2024 NFL Week 2: Packers vs Colts Preview & Prediction

How are we feeling today, Packers fans? If you're like yours truly, probably still disappointed in the performance vs. the Eagles in Brazil. But even more so in the injury — with 6 seconds left in the game — to starting QB Jordan Love. He's out for today's game and perhaps at least 1 or 2 more games. A grade 1 or 2 MCL sprain, we've been told. Could have been much worse, granted. But still, it does give an immediate hit to the Packers playoff chances let alone the team's Super Bowl chance if they can't somehow find a way to win 1 or 2 of these first 4 games while awaiting Love's return.

But you already know that.

So what happens today?

This was NOT how we wanted to see Game 1 of the 2024 NFL Season end: QB Jordan Love on the ground in pain from a knee injury with 6 seconds remaining on the game clock. The Packers will have to find other ways to win today vs. the Colts and for perhaps the next few weeks.

(Photo by Wagner Meier, Getty Images)

The Preview

Most previews of today's game are focused, rightly so, on what's missing: Jordan Love. That's a huge piece missing and completely changes Matt LaFleur's offense. New starting QB Malik Willis has very little practical NFL experience. Supposedly, he is very athletic, can do some damage with his legs probably more than his arm although the latter attribute is noted as being "lively" in scouting reports. OK. Fine. But the knock on him coming out of college (Auburn and Liberty universities) and into his brief time with the Titans is that he has difficulty "processing" the game. That's not great. Still, Packers GM Brian Gutekunst has stated that he saw progress in Willis' abilities over the last year or two. How that translates to running the Packers offense after only about 18 days in the system? We will find out today.

The game plan will obviously be slimmed down to what Willis was able to pick up during this very minimal time. LaFleur needs to give him plays that will have 1 or 2 progressions tops before either getting rid of the ball or running. We can expect the Colts defense to load up the box with 8 defenders knowing the Pack will be run-heavy in all likelihood. There may be throws to be made and Willis will have to make them, as well as use his legs when that opportunity presents itself. How well Willis has been able to establish any connections with the receivers through practice...who knows? Running backs Josh Jones and Emanuel Wilson will need to help out, and the O-line will have to play at a an extremely high level today, and without the penalties we saw in the opener (yeah, we're looking at you, Rasheed Walker).

Of course, the Packers defense will have to keep things close. They generated turnovers in the first game but the Packers were not able to take advantage of them beyond field goals. That was a big reason the team came up short against Philly. Special teams — particularly the new kicker — will need to make ALL his FG and PAT attempts; can't leave any points on the field as was the case last week...points that may have made the difference.

For a great overview of things to watch in today's game, check out this great article by Tom Silverstein in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

The Predication

It's the Pack's home opener, so there will be a lot of energy in the stadium. There will also need to be a lot of energy on the part of the Packers once they take the field. It's gotta be all gas, no brake.

The Colts are favored by 3 points at the time of this writing.

Our heads tell us this game will go the Colts way for obvious reasons. But our last-second feeling is that LeFleur will figure out a way to have the team execute just enough to steal a game they probably shouldn't win.

We're calling it Packers 20 - Colts 17.

Go Pack Go!!!

Packers vs Eagles Game Review & Season Prediction Adjustment

Dear Packer fans ...

We knew that the Week 1 Friday night game of the 2024 NFL season would likely be a toss-up, and it was really. The Eagles were favored by 3 and won by 5. We had predicted the Packers to win by a score of 27-24. Close, but not a win and not close enough.

The field was problematic for both teams, with a lot of slipping going on. The game itself was a sloppy performance overall by both teams, as well. But the Eagles did a better job of overcoming their problems on that front, with some assistance by the Packers. The Pack had way too many penalties (cue OL Rasheed Walker for more than his share!), too many missed tackles, an inability to score TDs in the redzone (after 2 early takeaways in these cases BTW, that could have likely put Philly away early), and a deja vu feel for the defense despite the change in defensive coordinator and scheme change from 3-4 to 4-3. Not being able to get a stop when needed ... where we have seen that before???

Packers QB Jordan Love being assisted off the playing field in Brazil at the end of the game vs. the Eagles.

(Photo by Kirby Lee-Imagn Images)

But the big news coming out of the night, as the entire sports world now knows, was the knee injury QB Jordan Love sustained with about 6 seconds left in the game. Trying to keep a play alive as his protection broke down, Love was sandwiched between 2 Philly defenders and twisted both his left ankle and knee; he went down immediately in pain and after moments on the ground had to be assisted off the field.

Initially, the thought from the replay video was that it was his ankle. Turns out, not. Instead, we have now learned that Love likely sustained a MCL sprain of the grade 2 variety. Translation — still subject to revision after further testing — is that Love will likely be out at least 3 to 6 weeks according to current reports. On the one hand, we can be thankful that it wasn't an ACL tear which would have been season-ending. On the other hand, the Packers will now have to figure out a way to get through anywhere from the next 3 to 6 games without their hundreds-of-millions-of-dollars quarterback.

Oy.

Options? Not great.

What are the options? We refer you to an excellent overview in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel on this topic. Right now, in summary, the Packers can either go with the recently-acquired Malik Willis, bring up 2nd-year backup Sean Clifford from the practice squad, or sign another QB and hope to get that person up to speed in time for the next game vs. the Colts on Sept. 15 and then ongoing until Love's return. Actually, Willis and Clifford would also need to gear up for a bit of an extended run, too.

Who are the opponents over the next 3 to 6 weeks? The next 3 weeks have the Colts coming to Lambeau Field, then at Tennessee, then back home against the ViQueens. Our initial season prediction — looking at these games plus the opener as the 1st quarter of the season — had the Pack going 3-1, although noting that they could also lose 2 of the first 4 games ... and that was with Love as QB. Without him? Hmmm. The Packers have already lost 1. Likely will lose at least 1 of the next 3 without the star QB at the helm. Perhaps two. Or all three. So from going 3-1 in this first stretch of games to going 0-4 becomes as likely a possibility as not. Not great.

Looking ahead to games 5 and 6, the Pack plays the Rams in LA and then the Cardinals back in Green Bay. Assuming Love can be back for 1 or both of these games, the Rams still remains a tough game. If Love is not yet back behind center? Advantage Rams, and the Cardinals game would probably be considered a toss-up.

Of course, all this also assumes the Packers defense remains as lackluster throughout these games as it played in the opener. That's a bit of an assumption given the caliber of the players on that unit and the reputation of Jeff Hadley as defensive coordinator. The expectation is that things will get straightened out and that could help cover up any offensive issues for a time...perhaps the D and special teams could even win a game or 2. That would be nice.

The bottom line is that things are very much up in the air. Not how the team or fans thought we would start this season out. But at least there is the likelihood that Love returns and can hopefully regain at some point the characteristics we saw on display in the second half of last season. Because, let's also be honest, he was not locked in that way in this opening game vs. Philly. He wasn't horrible, but wasn't as sharp as we would have hoped either.

Season Prediction Adjustment?

Our initial season prediction saw the Pack finishing at 11-6. That was with Love at QB for all 17 games. Now? Oy. I think at least 1 game has to switch from the win to the loss column during the next 3 weeks. And if Love is out 6 weeks? I think another win turns to a loss. So we could now, barring some miracle or series of miracles, see the Packers finishing at 9-8. That's definitely on the playoff bubble...not a place anyone expected to be given the team's consensus Super Bowl contender preseason status.

The road has become much more uncertain, Packer fans. Let's offer up some "thoughts and prayers" for our favorite QB, Jordan Love, for a fast and effective return. For not only his well-being, but for the team's season prognosis, as well.

Go Pack Go!!!

P.S. 

Can we also agree that the Packers should NEVER agree to play another international NFL game? Cases in point: the Packers played, and lost in London, and then-QB Aaron Rodgers broke his thumb; in the team's second international appearance, the Packers played, and lost in Brazil, and starting QB Jordan Love was injured at the end of the game and will be lost 3 to 6 weeks with a sprained MCL.

Let the NFL send its bottom-of-barrel teams out of country. Too much at stake for the top-level teams. Too much. If that sounds elitist, sorry. But there are differences and matters of degree across the franchises. We understand the international draw of the Packers as one of the top teams in the NFL, but the risk to the Packers — despite the dollar rewards to the NFL — is not worth it. (So ends the editorial portion of this post.)

2020 NFL Week 12: Packers vs. Bears Preview and Prediction

Sadly, Packer fans, my prediction of a loss last week to the Colts came through. Took overtime to make it final. But a loss it was. After rushing out to a sizable first half lead ... well ... a change of fortunes in the second half and OT. A game there for the taking. But, no.

So instead we look to this evening's game vs. Da Bearz at Lambeau Field for a bit of revenge. In the storied 200-game history of this rivalry, the Pack has won 99 times, Chicago 95, with six ties. Let's make tonight an even 100 wins out of 201 games played, shall we?

Let's hope the Packers defense rises to the occasion and puts

pressure on Chicago QB Mitch Trubisky tonight.

(Photo by Dan Powers/USA Today Network - Wis)

The Preview

What we know is that the Packers offense will score. It hasn't always been as consistent throughout the course of a game as we might like, but it's been good enough to average about 30 points or so a game (4th best NFL offense overall) and help lead the Pack to a 7-3 record and a NFC North Division lead. And it's a good thing that offense has been as prolific as it has been behind QB Aaron Rodgers because the Pack's defense and special teams ... well, not exactly the picture of perfection to this point in the season.

While the state of the Packers defense and its coordinator, Mike Pettine, has been and is a point of much concern among fans, they seem to be able to rise when they have to more often than not. It's not the best approach for winning a Super Bowl, but it is what is right now. The biggest problem for the defense is not, arguably, talent but energy. Doesn't seem to be any vocal leadership this season. The Smith Brothers have been fairly quiet, as opposed to last season. Kenny Clark is double-teamed most plays. Linebackers? The schemes Pettine uses are also questionable, giving offenses too much room underneath, which even head coach Matt LaFleur  acknowledged this week. Let's see if that gets addressed tonight. Facing Mitch Trubisky ("Bisquet" as my friend, Billy Da Bearz Fan calls him) should also offer the defense some turnover opportunities ... he hasn't played in a while so let's hope he's a bit rusty and take advantage of that.

Offensively, it would be nice to see the Packers running game get untracked again tonight. Hasn't been as explosive as early in the season. Recovering that balance would help going down the regular season stretch. Davante Adams and Allen Lazard should factor in tonight, but I'm looking for a good make-up game from Marques Valdez-Scantling. I think he really took the overtime fumble last week hard. And I think he's growing into the role of really being a big-time receiver. He can stretch the field. He can make outstanding catches. He needs to be consistent. That redemption may well start tonight.

The Prediction

The Packers are 9-1/2 point favorites in this game. Big spreads always make me nervous. Still, unless the Packers offense gives the ball away multiple times and the defense comes out totally flat (both of which, admittedly are possibilities although not probabilities), the Packers will prevail.

We're calling it Packers 27 - Da Bearz 17.

Go Pack Go!!!

2020 NFL Week 11: Packers vs. Colts Preview and Prediction

Before the preview and prediction for today's game between the 7-2 Green Bay Packers and the 6-3 Indianapolis Colts, let's just quickly say that last week's game vs. the Jaguars certainly didn't play out as most thought it would. The Packers played one of their flatest games of the season on both sides of the ball in the friendly confines of Lambeau Field. Why the team comes out with such little energy is hard to figure. And if it wasn't for the defense finally rising up to get some key stops down the stretch, the Pack would have had an embarrassing loss at home. Gotta give the Jags credit, though. They came to play, the Packers didn't. Thankfully, talent won out in the end. But ... whew!

Packers fans hope to see a lot of this type of TD celebration

in today's game vs. the Colts.

(Photo from the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)

The Preview

Today's meeting is a meeting of strengths: the Packers offense vs. the Colts defense. As good as the Pack's offense is, they have had trouble against smash-mouth defenses this season. The Pack's defense? Middle of the NFL rankings. So ... meh. The team's seeming Achilles heal to this point in the season. Today, they face veteran Philip Rivers behind a very solid pass-blocking offensive line. Rivers isn't mobile, but he doesn't need to be. Particularly against a Packers defense that hasn't exactly been exerting pressure...or generating turnovers.

This is the type of game that makes us nervous. It's a game that, on paper, the Packers should win. But even the oddsmakers aren't comfortable with things, installing the Colts as 1-1/2 to 2-point favorites over the Pack...which admittedly is not quite giving the Colts the full benefit of home-field advantage...but they aren't overly optimistic about the Packers in this scenario, either. A bit of a toss-up.

We're running a bit short on time for a fuller preview of the game today. Sorry. So let's just get right to the prediction, shall we?

The Prediction

Unless the Packers somehow are able to come out of their funk and bring some energy to the field for 60 minutes, they will come home with a loss. As much as we hope we're wrong, and as often as the Packers follow up a flat game with a good one, we just don't like the feel of things today.

We're calling it Packers 27 - Colts 31.

Still ... GO PACK GO!!!

NFL Week 6 Review of Packers win vs Lions, NFL Week 7 Preview vs. Raiders — Again with the twofer!

It's sad, isn't it? Not that the Green Bay Packers keep winning, but that we can't seem to get out of this combo Review-Preview kick. Sorry about that, dear readers. But, as we heard so well from the White House this week, "Get over it!".

With that out of the way, let's take a quick look at the Pack's win over the Lions.

Wow. That. Was.Close.

The Packers beat the Lions 23-22 on a last second field goal by K Mason Crosby. It wasn't the prettiest of games. The Pack went down 13-0 early on a couple of big plays by the Lions. But that score begins to tell the tale of the game: a TD and 2 FGs...the first 2 of 5 by the Lions kicker. Yes, just 1 touchdown given up by the Packers defense. Extreme bending, but no breaking.

As for the Packers offense, down to back up receivers deep on the depth chart, a potential new target for QB Aaron Rodgers showed up big time: Allen Lazard. If not for some of his catches, including a spectacular over-the-shoulder TD catch, the Pack would not have won the game. There were 3 turnovers by the Packers that kept the Lions churning. And there were some questionable hands-to-the-face penalties against the Lions at crucial times that kept the Pack drives going, including the last game-winning drive. Being able to run out the clock with just under 7 minutes left on the clock? Oh, yeah, that was key as well. Part of that was RB Jamaal Williams having the presence of mind to go to the ground instead of going into the endzone to keep the clock running. Just so many moments, big and small, in this game that allowed for the Pack to get to 5-1 and increase their lead in the NFC North.

Packers OLB Za'Darius Smith (ground) celebrates a sack against the Lions.
Such celebrations may be curtained a bit in the future, but hopefully the sacks
will continue.
(Photo: Dan Powers/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wis)

The Raiders visit Lambeau Field

As you may recall, there was a preseason game between the Packers and Raiders this year. In Winnipeg. Remember that? There were problems with the field so some on-the-spot rules were made up to accommodate a shortened field. It was...odd, on many levels. So that game tells us nothing as no starters played.

The Packers, as noted earlier, are 5-1 coming off a short week (having played Monday night) with the Raiders at 3-2 and coming off a bye after their game and win against Da Bearz in London.

The Pack are injury-riddled at wide receiver and tight end. The team did add veteran WR Ryan Grant this week to boost weapons for Rodgers, but don't expect much of an impact at this point. He could, however, prove valuable as a much-needed slot receiver. The Raiders come in on three straight road games, winning against both the Colts and Da Bearz.

The Prediction

The Packers are favored by 5-1/2 points at the time of this writing. We have a sense this game could look a bit like the game against the Lions (hopefully without the turnovers), with the offense getting just enough production out of its running backs and receivers to stay on top. That's if the defense continues its winning ways. Which we expect they will. Although it would be nice to minimize those big plays over the top that have been the defense's real weak spot this season.

We're calling this game Packers 27 - Raiders 20.

Go Pack Go!!!

Packers lose at Lambeau to Colts, drop 3 of last 4 games

So what do you think, Packer fans? Yeah, me too.

The Green Bay Packers 31-26 loss -- at Lambeau Field -- to the Indianapolis Colts was unexpected; the Packers were 7-point favorites. And the way it happened was embarrassing despite just the final 5-point differential. It was so bad that, likely for fans in the stadium and watching on TV, the highlight of the game was the squirrel dashing around the field. Some might argue that the Pack should have signed him because at least he was able to get open and into the endzone.

The squirrel provided at least a modicum of entertainment to Packer fans
on Sunday who sat through a lackluster performance by their home team.
Photo by Mike De Sisti/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wis
The Packers have now dropped three of their last four games, including two losses on the home turf. The game essentially was over after the first 13 seconds, when the Colts took the opening kickoff back 99 yards for a touchdown. Add in another blown coverage -- to the tune of 60-yards+ on the return -- which led to an Indy field goal, and throw in a missed field goal (second of the season by Mason Crosby), and the special teams' overall play, it can well be argued, cost the Packers 13 points...the difference in the game.

To be fair to the special teams players, the defense also failed to dominate a heretofore woeful Colts offensive line that had given up a league-high 31 sacks coming into yesterday's game. The Pack only sacked QB Andrew Luck twice; the Colts, on the other hand, got to Aaron Rodgers three times.

The Pack's offensive woes -- which we thought had been somewhat resolved in the 1-point loss to the Falcons last week -- continued. With no running game, no receivers getting separation on defenders, questionable play-calling especially on third downs (e.g., 3rd and 6 late in the second half and you go deep???), and a generally flat performance overall this offense at the halfway mark of the 2016 season is a major disappointment.

What is ailing the Packers?
That's the question on everyone's mind today. Yes, there are injuries to key players on both sides of the ball. But every team could say much the same. Something else is going on here and it goes back to last season, as we have alluded to in earlier posts. Whether head coach Mike McCarthy and his staff are failing to put their players in position to succeed, whether the players aren't performing at their best for 60 minutes every game, whether general manager Ted Thompson is failing to find players who are difference makers...we don't know. It's probably all of those things. Even Rodgers called out his team after the loss yesterday for the overall lack of "juice" during the game.

At 4-4, the Packers are sitting in third place in the NFC North, just ahead of Da Bearz and behind the ViQueens and Detroit, the latter pulling off an overtime win against said ViQueens to move into second place. The Packers are also sitting in the 8th position in the conference, tied with Philadelphia and New Orleans. The odds of a 4-4 team making the playoffs is possible, but going deep? Not so much. Only one team has made the Super Bowl, if memory serves (which it may or may not), after a 4-4 start.

As the Packers now set off for three straight road games, the loss yesterday was a heartbreaker. Let's just hope it doesn't become a season-breaker, as well.

2016 NFL Week 9: Packers vs. Colts Preview and Prediction

The Green Bay Packers play their only home game during the month of November today at Lambeau Field vs. the Indianapolis Colts. After today, it's three straight games on the road, continuing the goofy schedule they were dealt this season by the league.

Coming off a 1-point loss in Atlanta to the Falcons last week, the Colts might be what the doctored ordered to get the Pack another home win before starting that tough road stretch.

While the Colts have one of the best quarterbacks in the league in Andrew Luck, they also have one of the worst offensive lines in the NFL. With the number of sacks they have given up, Luck should be getting hazardous duty pay...oh wait...he's overpaid already...never mind.

The key thing is that Luck should be under steady pressure today from the Packers defense. If the front seven can get regular pressure on him, his group of reliable receivers shouldn't be able to take advantage of the still-wounded Packers secondary. The defense will still have to account for veteran RB Frank Gore, though. While not capable of carrying the ball 25 or 30 times a game like he used to, he can still cause damage if left unchecked, whether running the ball out of the backfield or as a receiver.

Packers WR Randall Cobb is likely out
for today's game against the Colts.
Photo by Jeff Hanisch/USA TODAY Sports
On the other side of things, QB Aaron Rodgers returned to form last week despite the loss. With no running game to speak of, the Pack has gone to using receivers out of the backfield when and where possible -- Ty Montgomery should be in the backfield today -- although it's possible we may see more of RB Don Jackson today, too. But the Colts woeful secondary should present plenty of opportunities for Rodgers and his many receivers. Expect a lot of passes again today from Rogers.

One change to the starting offensive line today is that C Corey Linsley has come off the PUP list to replace the now-injured J.C. Tretter. It will be interesting to see how he does given all the time missed in getting into game shape.

The Prediction
The Packers are favored by 7 points at the time of this writing. The over-under points is projected at 53.5, which is the largest total for this weekend's games. In other words, the oddsmakers think there will be a lot of points scored between the two teams, and that the Packers will win. That's a likely scenario. But we also think the majority of those projected points, today, will be going the Packers way. Yay.

We're calling it 34-24 Packers.

Go Pack Go!!!

Packers lose by 1 point in Atlanta

The Green Bay Packers took on the Falcons in Atlanta on Sunday and came up 1 point shy of a tie and 2 points short of a win. The latter -- as any fan will tell you -- is preferable. The game went down to the wire. On some levels, the fact that the injury-ridden Packers were as close to a win as they were was a testament to the players and coaches. But in the end, not even the stellar play of QB Aaron Rodgers and a gallant-but-not-good-enough effort by the defense, was able to pull this game out.

Yes, we had predicted a Packers defeat in our game preview by a score of 34-27; the final score was actually 33-32.

Packers QB Aaron Rodgers congratulates
Falcons QB Matt Ryan on the win.
Photo by Rick Wood/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Without any running game to speak of -- even the Plan B running game of wide receivers Ty Montgomery and Randall Cobb running out of the backfield was moot as both players were inactive because of injury -- the game rode on Rodgers and his receivers outscoring the Dirty Birds. When you score 32 points, you should win, as some of the Packers defenders admitted after the game. Unfortunately, the defense came up short in that regard. Again, the Packers were down in some instances to playing their fifth and sixth cornerbacks against Falcons starters. To be fair, they did hold All-World receiver Julio Jones in check. But given opportunities for stops and turnovers, the Packers D couldn't make the plays.

What's next?
The Packers will take on the Indianapolis Colts this Sunday at Lambeau Field before then heading out for three straight road contests, including Sunday and Monday night games. Now sitting at 4-3, the Pack need this win at home before dealing with the daunting road schedule.

Luckily (no pun intended), the Colts may be just what the doctor ordered. Other than QB Andrew Luck, the Colts don't have too much going for them right now. The Packers defense should be able to pressure Luck; the Colts offensive line is, frankly, not very good. If defensive coordinator Dom Capers can't develop a scheme to get sacks against Luck it's giving the Colts an opportunity they don't need.

We'll have more on the game against the Colts coming up closer to game time.

For now... Go Pack Go!!!

Da Bearz Lose. That's a Shame.

Close. I was so-o-o-o-o close on my final score call. I predicted 34-17 Colts, with Da Bearz perhaps getting a score on a return from Hester (check, opening kick off), points off a defensive turnover (check, TD eventually off a fumble recovery), etc. Of course, the final was 29-17 Colts. I also said that the weather could aid Da Bearz in keeping it close. The downpour throughout the game, and the resultant turnovers by both teams, helped keep things close until almost half way through the final quarter. But Da Bearz QB, Rex Grossman, played like he has most of the season and turned the ball over enough -- and with a killer interception returned for a touchdown in the fourth quarter -- to give the Colts a 12 point win.

The Colts left a few points on the field: a missed extra point, a missed field goal, some other scoring opportunities as well. But they thoroughly outplayed Da Bearz. The Colts -- the better team -- won. Chicago sports talk shows should be quite entertaining this week.

I hope they have enough air mattresses spread throughout Chicago so all those "fans" jumping off Da Bearz bandwagon won't get too badly hurt.

Super Bowl XLI: Who Ya Got?

Although it is anathema (look it up) for this writer to have to mention Da Bearz in the same breath as the Super Bowl, hell has apparently frozen over -- although judging from the sub-zero temps in the Midwest today that's not far from the truth. The only good that will come from the game is that Chicago fans can again become their surly selves once Da Bearz lose.

So, what's the prognostication? Guess I gave it away in that previous sentence, didn't I? OK, let's put it on the line: Colts 34 - Da Bearz 17. The Colts are 7 point favorites. Manning vs. Grossman? Get real. Da Bearz might pop a run or a pass or even a return via Hester...probably even set up a score with a defensive turnover as they have done for most of the year. And if the weather gets funky as the forecast says, Da Bearz might be able to make it tighter than it might otherwise be. They say defenses win championships. That would seem to give the edge to Da Bearz. But can they stop Manning all day? I don't think so. And can Da Bearz offensive offense outscore the Colts? Nope.

Go Colts! Put Da Bearz and their fans back in their cave for another couple decades.