2025 NFL Week 10: Packers vs. Eagles Preview & Prediction

First things first: Boy, were we off regarding the Packers game vs. Carolina. Way off. Despite the obviously better talent, the Pack sure underperformed — as they did at Cleveland. Losing to teams you should beat is not a way to demonstrate a team's championship bona fides. Especially leading into a Monday night game against the defending Super Bowl Champion Philadelphia Eagles...the team that smacked the Packers down not once but twice last season.

So, why is it that the Packers seem to play down to the level of a supposedly lesser team? Perhaps playing not to lose? Failing to make adjustments? Missed opportunities, lack of turnovers, special teams glitches...? Now, losing emerging star TE Tucker Kraft during the game and, as it turns out, for the rest of the season to a torn ACL, had an impact on a game plan that probably ran a good chunk through him certainly had a negative effect. But, really, scoring a grand total of 23 points combined vs. Cleveland and Carolina? C'mon. This offense should be able to score more than that in one game even in their sleep.

Especially when the defense holds the opposing two teams to a total of 29 points ... although, admittedly, not getting critical late stops as the games wound down and allowing long field goals as the clock runs out ... can't ... do ... that. It's a concerning trend. Getting gutted up the middle is a formula for defeat ... especially against one of the game's top running backs.

The Packers have some issues. One of the surest ways to rectify that situation is to get a statement win at Lambeau Field tonight vs. the Eagles. So let's take a quick look at what we might expect.

This is a scene Packers fans hope to not see often this evening. Philly RB

Saquon Barkley was a killer for the Packers defense last season. He's not

off to the same start as last year, but with a run defense that's been gashed by

lesser rushers, the Pack has to focus on containing him tonight.

(Photo by Bill Streicher Imagn Images)

The Preview

Here we are in Week 10 of the 2025 NFL season and do we really know who this Packers team is? Sure, the record of 5-2-1 puts them at the top of the NFC North (who'da thunk that tie vs. Dallas would come in handy after all???). But other than the first two games where they were proclaimed by fans and national pundits alike as odds-on Super Bowl favorites, what have they shown? Inconsistency. Offensive linemen and coaches admitting that guys are still blocking the wrong guys. Special teams breakdowns. Lack of turnovers by the defense. Key players not being able to stay on the field. Personnel moves on both sides of the ball that now seem questionable at best. A head coach making inexplicable in-game decisions. e.g., going for it on 4th and 8 deep inside the opponent's territory instead of taking a field goal, ultimately being the difference in the game?

OK, so that's a bit of a look back instead of a forward preview, isn't it? Here's what we know going into tonight's game.

First, the Pack's supposedly deep wide receiving corps was down to just two healthy players on the practice field at one point this last week. Tonight, it's likely Matthew Golden and Savion Williams will not play. Of course, Jayden Reed is still out. TE Tucker Kraft (although not technically a wide receiver he sure was often schemed as one) is done for the year. Calling Luke Musgrave ... calling Luke Musgrave! WR Dontayvion Wicks is supposedly back tonight and there is some speculation that Bo Melton — who had been moved to cornerback this season from wide receiver because of the overcrowding at the position — could get some action at receiver tonight ... as well as at corner given Nat Hobbs is out, again. Wouldn't that be something to see?

Apart from the potential lack of receivers tonight, the Packers still haven't got their running game going. Tonight would certainly be a good night to get that in gear. If the Pack can run the ball to set up play-action and keep the Eagles offense on the sidelines that would be to the Pack's favor. And given the predicted weather forecast for this evening, a running game will likely be needed: it is expected to be cold and windy, with kickoff temperatures around 28 F and wind chills around 20 F with winds at 5 to 15 mph. Oh, yeah, there is also a slight chance of snow. So, yes, a Packers running game would be timely.

Now, the Eagles have the defensive script on how to keep the Packers in check given both Cleveland's and Carolina's success: stop Josh Jacobs and Emanuel Wilson and force Jordan Love to throw underneath. That's OK if the chains are moving, but without a running threat that is a death-by-papercuts outcome for the Pack.

On the flip side, the Packers must contain Philly RB Saquon Barkley and if they do that, then also contain QB Jalen Hurts. 

How are you feelin'?

The Prediction

After their earlier season humiliation against the Browns, the Packers came back nicely. Until the game last week vs. the Panthers, that is. We'd like to think that would be the case tonight — getting right again. Losing two in a row at home is not what you need at this stage of the season. The Packers are at the time of this writing a 1-point home favorite. Oy.

Still, given the ongoing issues of consistency the Packers have had — including that of Kicker Brandon McManus in the last two games — and Philly come off their bye week, we find it hard to believe the Packers will take this game. Hope we are wrong. Nothing we want more than a Packers victory against their NFC East nemesis. If they play up to their capability, the Packers can pull it off. Probably another down to the wire game. Let us pray.

We're calling it Packers 20 - Eagles 24.

Go Pack Go!!!

2025 NFL Week 6 Packers vs. Bengals: Preview & Prediction

A quick review, Packer fans ... Week 4 against the Cowboys in Dallas ... a wholly unsatisfying 40-40 tie (following the loss in Cleveland!) to put the Packers at 2-1-1 going into their Week 5 bye. Oy. A game the Pack was in control of during the first half that got away from them through the issues which also arose in the loss — LOSS! — at Cleveland, namely penalties, bad tackling and abhorrent special teams play that likely once again — as versus the Browns — cost the team the game.

Week 5 ... the bye week. A time when you figured that it might be a time for the Packers to get a bit healthier and regain the mojo they exhibited in the first two games of the season. Well, think again. Because it seems as if the Packers are as snack-bitten as any team early in the season with injuries. Even coming out of the bye week, questions arise in some critical areas. Key among them, at least according to a concerned head coach Matt LaFleur, is a right leg quad issue with kicker Brandon McManus. McManus sounds as if he'll be good to go; LaFleur is not so certain. In fact, the Packers brought in and activated another kicker, Lucas Havrisik, just in case McManus can't go today. In addition, OL Anthony Belton, DL Devonte Wyatt and OL Rasheed Walker all missed some practice this week, with Belton, Wyatt and WR Christian Watson listed as out for the game. Offensive linemen Zach Tom, Aaron Banks and Jacob Monk are all questionable as is DB Nate Hobbs.

Fans may or may not see reliable Packers Kicker Brandon McManus

against the Bengals today.

(Photo via the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)

Amazing. It's a good thing it's a home game today against the Bengals. Although after the debacle in Cleveland, it's clear we can't take any opponent for granted, not even one that just signed (from Cleveland) veteran QB Joe Flacco to try to at least be competitive in the absence of regular starter Joe Burrow.

The Preview

As noted above, the Packers will be seeing QB Joe Flacco for the second time in three weeks today. Signed just this past week to help a reeling Bengals team without their phenom starter Joe Burrow. So, Flacco knows the Pack and the Pack know him. As was the case when he was with the Browns, the Packers need to get pressure on him because he's a statue back there. Flacco had had time to prepare with his receivers in Cleveland and executed quick releases to keep the Packers defense from getting to him; he has not had that amount of time with his Bengals receivers, especially deep threats Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, or the offensive scheme, which will undoubtedly be simplified to put him in the best place to succeed.

Still, the Packers defense has to do what they are capable of doing: getting to the QB, covering downfield and making sure tackles. If the defense does that today, the Packers will emerge with the "W". DE Micah Parsons needs to continue to inspire this entire defense with his own play-making ability to elevate the level of play overall.

One element of the Pack's defense, among others that has been especially lacking so far has been the ability to create turnovers. If memory serves, there has been only a few interceptions through four games and no — zero — fumble recoveries. They need to start generating takeaways.

Now, the trick for the Packers offense, regardless of who is on the offensive line, is opening holes for running backs Josh Jacobs and Emanuel Wilson to set up the passing game for Jordan Love whom they also must protect. The Bengals defense, led by DE Trey Hendrickson, can present problems if the O-line doesn't handle business. The Packers have all the offensive weapons they need to beat any team. Bu they have to execute. And Coach LaFleur has to do a better job in play-calling and time management if push comes to shove (which, if you think about it, is pretty much what the entire game of football is about).

Packers special teams ... oy. They arguably have already lost one game and helped cause the tie in the other. Breakdowns on kick protection are inexcusable. As is lack of production on punt and kick returns, both in terms of coverage as well as returns themselves. Then today, toss in the unknown variable of McManus' availability and the possibility of the kicking team working with an entirely new kicker...the recipe for disaster once again rears its ugly head...not that it needed any help in that regard.

The Prediction

So here we are, Packer fans. Back at Lambeau Field for the first time in a month ... and won't be back at Lambeau for another month ... yes, really. What a weird schedule the league saddled the Packers with.

Anyway, the Packers are favored in this game by a lopsided 14-1/2 points as of the time of this writing. In our point of view, this is never a good thing. Unless you are a betting person, of course, and play the odds one way or another. Still, the oddsmakers are putting the game clearly in the Packers hands. Could they be upset again, as in Cleveland? You bet (pun intended). Could they mismanage the game again as in Dallas and get another tie? Extremely doubtful.

As the identity of this Packers squad is still not clear, and with the questions about player availability and special teams play, we're calling this game Packers 27 - Bengals 17.

Go Pack Go!!!

A Note About Week 7 at Arizona

It's a bit unclear to us at the moment whether we will have our regular Preview & Prediction for next Sunday's game in Phoenix. The reason being that we will actually be at that game, along with a couple of ol' (both literally and figuratively) buddies and wives (you know who you are!). Travels prior to the game may preclude our pondering and prognostication. Just so you know. If we can toss anything out ahead of time, we will. But just in case ... we'll call it now in favor of ... the Packers, of course!  :-)

2025 Week 4: Packers vs. Cowboys Preview & Prediction

OK, first things first, Packer fans: the Packers (and, by extension, yours truly) really laid an egg in Cleveland last weekend. Huge favorites, the Packers offense couldn't get anything going. RB Josh Jacobs couldn't find any running lanes and QB Jordan Love was under frequent pressure from the strident Browns defensive front, led by DE Myles Garrett. Both problems stemmed from the makeshift offensive line; three of the regulars were out ... RT Zach Tom going down one play into the game. The backups were not ready for prime time ... or even game time, for that matter.

As was the case with the first two games, winning efforts both, the Pack's defense played well enough to win; if a team gives up 13 points one expects an offense such as the Packers to score more than that. Apart from the uninspired and mediocre play of the offense, head coach Matt LaFleur's play-calling in this effort didn't put the team in the best position to win either. Odd. And an upset of epic proportions was the result. Embarrassing.

The best we can hope for is that lessons were learned by one and all. In this regard, perhaps former Packers center (12 years, 1973-1984) and longtime broadcaster Larry McCarren said it best in a Packers-Cowboys preview segment on YouTube: (paraphrasing) One of the best motivators for a player is self-redemption in the next game following a poor performance. Many players on that offensive line in particular, as well as Jordan Love, should be motivated to show that they are better than they played in Cleveland. Let's see how that might play out.

Packers DT Devonte Wyatt will be counted on to get after

Cowboys QB Dak Prescott in tonight's game in Dallas.

(Photo via the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)

The Preview

As Packers reporter Pete Dougherty writes in his pregame preview in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "The Packers have big injury issues on their offensive line, though, with Zach Tom (oblique) likely out, Aaron Banks (groin) very possibly out, and backup right tackle Anthony Belton (ankle) shaky to play." So, as noted in the earlier review of last week's game, this was not and is not a good situation for the Packers. But they have had all this week to prepare for it. Because the depth along the line is seriously lacking, the Pack actually elevated an O-lineman from the practice squad...just in case: center Lecitus Smith.

But as Dougherty also notes, he believes the Packers defense will rise to the occasion — especially with Micah Parsons' return to Jerry World — to do enough to hold down a challenged Dallas offense, who lost top WR CeeDee Lamb to injury last week. But they still have WR George Pickens and TE (and former Wisconsin Badger) Jake Ferguson, with Ferguson an early favorite this season for Prescott.

Yes, the buzz around this game has things set up as a revenge game between Parsons and Jerry Jones. No doubt, Parsons will have extra motivation in this game, which will raise the level of play of the entire Packers defense. Perhaps some of that mojo will carry over to the Pack's offense, which would certainly be nice side effect. On the flip side, DT Kenny Clark will similarly want to show his former Packer friends what they gave up by shipping him off to Dallas. There will be a lot of subtexts to this game, obviously.

With WR Jayden Reed out for the foreseeable future, and Christian Watson still not ready for return, this is a game that presents an opportunity for all the young wide receivers and tight ends to have a big day. That will depend on how well the running game goes. And both of those depend on whether the offensive line is able to create running and passing lanes for Jacobs and Love.

Let's hope that Larry McCarren's statement about personal redemption for players noted earlier really is at work tonight. As last week's game showed once again ... "On any given Sunday ...". We don't need two such games in a row ... especially going into the Week 5 bye week for the Pack.

The Prediction

The Packers are coming off a close and demoralizing loss to the Browns in which it could be argued they lost the game rather than Cleveland winning it (recall all the penalties and special teams snafus!), while the 'boys are coming off a blow-out loss to Da Bearz. Which is indicative of the true nature of each team? We think the latter.

That's why we are calling this game Packers 27 - Cowboys 17.

Go Pack Go!!!

2025 Week 3 Packers vs. Browns Preview & Prediction

After an extended layover from the Packers Week 2 win at Lambeau Field versus the Washington Commanders — oh, a winning effort at that to go 2-0! — the Pack have their first of two consecutive road games: Sunday in Cleveland against the 0-2 Browns, with the following game in Dallas.

A quick word about the win against Washington: for their second win in about five days, the Packers replicated a strong defensive performance and again had a balanced offensive attack. The defense had to scheme differently from the Week 1 win against Detroit. In that game, the defense faced an immobile albeit skilled quarterback in Jared Goff and got sufficient pressure on him in DE Micah Parson's limited debut with the Pack. In the game against the Commanders, the defense had to adjust 180 degrees against a young and extremely mobile QB in the form of Jayden Daniels. While the general idea in the first game was to make Goff move, the scheme in the second game was to contain Daniels and keep him from hurting you with his legs. Mission accomplished in both cases.

The Preview

We mention the above because the Packers defense will once again be facing an older immobile quarterback in the person of 40-year-old Joe Flacco. Admittedly, Flacco is still playing because he is a Super Bowl-winning quarterback. Yes, that was in 2013. But he has at this point in his career seen just about everything a defense can throw at him. So, given time, he could potentially do some damage.

But ... can we expect that the Packers defense will not reprise its level of play from the first two games? We don't think so. We think Parsons and the rest of the defense will wreak havoc on the Browns offensive line. Advantage Packers.

Now, let's not forget that arguably the other great defender in the NFL that can wreak roughly the same amount of damage as Parsons is the Browns' own Myles Garrett. The Packers will have to account for Garrett on every play. Like those attempting to defend against Parsons, Garrett will have to be double-teamed ... a lot.

Expect Packers QB Jordan Love to use play action to keep Garrett off-balance as much as possible and to get the ball out quickly on drop backs. It's still a bit unclear who the Packers will start at right tackle Sunday. But whomever it is, they will have their hands full. Let's pray Zach Tom can go.

Packers WR Christian Watson is still a few weeks away from returning to play.

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

Ditto for TE Tucker Kraft who, like Tom, is listed as questionable going into the game. Add him to the still-out Christian Watson and the newly-added-to-the-IR-list Jayden Reed and the possible receivers for Love has taken an early hit. Luckily, the receiving and TE groups are deep. Next man up. Plus add in RB Josh Jacobs and the list of weapons for Love and head coach Matt LaFleur is still better than most teams in the league.

Bottom line: as far as who has the better offense, again, advantage Packers.

The Prediction

The odds at the time of this writing have the Packers winning by 7-1/2 points with the over-under set at 41-1/2 points.

We see this as a game that the Browns could keep close ... for a while ... unless the Packers get up early and keep the pedal to the metal and run away with the game start to finish.

We're calling it Packers 30 - Browns 17.

Go Pack Go!!!

2021 NFL Week 16: Packers vs. Cleveland Browns Christmas Day Preview and Prediction

Merry Christmas! May you have a wonderful Christmas with family and friends.

One of our shared Christmas wishes as Packer fans, of course, is for a Christmas Day win over the visiting Cleveland Browns. In looking ahead, though, we need to take a quick look back at last weekend's skin-of-your-teeth win in Baltimore.

It was certainly a much closer margin of victory than most — including the oddsmakers — had projected. Us, too. But the Pack did enough to win, as they have been doing in 11 of the 14 games they have played this season and, in the process, secured the NFC North Division title for the third year in a row and the number one seed atop the NFC for at least the time being.

The Preview

Because this is an inter-conference game, what we know about the Browns is that they are 7-7, have underperformed expectations because of injuries and COVID-19 challenges. They had 19 players on reserve/COVID-19 at the start of the week — including QB Baker Mayfield — with six more players on injured reserve. Their best defensive player, Myles Garrett, is questionable with a groin injury. But if those two players in particular are able to go Christmas Day, this game may be another one of those that goes down to the wire ... especially if the Packers defense plays as they did in Baltimore and special teams continues its problematic performance.

DT Kenny Clark should return to the Packers defense

for the game against the Browns.

(Photo by Samantha Madar/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin)

One boost for the Packers might be the return of Kenny Clark to the middle of the defensive line. He was missed last week, out with the COVID protocols. He was able to return to practice this week, but will likely be a game-time decision. Our guess is that if he's able to go he will, if not fully at least in spot work.

Anyway, it's Christmas Eve as we write this...so let's just get right to the prediction, shall we?

The Prediction

Currently, the Packers are favored by 7-1/2 points at the time of this writing. While the Pack didn't cover the spread last week (8-1/2 points), we think that at home and with retention of the No. 1 seed in the NFC in their own control, the Packers will come away with the win.

We're calling it Packers 27 - Browns 17.

Go Pack Go!!!

Ho ho ho ...

2017 NFL Week 14: Packers vs. Browns

Oh, boy. Nothing like going up against an 0-12 team in their home stadium with a hot-and-mostly-cold backup quarterback at the helm of your team...and a secondary down to back-ups to back-ups, as well. That's what the Green Bay Packers are dealing with today. And if they think that it's an automatic win given the prior record of the Browns, well, the Pack might just hand the lowly team in Cleveland their first victory of the season. Wouldn't that be depressing?

Cleveland has been close in many of its games, yet their rookie quarterback, DeShone Kizer, has been a turnover machine, helping keep the team winless. On the other hand, the Browns defense is eighth overall against the run. They are a better team overall than the record indicates. They are close. In an Aaron Rodgers-led Packers pass-happy offense, none of this would be a concern. But given that the resurgent running game has now become a big part of the Pack's offense, this could present problems for the Packers if QB Brett Hundley isn't able to complete at least a few passes downfield to soften up the rush a bit. Given Hundley's penchant for performing better on the road than at home, perhaps we get the "good" Hundley today. Let us pray.

The Browns do have a big receiving threat in WR Josh Gordon. But, again, their rookie QB may provide the Pack's defense with interception opportunities. Given that the Packers secondary is missing some key pieces today, bad quarterback play would certainly be a help in mitigating a passing threat.

Late news: Packers cornerback Davon House is active for the game but outside linebacker Nick Perry is out.

In years to come, the Browns may actually have themselves a good organization due to the hiring late this week of former Packers linebacker and front office man -- and recent Kansas City Chiefs General Manager -- John Dorsey. He's a good one -- wouldn't have minded seeing him come back to the Pack to replace Ted Thompson -- and he'll do what he can to build a winning organization. But that won't be in time for today's game.

The Prediction

We're getting right to this, Packer fans, as game time is fast approaching.

The Packers are favored by 3 points at the time of this post. We think the game will be ugly. But this is a must-win game for the Pack if they wish to not only keep their paper-thin playoff hopes alive but retain any sense of football dignity; you can't be the one that gives a winless team its first win for the season. Just. Can't. Do. It.

We're calling this Packers 24 - Browns 17.

Go Pack Go!!!