the field in the red zone, a real nemesis for the offense in many games so far this season. That has to change. And the defense certainly was not prepared for Bearz rookie QB Caleb Williams to do as much running as he did. Not really a great game for the D, or for the adjustments during the game by the defensive coordinator for that matter.

But a win is a win no matter how ugly it may seem. A 7-3 record at this point ... not all bad. And today we take on the NFC West's last place 5-5 49ers. Let's take a look at that, shall we?

The Packers need to see an uptick in production from WR Dontayvion Wicks who so far hasn't lived up to expectations for this season. Today would be a good day for him to start clicking.
(Photo by Mark Hoffman/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)


Preview

Several pluses for the Packers going into this game: Jordan Love is looking healthy, the run game spearheaded by Josh Jacobs is game-changing, the "no-number-one" wide receiving corps is arguably the deepest in the NFL where any wideout or tight end (kudos to Tucker Kraft) can make a play at any time, the defense may bend but hasn't really broken all that often ... AND ... the Niners starting QB Brock Purdy and DE Nick Bosa have been ruled out for this game due to injuries. That's huge.

A downside for the Packers is that, yet again, CB Jaire Alexander is out for the game, as is LB Edgerrin Cooper. Both put a dent in the defense but the absence of Alexander is certainly the bigger hit and continues to be a long-term concern.

Of course, San Fran still has plenty of weapons to rely upon. They are the defending NFC champion, of course. But they have been off their game throughout the season. Still, they have to this point, despite their record, put up the same exact number of points as have the Packers: 250. But they have given up 9 points more overall to opposing teams than have the Packers. 

Will any of that matter today? Well, if the Packers past history with backup quarterbacks plays out once again today, the Niners could stick around. Or even win when everything says they shouldn't. And if the Packers defense lets RB Christian McCaffrey get rolling in and out of the backfield, it could be a long day. Even without Bosa causing havoc for the Pack's offense, head coach Matt LaFleur's game plan must also account for LB Fred Warner who can become a one-man wrecking crew if left unchecked.

And let's not forget: SF head coach Kyle Shanahan's record vs. Matt LaFleur is 4-2 (including going 3-0 in the playoffs) if memory serves. Trivia for you: since 2001, long before either coach was at the helm of their respective teams, the Packers haven’t defeated San Francisco in the postseason, going 0-5 over that time. Crikey.

Time to start writing a new story. Yes, it's not the playoffs. But it is a regular season home game against the team that has ended several promising seasons for the Packers before the Super Bowl.

It would be a great time for Love to have his first interception-free game of the season, for receivers to not have untimely drops, for Jacobs to continue tearing up defenses, for the defense to resume its takeaways propensity, and Packers field goals to be made without exception. Let us pray ... 

Prediction

The Packers are set as 5-point favorites as of the time of this writing. And seemingly most pundits are predicting the Pack to win. Both of those things make me nervous. Toss in facing a backup QB ... what lines up on paper isn't always what takes place on the field.

Still, this is a game the Packers should win given everything, setting up an at-home Thanksgiving eve game vs. the Dolphins. Imagine being 9-3 after that game! But that record starts today by going 8-3.

We're calling it Packers 27 - 49ers 23.

Go Pack Go!!!

Sunday, November 17, 2024

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!!!

Sunday, November 10, 2024

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.

Sunday, November 03, 2024

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!!!

Friday, October 25, 2024

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!!!

Sunday, October 20, 2024

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.


_03

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!!!