2024 NFL Season Wildcard Weekend: Packers vs. Eagles Preview & Prediction

Before we get into a look at Sunday's Wildcard Playoff game vs. Philadelphia, a brief look at last weekend's game vs. Da Bearz.

We had a prediction of a not-at-all-close win for the Pack. Well, a funny thing happened. Or a not-funny thing, actually. Chicago won. On a last-second field goal. No double-doink here. As my good friend, Billy Da Bearz Fan, texted after the game: "This was my Super Bowl." Yup. The Packers, for the second straight game, came out flat, did not get a fast start, looked disjointed still on offense, and failed to make rookie QB Caleb Williams uncomfortable in the pocket. And when the Packers D needed to get a stop at the end — where we have seen this before? — they couldn't do so, setting up Da Bearz for a game-winning field goal with 2-seconds on the clock. Oh, let's also not forget the entire punt coverage team of the Packers got faked out by a decoy returner — on the opposite side of the field from where the punter told his teammates he would be directing his punt — only to see that punt returned for approximately a 96-yard punt return. You can't make that stuff up. The difference (one of several) leading to the loss. Oy.

Packers QB Jordan Love needs to have a big game today vs. the Eagles for the Packers season to continue.

(Photo via the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)

The Preview

All in all, losing to Da Bearz in the season finale was not the way we hoped the Pack would go into the playoffs. Worse, losing two consecutive games to end the season to finish 11-6 (which, by the way, was exactly where we saw the Pack winding up in our preseason preview) and still not playing a complete game in all three phases of the game, doesn't build confidence looking ahead.

Plus, the Packers lost deep threat WR Christian Watson not only for the playoffs but for a good chunk of next season, as well, after a non-contact injury, torn ACL. QB Jordan Love left the game with an elbow injury on his throwing arm. He's been practicing this week so it is expected that he will be good to go against Philly. Backup QB Malik Willis also injured his throwing hand during the game and lost feeling in his time replacing Love. But he says he's good to go, too. Of course, CB Jaire Alexander is done for the season, as we know all too well. But other players are stepping up, including rookie LB Edgerrin Cooper, from whom the Packers will need a big game today along with the rest of the defense.

While the Packers are obviously one of the top teams in the NFL as evidenced by both their record and playoff spot, they also have been an enigma this season. They have a record that would have won several divisions outright, yet finished third in the strongest division, the NFC North, because they couldn't beat either the Lions or the ViQueens once each let alone twice. They were 11-6, as noted, with 5 of those losses against the Lions and ViQueens (2 each), Da Bearz (once) and ... the Eagles in the opener in Brazil. The combined points on those losses? Not much. They've been in each of those games, just couldn't close them out. Slow starts, dropped balls and missed throws, turnovers, time management. If the Packers hope to come away with the upset win today, they can't have any of those occur, separately much less together.

The Packers will need a balanced attack offensively, relying on RB Josh Jacobs and the offensive line to pound and open up the Eagles defense for Jordan Love and his receivers to move the ball in chunks. The latter will not be easily accomplished as Philly has the number one-rated pass defense. Not ideal. But if the Pack can consistently move the ball and keep QB Jalen Hurts and RB Saquon Barkley on the sidelines than on the playing field, that will increase the Pack's chances for an upset.

Now, a reminder that the Eagles are one of the top teams in the NFC and NFL and rank ahead of the Packers in most statistical categories. Today, the Packers defense will try to contain a rested Barkley, who sat out last week's finale. Fresh legs. Oy. They will also need to get pressure on Hurts, who was removed from the league's concussion protocol on Friday. He did get a practice or two in, but he may be rusty coming into the game today and the Pack needs to take advantage of that and perhaps generate a turnover early, especially.

That's a theme that came through on many pundits previews of this game: the Packers need to get a fast start. Some even noted that the game may very well be determined in the first quarter. Where the Packers have been able to get up early, they usually won; where they have not, the opposite was true.

Going against a team the likes of Philly, the Packers really need to play their best game of the year. Put the stumbles of the last two straight losses behind them and see this as an entirely new season. Be physical. Be fast. Be precise. They need to be the Green Bay Packers team that fans have believed them to be all season. The talent is there in all three phases of the game. Time for the players to put up or head to an early offseason.

The Prediction

Most pundits have the Eagles winning this game. They do have the home field advantage, of course. Philly is a tough place to play so the Pack will be playing not only the Eagles but the Eagles fans, as well. You know, the Philly folks who go to the airport to boo landings, as the great Mr. Baseball, Bob Uecker, is known to say.

Oddsmakers have installed the Eagles as 4-1/2 point favorites at the time of this writing, down from 5-1/2 just a day ago. The over-under, depending on who you may be looking at, has that set at between 45 and 48; have seen both numbers tossed about.

While we are hopeful the Packers will finally put together a complete, four quarters game and pull off the upset, we really haven't seen them yet this season beat a team that's ahead of them in the win-loss record. And in the season finale, they couldn't even beat Da Bearz. So we are not optimistic.

It goes against our Green 'n' Gold-colored instincts to pick against the Packers. But looking at everything ...

We're calling it Eagles 30 - Packers 24. Hope we are wrong. Very wrong.

Go Pack Go!!!

2024 NFL Week 18: Packers vs Bears Preview & Prediction

Here we are,  Packer fans: the final game of the 2024 regular season. (Boy, it went fast, didn't it?!) And this game comes against the Pack's longest-standing rival, Da Bearz! What could be better? OK, OK, perhaps a Chicago team that's actually competitive once again. But let's be careful what we ask for, right?

On Sunday, there is a chance to continue to dominate a currently woeful Chicago franchise. That's always a good thing. Packers head coach Matt LaFleur is 11-0 heading into this match up with the team from south of the (Wisconsin) border. When the game is finished, that personal coaching record will go to 12-0 and take the Pack to 12-5 on the season overall. More on that in a bit.

But first, a quick return to last weekend's loss vs. the Minnesota ViQueens. Turns out, we were spot on with our score prediction, 27-25. How 'bout that? But ... we just had the teams reversed. Dang it!

Yes, the Pack came up short — again — against Minnesota, just as was the case twice versus Detroit this season. And once against the Eagles. Darn it. One of the keys to victory that we noted in our Minnesota preview was getting to QB Sam Darnold so he wouldn't pick apart the Packers defense. Weeeelllll ... that didn't quite happen the way we hoped. And the Packers offense misfired just enough to let the Vikes take the game. That early fumble on the first drive by Josh Jacobs ... how many times do things such as this seem to be an early indicator of how the rest of the game will go? QB Jordan Love was not as sharp as he needed to be, either. Just too much. And a 2-point loss. (Sigh...)

OK, let's get on to this game against Chicago, shall we?

Packers RB Josh Jacobs scoring vs. Da Bearz. While it is hoped that Jacobs doesn't have to play the entire game on Sunday, we do hope to see him once again entering the end zone a time or two on the way to a Packers win.

(Photo by Mark Hoffman/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)

The Preview

The Packers, sitting at 11-5 currently and in third place in the NFC North, have already locked up a wildcard playoff spot. The only things undetermined are whether it will be the sixth or seventh spot and the resulting first round opponent. For Da Bearz, at 4-12 and on a 10-game losing streak after a 4-2 start, they have already locked up last place in the NFC North and a fast trip to the offseason following the conclusion of the game.

While Chicago has some weapons on offense, particularly at wide receiver, their offensive line has been a sieve, leading to rookie QB Caleb Williams not having exactly the kind of season management had hoped for when he was drafted with the number one overall pick. He's been under pressure and sacked a ton. Combine that with coaching firings during the season and one might speculate that Williams will find himself in the same spot a few years down the road as a few other recent high Chicago QB picks that have fallen by the wayside. Much will depend upon who the McCaskey family decides to hand the head coaching job to in the coming season. Fans at Soldier Field during the game vs. Seattle were chanting "Sell the team" ... so ... things there are not good on just about any front.

That's enough space talking about Da Bearz.

As for the Pack, it should be a matter of getting out to a fast start and putting up points early and often. This has been the key to the Packers success this season, and the key to its five losses when they haven't been able to do so. Pro Bowl RB Josh Jacobs will be important in that effort. Given the amount of work he has taken on this season, it will be most helpful if he can hit the bench early and get some rest going into the playoffs. Coach LaFleur has said he's not going to rest any of the starters going into the game. But he obviously would be in favor of giving as much rest to these players as possible and that means having a comfortable lead at some point in the second half.

The Packers will have all their regular offensive weapons on display. WR Christian Watson should be available, too, and TE Luke Musgrave might also see a bit more action than last week where they eased him back into things. There were hints from the coaching staff that they felt Musgrave could finally be one of those receiving threats they had anticipated when drafting him — in addition to all the others — that could really open up the offense even more during the playoffs.

Defensively, the Packers received the news this week that CB Jaire Alexander underwent surgery for the PCL injury that has been bothering him a good portion of the season. With hindsight, instead of trying to get back on the field, someone in the Packers organization should have pulled the plug on him early, put him on IR, made an additional roster spot available, and now would likely have him back for the playoff run. Instead, the earliest he might be available would reportedly be the Super Bowl. Which raises the question, as we have noted before, as to whether Alexander will even be back with the Packers at all next season despite his contract given his limited availability for the past two years in particular. But that decision is down the road.

Besides Alexander, the other inactives for the Pack include linebackers Quay Walker and Zane Anderson, S Evan Williams and OT Andre Dillard.

One big highlight in recent weeks for the Packers has been the emergence of LB Edgerrin Cooper. Expect more good things ahead from "Super Cooper". He should have a big day versus Da Bearz.

Now, Seattle had a field day last weekend vs. Chicago, getting to Williams with their blitz schemes. Still, they only won in a snorer, 6-3. The Packers do not and will not blitz anywhere near as much as the Seahawks so they will need to get pressure on Williams with their front four and occasional blitz packages. They can and must do so.

The Prediction

At the time of this writing, the Packers are favored by 10 points. Surprised it isn't more than that. This is a game the Packers should — and will — win. Even with the noon CT kickoff weather conditions in Green Bay those of a typical early January affair, i.e., about 17 degrees at game time and with blustery winds of up to perhaps 23 mph, there is no snow in the forecast at the time of this writing. So the game should favor the running attack and short to medium range passes. Both of which, along with the defensive play, favors the Packers. But, as noted earlier, the Pack need to get up early on Da Bearz. Don't let them hang around. Put them away and don't let up.

We're calling this one Packers 34 - Da Bearz 10.

Go Pack Go!!!

2024 NFL Week 17: Packers vs. Vikings Preview & Prediction

Here we are, Packer fans: the penultimate game of the 2024 NFL season is upon us; facing our purple opponent that has had quite a season, let's be honest. The ViQueens are sitting in second place in the best division in the NFL, the NFC North, behind the Lions and just ahead of the Packers who may go down in NFL history as the best third place division team ever. But first things first. Take care of business in Minnesota and then return home to Lambeau Field for the final game of the regular season against the lowly Chicago Bears. Then wait to find out whether the Packers are the fifth, or sixth or seventh seed in the playoffs after that game. To be clear, whether the Packers win or lose today, it likely won't have a great deal of impact on things. The Pack is in the playoffs and from there anything can happen.

Still, we'd prefer a win today, wouldn't we?

After pitching a shutout on Monday night against the New Orleans Saints — the first and only shutout of the season anywhere in the NFL — the Packers are rolling on offense and defense and looking for retribution for the earlier 2-point loss vs Minnesota at Lambeau. Let's have a look at what to expect, shall we?

A blast from the past: Minnesota's QB Fran Tarkenton is sacked by DE Lionel Aldridge (82) with LB Ray Nitschke & DT Ron Kostelnik (77) on the hunt, on Dec. 5, 1965. The Packers won 24-19 in Green Bay.

(Photo by S. Niels Lauritzen/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)

The Preview

Today's game — flexed to the late afternoon as the de facto game of the day by the league for a national audience — is being played in Minnesota. Indoors Minnesota. So the upper Midwest late December weather will not be a factor. Which, in the historical scheme of things, is a shame, really. So much for our editorial opinion on that matter. The playing field will be fast, which seems to amount to a push, so to speak. The volume will be loud, which definitely favors the home team, of course.

As to other advantages and disadvantages for the two teams ... hmmm ...

For the ViQueens, they are riding an eight-game winning streak heading into the game and sit at 13-2. And, as the football world knows, Minnesota QB Sam Darnold has resurrected his career this season. He's been playing lights out and with a cast around him that makes that all possible: former Packers fave RB Aaron Jones, wide receivers Justin Jefferson (arguably one of the top receivers in the NFL) and Jordan Addison, and head coach Kevin O’Connell and his coaching staff. Darnold has just one turnover in the last six games.

Plus, the ViQueens defense presents one of the best rushing defenses in the league. The additions of veteran edge rushers Jonathan Greenard and former Wisconsin Badger (Go Badgers!) Andrew Van Ginkel along with LB Blake Cashman has helped remake the defense and taken it to a new level under defensive coordinator Brian Flores who is in his second season with Minnesota. Consider: 30 takeaways. Thirty. They get after opposing quarterbacks, ball carriers and receivers. (To be fair, the Packers have 28 takeaways to this point in the season. Not bad either.)

Minnesota's defense also likes to blitz: according to NexGen Stats, the 'Queens blitz more than any other team in the league (39.1%). They have especially done so in the last few games against the Packers. QB Jordan Love noted that the way Minnesota blitzed changed from game to game and in his view, “I think they're a better defense than they were last year.” But you can be sure Matt LaFleur will be prepared to exploit those blitzes whenever they come. Because the Packers are pretty good, too, when it comes to making adjustments.

Enough about the ViQueens. What can the Packers bring to the field? Well ...

For starters, the Packers have a quarterback in far better shape than the one Minnesota saw in the first go 'round. In that game, which the Pack lost 31-29 after going down early 28-0, Jordan Love was just coming off a couple weeks of injury recovery. He was rusty. And it showed. Now, he's been humming along. A big part of that, of course, is being healthy. Another huge part is that a lot the offense now runs not entirely through him but through RB Josh Jacobs who has been lighting up defenses with his hard running and also receiving abilities. Plus, the plethora of receiving talent available for head coach Matt LaFleur to make use of in so many different ways...it can cause headaches for opposing defenses. Granted, the defense today, as noted earlier, is a good one, especially against the run. So yards may be hard to come by for Jacobs. But no doubt LaFleur will test that out early and as often as seems appropriate to the game situation. The Pack needs to at least keep that defensive front honest to mitigate the blitzes that are bound to occur.

The Packers defense will once again be without the services of CB Jaire Alexander. No surprise there. Alexander has been a no-go, either entirely or partially, for really most of the season. It's reached the point where head coach Matt LaFleur is seemingly getting annoyed with reporters asking questions about the status of Alexander. It's also reached the point where some pundits are beginning to speculate that Alexander may be in his last season with the Packers, contract details aside. A player ultimately is only as good as his availability and for much of the past two seasons Alexander has not been available. Through no fault of his own, he just can't seem to stay on the field.

So ... defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley and his crew have found ways to cover that absence this season and haven't seemed to be hurt by it, generally speaking. Today may be a different story, however. Having Alexander available to cover Jefferson would have been a big plus for the defense. But ... not to be. Which means the Pack's own defensive front seven will need to find ways to keep RB Aaron Jones in check and get pressure on Darnold; if Darnold is given time he will once again be able to find his receivers and it could be a long afternoon for the Pack in Minnesota.

Remember that the only teams the Packers have lost to are the Eagles in the opener in Brazil, Detroit (twice, the last a nail-biter) and Minnesota in what turned out to be a squeaker in the first meeting. All are teams that sit ahead of the Pack in the NFC standings. Green Bay has taken care of business against equal or lesser foes and a reason they are sitting at 11-4. But they need to knock off one or all of these opponents if they wish to have any hope of reaching the Super Bowl. That needs to start today to continue the momentum they have and take that into the playoffs.

In addition to Alexander, LB Quay Walker, S Evan Williams and OL Andre Dillard will not play today. The good news is that, at the time of this writing, S Javon Bullard, WR Christian Watson and LB Ty’Ron Hopper are listed as questionable. For the ViQueens, they are getting a few players back (darn it!). CB Fabian Moreau is listed as out and LB Ivan Pace Jr. is listed as questionable.

These are two Top 10 teams on both sides of the ball. Which means it will probably come down to the little things: penalties, turnovers, special teams, time management. Because this is a game that could turn into one where the team with the ball last wins. Hate those games.

The Prediction

At the time of this writing, the Packers are favored by 1 point and the over-under is listed as 49 points. Crikey.

The Pack needs to come out hot, on both sides of the ball, whether taking the ball first or not. They need to play complimentary football in all three phases of the game, and play all four quarters.

It's that time of year. Need to bring everything you've got.

According to Sports Illustrated, "...the Packers now rank second in the NFL in Net Yards per Play. The Vikings, while continuing to win, have fallen to 11th in that stat and 21st over their last three games. The underlying numbers show that despite both teams continuing to stack up wins, the Packers have been playing better football of late."

May it continue thusly.

We're calling it Packers 27 - ViQueens 25.

Go Pack Go!!!

2024 NFL Week 15: Packers vs. Seahawks Preview & Prediction

Before getting into a look at tonight's game in Seattle, a quick reflection on the Week 14 Thursday night game in Detroit: dang it!

Admittedly, it was a great game to watch, for sure, between two of the NFL's heavyweights. It definitely had the feel of a "Whoever has the ball last..." type game, didn't it? And that's how it went. Close. But the "W", regrettably, went to the Lions. They just keep finding ways to win...a mark of a very good team. Kudos to them. We would note, however, that we were nearly spot on on our final score prediction, albeit with the teams reversed. Again, close. But not good enough.

Anyway, the Packers have had an extended mini-bye to prepare for this road game against the Seahawks. Let's have a closer look.

A blast from the past: The "Fail Mary" at the end of the Packers-Seahawks game on Sept. 24, 2012.* Note the contradictory signs from the two officials standing right on top of the play. For more details, please see the notes following the Prediction section of this post.

(Photo by Rick Wood / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)

The Preview

Seattle has been the site of some horrible memories for the Packers and their fans over the years (see above photo and related notes below for just one such occasion). The stadium is one of the loudest in football, the fans are rabid, and, for whatever reason, Seattle has at times seemed to be a black hole for Packers' Super Bowl aspirations. Hopefully, not tonight.

But the Seahawks are coming in on a roll having won their last four games and sit atop, barely, the rather so-so NFC West at 8-5. QB Geno Smith has been a successful reclamation project with an excellent running game to support him and some outstanding receivers to which to throw. But, Seattle's top back — Kenneth Walker III — is listed as doubtful for this game, which would certainly be to the Packers advantage. He did not practice all week after sitting out Seattle's win at Arizona with a calf injury. If Walker doesn't play, second-year player Zach Charbonnet, coming off his best game, will get the start. And like every team at this point in the season, the Seahawks have some other players with various injuries, but Walker is the biggest name to keep an eye on at game time.

Seattle's defense? More than capable. What more to say?

For the Packers, the team will yet once again be without CB Jaire Alexander who, after practicing fully on Wednesday and Thursday did not practice on Friday. A theme for the season in regard to Alexander. TE Luke Musgrave will also once again not be on the field. S Javon Bullard is also listed as out. The good news is that WR Romeo Doubs has cleared concussion protocol and will be available, giving QB Jordan Love another one of his favorite receivers.

As has been the case throughout the season, especially as head coach Matt LaFleur has been able to see what he's got offensively, and after Love is now seemingly fully recovered from his early-season lower body injuries, the Packers will need to run first and throw second. They will need to get RB Josh Jacobs going early and often to allow Love to exploit the air game with his plethora of more-than-capable receivers, including TE Tucker Kraft, of course.

We also assume that the Packers are able to get some pressure on Smith tonight. QB pressure has been hit or miss for the Packers defense all season and it's about time that things get more consistent. We think you'll agree. Case in point: Smith completed 80% of his passes in his last game against the Cardinals, if memory serves (and if not, sorry). Given time, Smith, as the season has gone on, can be as good as anyone. The Pack can't let him sit back in the pocket and nickel-and-dime things down the field.

And some way, somehow, the Packers need to do a far better job getting coverage over the middle than they have done in recent weeks. That element of the pass defense has been abysmal, let's be honest. Yes, missing Alexander has been a part of that. But someone — anyone! — needs to step up...either on the defensive line to generate pressure or over the middle to upset routes and not let receivers run wide open. Aaargghhh! 

Combine what we expect to be another solid offensive game plan from LaFleur with a hopefully amped up Packers pass rush and this all works toward bringing a "W" back to Green Bay on the red eye flight tonight.

The Prediction

It seem as if we may have tipped our hand in the preceding sentence. Ah, well. The Packers are favored by 2-1/2 points at the time of this writing. The over-under is currently set at 46-1/2 points.

This is one of those games which could go either way...but not in the same sense as we felt about the last game vs. Detroit. This is a game where the Seahawks are playing for their playoff lives at home and to stay atop their division. The Packers are playing for playoff seeding position, currently sitting at the sixth seed. Picking up a win here, with the Saints coming to Green Bay next weekend, followed by a trip to take on the ViQueens, and finally closing out the regular season at home against Da Bearz, would put the Pack in very good stead for the playoff scenario and, dare we say, perhaps with a 12-5 record. (We should note that in our preseason preview and prediction, we had the Packers at 8-5 at this stage of this season, so the actual current record of 9-4 allows a bit of a margin of error...although we hope it's not needed!)

We're calling this game Packers 34 - Seahawks 24.

Go Pack Go!!!

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* Notes on the "Fail Mary" game referenced in the earlier photo, courtesy of Wikipedia...

"The Fail Mary, also known as the Inaccurate Reception or the Intertouchdownception, was a play in the National Football League (NFL) game played between the Green Bay Packers and Seattle Seahawks on September 24, 2012, at CenturyLink Field in Seattle, Washington. In a nationally televised game on ESPN's Monday Night Football, the Seahawks defeated the Packers, 14–12, in controversial fashion.

On the final play of the tightly contested game, Seattle rookie quarterback Russell Wilson threw a Hail Mary pass into the end zone intended for wide receiver Golden Tate. Both Tate and Packers defender M.D. Jennings got their hands on the ball while both players were still in the air and attempting to gain possession. The two officials near the play initially gave separate signals of touchdown and touchback, before ruling the players had simultaneous possession, resulting in a Seahawks game-winning touchdown. Prior to the catch, Tate shoved Packers cornerback Sam Shields with both hands, which the NFL later acknowledged should have drawn an offensive pass interference penalty that would have negated the touchdown and resulted in a Packers victory. The lack of a pass interference penalty and the ruling of a touchdown via simultaneous catch were widely questioned in the aftermath of the game, drawing comments from the game's announcers, NFL players, and the media. The NFL subsequently released a statement defending the touchdown ruling, while conceding that offensive pass interference did occur, which would have resulted in a Packers win.

The controversial ending followed weeks of criticism regarding the quality of officiating by replacement officials employed by the NFL during the 2012 NFL referee lockout. Two days after the game, the NFL and the NFL Referees Association (NFLRA) announced that they had reached an agreement to end the lockout. NFL commissioner Roger Goodell acknowledged that the negative attention the game drew to the referee situation was an impetus for ending the labor dispute."

2024 NFL Week 14: Packers vs. Lions Preview & Prediction

Happy football Thursday once again, Packer fans! Yes, a bit of an oddity to be doing back-to-back Thursday game previews and predictions (last time was 2015). But here we are. Last week was the Thanksgiving evening game, of course, at Lambeau Field vs. the Miami Dolphins. Seems so long ago now, doesn't it? It was a great way to cap off our Turkey Day (plus whomping the Sunday before our heretofore kryptonite by the largest margin ever in the long-standing series against the Niners: 28 points! Holy California roll, Batman!) The post-game six-legged turducken feast, prepared by none other than Packers and NFL Hall of Famer, LeRoy Butler, was presented to QB Jordan Love, RB Josh Jacobs, and LB Isaiah McDuffie. Love received 2 of the legs as Butler reminded the viewing audience that Love was inexplicably stiffed on that front after last year's win at Detroit. It was a beautiful moment, indeed.

Anyway, and not coincidentally, the Packers find themselves back in Detroit tonight to play the Lions at Ford Field. Which leads us to our preview. Let's begin ...

The 2024 Packers will need to replicate the power and passion of the 1964 Green Bay team, epitomized by FB Jim Taylor (airborne!) and QB Bart Starr shown here against the Lions, in order to bring a win over the Lions back to Green Bay tonight.

(Photo via Milwaukee Journal Sentinel archive)

The Preview

In terms of a broad overview, the 9-3 Packers are ascending, the 11-1 Lions — despite the record — seem to be descending a bit. That's a qualified "descending", by the way, in case anyone misunderstands. As the saying goes, sometimes it's not who you play, it's when you play them. For the Packers, they are catching the Lions at the best possible time from their perspective: Detroit is banged up and missing starters, particularly on defense. That's the "descending" part right now. 

Detroit's offense — the highest scoring offense in the league — is mostly in tact ... and must be accounted for, particularly their running backs and receivers. If the Packers defense allow Detroit's running game to take charge, it will likely be a long night. QB Jared Goff is having another great season, and he has great receivers to throw to. When given protection, he is one of the best pocket-passers in the league today. But rattle him and get him out of the pocket, advantage Packers ... that has to be part of the Pack's defensive objectives for this game. Summing up: contain Detroit's running game, cover the receivers (especially over the middle, a-hem), and get pressure on Goff.

The Packers come in probably as healthy as they have been all season, albeit with CB Jaire Alexander (knee), WR Romeo Doubs (concussion), LB Edgerrin Cooper (hamstring), and CB Corey Ballentine (knee) all ruled out for tonight's game. The Packers have seemingly been playing more games without Alexander this season than with him, so the defense has been able to adapt. Better with him than without him, but availability is what it is. And no doubt head coach Matt LaFleur would prefer to be able to game plan with Doubs available in the passing game, but ... not. Thankfully, the Pack's corps of wide receivers is not only deep but good.

The key for the Pack's offense, as it has been increasingly as the season has progressed, is the success of the running game, particularly having RB Josh Jacobs dominate. If he's able to do what he's done over several weeks — say, carrying the ball 20-25 times and rushing for 100 yards or more — that will go a long way to seeing the Pack come away on top tonight. QB Jordan Love will also need time to find his receivers or make quick decisions and take off with the ball if pressured; better the latter than trying to force a throw and generate a turnover. Having no turnovers tonight, and getting a takeaway or two by the defense or special teams, can help secure the win.

The question for the Packers, as it has been most of the season, is what defense will show up tonight. The D has been playing really well, of late, and that trend has to continue tonight. Now, it's well known that Detroit is a physical team. The Packers will need to match that physicality on both sides of the ball. Let Detroit get rolling and it's then probably going to be a shootout type game ... perhaps even one of those last possession type games.

The Prediction

The Lions are 3-1/2 point favorites at the time of this writing with the over-under currently sitting at 51-1/2 points; so the oddsmakers are looking for a lot of offense tonight. The Packers lost the first outing at Lambeau Field, but they are now a more complete team than they were then. The game is indoors, so weather is not a factor. The Lions are wounded, the Packers relatively healthy. The Packers need this win to stay in the hunt for the NFC North title and are looking for revenge for that earlier loss.

It's not who you play, it's when you play them. Yup.

We're calling this game Packers 34 - Lions 30.

Go Pack Go!!!

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 ....

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!!!

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

The Lions come to Lambeau.

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

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

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

(Photo by Rick Wood / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)

The Preview

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

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

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

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

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

The Prediction

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

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

We're calling it Packers 24 - Lions 23.

Go Pack Go!!!

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

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

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

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

 

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

(Photo by Mark Hoffman/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)

The Preview

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

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

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

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

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

The Prediction

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

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

We're calling it Packers 30 - Cardinals 24.

Go Pack Go!!!

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

2024 NFL Week 4: Packers vs Vikings Preview & Prediction

To the surprise of many, including Packers fans, the Pack find themselves at 2-1 after 2 amazing wins at home and on the road with backup QB Malik Willis at the helm in place of the injured Jordan Love. They've done it with creative game-planning by head coach Matt LaFleur and staff, controlled and well-executed play by Willis and the offense, and — especially last weekend vs. the Titans — a defense that dominated.

That leaves us in a game today vs. the 3-0 ViQueens at Lambeau and a chance, with a win, to actually be atop the NFC North about a quarter of the way into season. Who would have imagined it when Love went down in the closing seconds of that game against the Eagles in Brazil? Even without Love, the Packers have demonstrated they can win in a number of ways. Rushing, through the air, getting takeaways and sacking the opposing QB. All of those qualities will need to once again be on display today.

Packers TE Tucker Kraft came up big against Minnesota last season and will need another big game today.

(Photo by Mark Hoffman/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)

The Preview

On offense, Minnesota's QB, veteran Sam Darnold, is having a good season to date. Rookie QB J.J. McCarthy, was supposed to be the starter this season, but an injury put that plan hold. Enter Darnold who is seizing his opportunity to basically resurrect his career. It helps when you have a receiver such as Justin Jefferson and an RB such as long-time Packers fave Aaron Jones among your weapons. But isn't it amazing what a change of team scenery and system can do (witness Malik Willis here, as well)?

Add to this, a stout defense run by Minnesota defensive coordinator Brian Flores and the challenges for opposing teams are many.

But guess what? The Packers present a myriad of problems for their opponents, too, regardless of who is behind center we now know. Today, with Jordan Love expected to play for the first time since sustaining his MCL sprain in the opener, it's unknown how the injury will limit his mobility and affect the offensive scheme. Certainly Love will not be 100 percent. So what will that look like? We'll know in a few hours. Still, it is good to know that if he is ineffective or unable to complete the game that Willis can step in and the Packers will not have an automatic loss as a result.

The key to Love's effectiveness today, limited as it may be, will be the offensive line's ability to keep him clean in the pocket. And to do so without penalties which has been a real problem throughout the first 3 games. Lookin' at you, Rasheed Walker. A-hem.

The 'Queens will no doubt dial up blitzes early to test the protection and Love's mobility. That's where Packers TE Tucker Kraft played such a role last season in the game at Minnesota where he helped beat the blitzes both blocking and catching. Once again, LaFleur has had all week to game-plan for Love's abilities to beat the defense. This will really be a chess match on both sides of the ball.

Of course, the Aaron Jones vs. Josh Jacobs subscript will also be part of today's story. Nobody wanted to see Jones leave the Packers in the offseason. He's beloved in Packerland. But Jacobs has certainly stepped in admirably in terms of making up the running yards. (So has Emanuel Wilson, lest we forget, in relief.) Who will wind up making the difference in the game? Have to wait to see.

Defensively, the Packers will be challenged to cover WR Justin Jefferson and the other receivers without Jaire Alexander and Carrington Valentine in the defensive backfield who are both out for this game. Next man up, as the saying goes. The new 4-3 scheme seems to be starting to pay off with the ability to pressure the QB without constant blitzing. Darnold is not a scrambler so if the front can get to him that can create opportunities for takeaways downfield.

Another curious side note to this game is that it will be rookie kicker vs. rookie kicker. Minnesota has Will Reichard who is 5 for 5 on his FG attempts and 10 for 10 on his PATs. Packer fans know all too well that our rookie kicker, Brayden Narveson, seems so far to be missing one kick per game; the miss last week was wiped out by a penalty on the Titans. We should note, though, that all Reichard's field goals have been indoors at the 'Queens home stadium; today will be his first attempts outdoors, although the weather forecast this early in the season is certainly quite favorable from that standpoint. So if the game is tight and it comes down to a kick, who do you put your money on? Oy.

The Prediction

With about an hour to game time, the Packers are listed as 2-1/2 point favorites. Seems about right. We think it will be a tight game, as these games often are.

We're calling it Packers 24 - ViQueens 23.

Go Pack Go!!!

2023 NFL Week 18: Regular Season Finale — Packers vs. Bears Preview & Prediction

Happy New Year, everyone!

Here it is Packers fans: the 2023 regular season finale against that team from south of the border. You know. Da Chicago Bearz. As you'll recall, the Pack started the season in Chicago and left with a win in QB Jordan Love's first start. Would be a nice way to bookend the regular season games with another win in Lambeau Field, wouldn't it? And, even better (well, really, is there anything better than beating Chicago?), a win gets the Packers into the playoffs as the number 7 wildcard.

Getting to the playoffs: what a great way to put a highlight on Love's first season as the starter, something neither Brett Favre or Aaron Rodgers was able to do, by the way, in their first seasons as the starter. They managed pretty well anyway overall, but wouldn't this just be the icing on the cake as the Pack seems to have found — again — their franchise quarterback going forward? Indeed. It's been 30 years of misery for NFC Central/North opponents with those 2 under center. May it continue thusly with Mr. Love.

Packers QB Jordan continued the ownership of Da Bearz in

his first meeting with them in the first game of the 2023 season in Chicago.

Fans hope to see that ownership continue in today's game at Lambeau Field.

(Photo via the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)

Anyway, what does this game look like? Let's see ...

The Preview

Both the Packers and Da Bearz (the latter, believe it or not) come into this game on a bit of a roll. The Pack has certainly been a different team offensively the second half of the season as Love has taken command, complemented, as we know, by a group of gritty and talented first and second-year players at the skill positions. Plus a solid offensive line. It's been impressive. As for the Packers defense ... well, that's been hit and miss. When they miss, as in tackles or coverages, for example, it hasn't been good. Defeats snatched from the jaws of victory in some cases. On the other hand, when they play as they are capable of (as in last weekend's dominant victory against the ViQueens in Minnesota) they can hold their own against any team. Which will show up today?

LATE EDIT: The Packers will NOT have WR Christian Watson available; TE Luke Musgrave is, albeit limited given his recent injury status. There may in fact be 7 wideouts active today, not including the tight ends. (And, hey, what about recently-activated practice squad player WR Bo Melton setting a record in last week's game? Wow.) RB Aaron Jones will have to play a key role in keeping Chicago's top-rated run defense from shutting down that aspect of the game. Unfortunately, RB A. J. Dillon is not active today due to a stinger he sustained in the game against Minnesota so RB Emanuel Wilson was activated off the practice squad. He had actually been performing well before a shoulder injury sidelined him.

On defense, Jaire Alexander is coming off his 1-game suspension and, by all accounts, was perhaps a bit humbled by that experience. He may take out his angst on Chicago's top receiver, D. J. Moore. That would be perfectly appropriate. And helpful. LB De'Vondre Campbell will be active today and that should also help, as long as defensive coordinator Joe Barry doesn't ask him to cover receivers.

The main task for the Packers defense will be keeping Chicago QB Justin Fields from shredding them with his legs. He has admittedly been throwing better in recent games, but if the defense can make him hold the ball (statistically, he holds the ball longer than any other QB) and contain him, they could get sacks and, even better, generate some turnovers. But they better keep Fields from running free or they will be in trouble and the game will be closer than it should otherwise be.

We're not concerned about the Packers offense given what they have demonstrated lately. Love was named the NFC Offensive Player of the Week for his game against the Vikes. He has arrived, arguably, as a legitimate top 5 QB at this point. Not bad for his first season as the starter.

Granted, Chicago's defense is actually playing as well or better than any defense in the league lately, not only against the run but in terms of interceptions. They have been a take-away factory. Now, supposedly their top d-back is out today (remains to be seen) which will help. But with the plethora of weapons the Packers have on offense, and if the O-line can hold up against a good defensive front and create a running lane once in a while, Green Bay should put up points.

The question, as unfortunately we have asked every game this season, is what the defense and special teams will do. Which D will show up today? Will they cover? Will they tackle? Will they keep Fields in check? Will special teams minimize breakdowns and will K Anders Carlson be perfect in his PATs during this game (he has missed 5 this season...not good).

The Prediction

The oddsmakers have the Packers favored by 3 points, the home field advantage. Some are surprised it's not more than that. But, OK, it's seen going in as a close game with the Packers sitting at 8-8 and Da Bearz at 7-9. Got it.

The Packers are playing for the playoffs: win and they're in (but they can still get in, with help, even with a loss). Chicago is playing to be the spoiler, as Detroit was in the final game of last season. They are also playing, perhaps, for Fields' career in Chicago and the survivability of the coaching staff. They already have the number 1 pick in the upcoming NFL Draft, so not much too lose at least in terms of the franchise regardless of whether they win or lose today.

Normally at this time of year, we also start to factor in the weather and how it may impact the game. Here's the current forecast:

• Expected Temperature: Low-30s
• Showers: <10% chance of precipitation
• Wind: 8 mph westerly

So, cold, yes, but snow or rain and winds should not be a factor.

Now, I did request predictions from some of our buddies about today. Gonzo (a loyal Packers fan and PackerFansUnited reader in AZ) says 27-24 Packers. Our token Bearz fans friends are split. Billy Da Bearz Fan says it will be Da Bearz on top 21-19. Stan the Realistic Bearz Fans says, while he hopes it would be 40-0 Bearz, he sees the game going in the Packers favor 28-24.

We're calling it Packers 31 - Bearz 24.

Go Pack Go!!!

2023 NFL Week 17: Packers vs. Vikings Preview & Prediction

Happy (almost) New Year, Packer fans! And what will make it very happy is if the Packers get a win in Min! Gotta get this game against the ViQueens to keep slim playoff hopes alive.

What could go wrong? Well ... it begins with "d" and ends with "e". Specifically, defense, as in even more specifically, the Pack's defense. What a train wreck it has become especially over the last half of the season.

That has been particularly true when facing rookie and iffy quarterbacks, whom the Packers defense have made look like MVPs these last three weeks. The tales of woe in this regard are well known among Packer fans so no need to rehash here. Other than to say two players on defense that would be helpful in today's game against Minnesota's very good receivers — Jaire Alexander and Eric Stokes — will not be playing. Alexander because of his well-documented error in judgement at the time of the coin-toss against Carolina, resulting in his one-game suspension by Brian Gutekunst, and Stokes because of a hamstring injury which now sees him on the IR list, which has been the bane of the Packers existence this season across many players. Oy.

Yet again today, the Packers defense will face a rookie QB, Jaren Hall, who is very mobile. And you know how mobile QBs do against this Packers defense, right? Yeah: have career games. Let us pray ...

Anyway, let's just get on with the prediction, shall we? No preview needed. We have New Year's celebrations to get to (along with the game, of course!).

The Packers offense will need a big game from QB Jordan Love

today to overcome expected lapses by the Packers defense.

(Photo by Wm. Glasheen, USA TODAY NETWORK-WISCONSIN)

The Prediction

Minnesota is currently favored by 1 to 1-1/2 points depending upon what source you are looking at. So, basically, a pick 'em game.

Both the Packers and ViQueens come into this game at 7-8. The Packers offense, statistically, have scored more points over the course of the season than have the Vikes. But Minnesota's defense have given up 32 fewer points over the 15-game span than have the Packers. In fact, the Packers offense has only scored 2 points more than its defense has given up. That helps explain our meh record at this point in the season. To the Packers advantage, statistically, is that Minnesota has a 2-5 record at home and 5-3 on the road; the Pack is 3-5 away from home. So...hmm. What to make of that?

If the Packers defense can get back to its early season form, and create at least one turnover today, they should pull off a tight win. If it once again makes a MVP out of a rookie QB, and doesn't get lights-out play from the offense, playoff chances for the Pack will go from slim to none.

Still, we're going to wear the green 'n' gold glasses yet again. We're call this game Packers 27 - ViQueens 24.

GO PACK GO!!!

2023 NFL Week 16: Packers vs. Panthers Preview & Prediction

So-o-o-o-o...for the second straight week...looking back...the Green Bay Packers disappointed fans with poor performances. Coming off two great wins no less. Up and down. The story of a young team. But at some point, as even head coach Matt LaFleur acknowledged, that "young" bit doesn't hold water any more.

The season is 3 games from being over. Either the team wins out against poor to so-so teams and keeps their now-slim playoff chance alive, or we start looking to next season. We have said for the past couple weeks that each game was a must-win. Well, if the upcoming Christmas Eve day game vs. the lowly Carolina Panthers isn't a must-win, then Santa is just a fat ol' man. And we know that's not true!

Of course, the Pack have seemed to nearly always make a looser into a winner. Check the performances of the last two winning opponent quarterbacks, for example. Oy. The biggest problem in the last two losses, of course, has been the Joe Barry-led defense. Or, as The Onion declared in a headline following the most recent defensive debacle, "James Webb Telescope Finds Evidence Of Packers Secondary Lined Up 20 Million Light Years Off Receivers".

Let's hope we don't see this Packers secondary coverage scheme any longer.

(Image via theonion.com)

The Preview

Do we really need one at this point, Packer fans? We know the Pack is a toss-up team at this stage of the season. When they show you who they are, as the saying goes, believe then. They have shown us that they are a 6-8 team. Meh. So close and yet so far. Yes, they are/were "young". Yes, they've had a lot of injuries at key positions (btw, will Jaire Alexander ever see the field again for the Packers???). Next man up. And with 8 first-round picks on defense as we were reminded ad nauseum this week in the aftermath of the defensive meltdown vs. Baker Mayfield and the Buccaneers. Time for these guys to step up. Especially the defense. If going against rookie QB Bryce Young isn't an occasion for feasting on sacks and turnovers...check please. You know what we're saying.

The Panthers are 2-12 for a reason, just as the Packers are 6-8 for a reason. The Packers have better talent on the field. But in sports, especially football, commitment to show up and perform to the best of one's capability is key...by all on the field. This will be a telling game for the Pack. Will they show up and perform? Or have they already packed it in, so to speak (no pun intended), especially on the defensive side of things? We will find out shortly.

The Prediction

The Packers are favored by 4 points. They have won something like 7 straight Christmastime games. Matt LaFleur is 16-2 in December since becoming the head coach of the Packers. This is a game the Packers should win. But we've said that the last 2 weeks and where did that get us? Up the creek without a paddle.

So now what? We're sticking with the Packers because of the "should win" part of the prediction equation. We're calling it Packers 27 - Panthers 17. Confidence level? Take a guess.

Still ... GO PACK GO!!!