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!!!

2021 NFL Week 1: Packers vs. Saints Preview and Prediction

Alrighty then, Packers fans ... today begins the team's 17-week long trek to the Super Bowl (OK, 18 counting the bye week). We say that every year, don't we? Or at least we think that. And with QB Aaron Rodgers with a chip on his shoulder (he always plays well that way), a full cupboard of offensive weapons, and a defense that should be on the rise albeit under a new defensive coordinator and scheme, there's no reason to believe that Super Bowl hope — and hype — is a fantasy, barring injuries to key players, or course.

But it's one game at a time, as the saying goes. And today's game is against the now Drew Brees-less New Orleans Saints. The game was scheduled to be played in the Big Easy, but the recent hurricane that rolled through that area required relocating the game. To Jacksonville. Which should work, despite the heat and humidity, to the Packers' favor as a good portion of the stands will be occupied by Wisconsin transplants. In other words, this could wind up being in effect a Packers "home" game ... or home-away-from-home home game, anyway.

WR Davante Adams in a "Who? Me?" moment.

(Photo by William Glasheen, Wm. Glasheen/USA TODAY NETWORK-W)

The Preview

Simple: Packers good (although after a preseason in which only a handful of starters played at all) ... Saints have injury and suspension issues. Should have been a home game for the Saints. Instead, moved to Jacksonville which may make it seem like almost a home game for the Packers with the plethora of Packer fans in the area. The Saints secondary will have problems covering all the receivers the Pack can put out there. And look for the Pack's running backs to contribute not only on the ground but through the air.

The Saints have a new starting QB in veteran Jameis Winston. He can make big plays. But he can also toss up a lot of interceptions. Expect the Packers defense to get at least one pick today. Saints RB Alvin Kamara gave the Pack fits in last season's game, so they will have to find a way to hold him in check. Perhaps running a lot of nickel schemes and shadowing him with either a defensive back or linebacker. The Saints are without their top receiver. And we don't even know who the kicker is...they didn't have one on their roster as late as Friday as their regular kicker is on injured reserve and they released their camp kicker in the last cutdown. So that situation could factor in.

The Prediction

Given the stability and talent on the side of the Packers and the instability at the moment on the part of the Saints, it seems as if the Pack should be favored by more than 3-1/2 points going into this game.

We see the Packers offense, even if they get off to a slightly out-of-sync start (which would be understandable), coming on strong over the course of this game. If the new defensive scheme can make use of the talent on that side of the ball and play even an average game (whatever that is, admittedly), the Packers should get the win in the Florida sun.

We're calling it Packers 38 - Saints 24.

Go Pack Go!!!

2020 NFL Week 10: Packers vs. Jaguars Preview and Prediction

The Green Bay Packers have one of their rare meetings — only the seventh ever — with the Jacksonville Jaguars today at Lambeau Field. The Packers are 6-2 and the Jags are 1-7. But as we know, on any given day ... 

More on that in a moment. But first, a word or two about last week's trip to the West Coast to take on the Pack's nemesis from last season, the 49ers. While losing twice to the Niners last season, including in the NFC Championship game, this time around the Pack had the benefit of playing an injury-depleted Niners team. The result was a Packers win, 34-17. Perhaps not a fair test. But a win's a win, thank you very much.

Now, back to today's game.

Packers QB Aaron Rodgers should have a big

day against an inexperienced Jacksonville secondary.

(Photo via Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)

The Packers will need to bring their own energy to Lambeau today with no fans in the stands, something they failed to do in their last home game against the ViQueens, resulting in a very flat performance and the team's second loss of the season. Hopefully, lesson learned.

This Jaguars teams is young and inexperienced, particularly at quarterback where 6' 6" and sixth round pick Jake Luton is behind center for only the second time this season. He has a big arm and also a very good, fast receiver in DJ Chark, whom he teamed up with last week on a 73-yard TD play. So the Packers secondary is going to have to be sharp, especially since Jaire Alexander and Kevin King will be out again for today's game. The Jags also have free agent rookie RB James Robinson who has had two productive running games coming into today's game. As Packer fans are all too familiar with, the Pack's run defense often leaves much to be desired, especially in a base three-across defense which coordinator Mike Pettine seems to prefer. One plus is that there will be a new center-QB combination today for the Jags, which might also disrupt things on their end a bit, as well as give Kenny Clark an advantage up the middle.

For the Packers offense, QB Aaron Rodgers — despite the strong winds and perhaps sloppy conditions — should be able to do what's needed against an inexperienced Jaguars secondary. The Packers running game should also be counted on today, particularly with the weather conditions. One would think the play-calling by head coach Matt LaFleur would tend towards a pass-run balance. But who knows? He'll take whatever the Jags will give him.

The Prediction

The Packers are 13-1/2 point favorites at the time of this writing. Seems about right, don't you think?

But we'll kick it up a notch. We're calling it Packers 38 - Jaguars 17.

Go Pack Go!!!