2020 Season Divisional Playoff: No. 1 Seed Packers vs. No. 6 Seed Rams

Fellow Green Bay Packers fans, today's the day our rested number 1 seed Pack take on the number 6 seed LA Rams at Lambeau Field in the first of this weekend's divisional match-ups.

And a good one it should be. We have the league's number one offense — the Packers — vs. the league's number one defense —  the Rams. Something's gotta give.

The Preview

The Packers have home field advantage, including the added benefit of about 6,000 fans in the stands today, a first of this size for the season. That should help give a little extra juice to the game, something some of the players say they have missed, understandably. The Packers have, of course, the upcoming three-time MVP QB Aaron Rodgers, world-class receiver Davante Adams, a three-headed running game with Aaron Jones, Jamaal Williams and A.J. Dillon. There's a downfield threat in the form of Marquez Valdes-Scantling, admittedly a 50-50 proposition, but even one of those plays today could be a difference maker. And the Rams defense has to pay attention to MVS whether or not he catches the ball, which opens things up for other receivers regardless of the coverage on Adams. We also have a top offensive line, albeit without its All-Pro LT David Bakhtiari.

The Packers defense will be counted on today to limit

the Rams time of possession.

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

In addition, we have seen a defense progress from mediocre earlier in the season to now an actual top 10 defensive unit, including great defensive ends and a nose tackle that can stuff the run and get at the quarterback, serviceable linebackers, and really a great secondary, led by Jaire Alexander, up-and-coming second-year DB Darnell Savage and veteran Adrian Amos. All the pieces are there to take this all the way. If they play up to their ability, of course.

But first, the Packers have to get past the Rams. Their defense, led by DT Aaron Donald and CB Jalen Ramsey, can shut down most offenses. (Of course, we don't have a typical offense in the Packers.) Donald is coming off an injury but will play. Something to keep an eye on during the game. Ramsey is going to be counted on to shutdown Adams; he gave up only 2 TDs all season covering the opposition’s best receiver.

The key for the Rams offense in a few of their latest wins was winning time of possession by converting third downs. The Packers defense, in a few of its most recent games, had a hard time getting third and even fourth down stops. The Rams will want to help their already fine defense by keeping Aaron Rodgers on the sidelines as much as they can. The Packers defense will need to step up its game and not allow that time of possession battle to swing heavily in favor of the Rams by getting those big stops on third and fourth down. If they can stop the run and force LA to go to the air that would seem to work in the Packers favor today.

That's because Jared Goff will get the start for the Rams, a few weeks removed from thumb surgery. He had to come in relief last week after his backup went down in the first quarter and performed well. He led the team to a 30-20 win over the Seahawks, although it was not one of Seattle's better games, to be sure. Don't expect Goff to go deep often because of the thumb issue. But those underneath throws can keep the chains moving. The Packers defense will need to get to him to make him uncomfortable. In pre-game warm ups today it is reported he's wearing gloves on both hands. While the temps are reasonable for this time of year in Green Bay, they are certainly colder than what the LA guys are used to. That might become a factor with a bad thumb still healing.

The Prediction

With about an hour to go before kickoff, the Packers come into this game as 6-1/2 point favorites. We think the oddsmakers have that about right.

We think this will be a hard-fought game start to finish. But the edge has to go to the Packers to outscore the Rams, particularly at Lambeau Field.

We're calling it Packers 27- Rams 20.

Go Pack Go!!!

2020 NFL Week 17: Packers vs. Bears Preview and Prediction

Happy New Year, Packers fans! Welcome to 2021. May this year be better than the last. Hard to imagine it being worse. Let us pray...

The last game in 2020 saw the Pack trounce the Titans at a snowy Lambeau Field. Tennessee was supposedly the team that would be the toughest challenge for the the Packers until they (hopefully) reach the Super Bowl. RB Derrick Henry would reportedly run roughshod over a Packers defense that has been less than stellar for a long time against the run. Despite the weather, despite Henry (who was held to under 100 yards rushing), despite it all, the Pack triumphed 40-14. It was not the game we, or many expected. And for that we were grateful.

The game was a coming out party of sorts for rookie RB A.J. Dillon who rushed for 124 yards and his first 2 TDs of the season. QB and soon-to-be three-time MVP Aaron Rodgers threw for 4 TDs and 1 INT, while all-world receiver Davante Adams had 11 catches for 142 yards and 3 TDs. It was also a coming out party for a Packers defense that we hadn't seen in a while. As noted, they shut down arguably the top running back in the league and that left the offense in the hands of QB Ryan Tannehill, who had been having a pretty good season. But against the Pack he was picked off twice, only his sixth and seventh interceptions of the season, and wound up throwing for just 121 yards with a completion rate around 45 percent.

Game, set, match ... Packers.

Now, on to Chicago and our neighbors to the south, Da Bearz.

QB Aaron Rodgers will have to deal the rest of this season and likely

to mid-season next year without starting LT David Bakhtiari. Bakhtiari

suffered a season-ending freak ACL injury during practice on Thursday.

(Photo via Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)

The Preview

The first item of note is that starting LT David Bakhtiari is lost for the rest of this season and into the next as a result of a freak ACL injury that occurred during practice on Thursday. Not great. At all. But the Packers O-line has been dealing with injuries throughout the season and is used to shuffling players around. It's likely that Billy Turner will play LT, Rick Wagner will play RT and Lucas Patrick will play RG. Thankfully, starting center Corey Linsley returned last week to return stability to the middle of the line. Elgton Jenkins also give the Pack a lot of flexibility in case anyone else goes down on the line. Let's hope not.

Secondly, with RB Jamaal Williams returning today, head coach Matt LaFleur has indicated that he'd like to find ways to use all 3 running backs — Aaron Jones, A.J. Dillon and Williams — on the field at the same time. He even said he'd be challenged not to overdo that formation. So let's see if that happens today. We'd think it would give Chicago's defense fits, as all 3 cannot only run the ball aggressively but can catch the ball, as well. Then throw in the Packers corps of receivers. Can you imagine trying to defend that? Oh, and did we mention that Da Bearz will be without 2 of their starting defensive backs? (In best Seinfeld voice) That's a shame.

Chicago has a good running back of their own in David Montgomery who has already surpassed 1,000 yards on the season. In order for the Packers to enhance their chances for victory today the defense will need to shut down Montgomery the way they did Henry last week. That means  Za’Darius Smith, Preston Smith and Rashan Gary will need to once again protect the edge and funnel things inside as much as possible. That was a key to success last week and will be so again today. Oh, and lest we forget: the Packers signed NT Damon "Snacks" Harrison this week and he was able to practice. It will be interesting to see how much the Packers work him into defensive schemes today and how he plays. He should be a valuable pick up for the playoff run.

Back to Da Bearz. QB Mitchell Trubisky has been having a better end to the season than start. After being benched for Nick Foles, he's responded well to the challenge. But it's also been against so-so defenses, to say the least. The Packers defense has been getting better as the season has progressed. If Chicago's chances rest in his hands...good luck with that.

The Prediction

The Packers are 4-1/2 to 5 point favorites depending upon who's making that call. I consulted my good friend, Billy Da Bearz Fan, to get his take on the game. He told me that I'm not supposed to say that he really thinks the Pack will go up by 3 or 4 touchdowns early and then start resting players. Instead, he says since its in writing, I should say that he's calling it 28-27 Bearz.

So there's one point of view. Or two, if you're counting.

Here's a third. Despite the hard hit incurred with the loss of Bakhtiari, we think the Packers are on a roll right now and things are gelling at the right time. We expect Da Bearz to put up a spirited game — after all, they are playing for a potential playoff spot. But the Pack is playing for the #1 overall seed, a bye, and home field advantage throughout the playoffs. If they play for 4 quarters, they'll win with room to spare. If they let Chicago hang around, well, if it comes down to Rodgers or Trubisky making a play to win the game, c'mon.

We're calling it Packers 34 - Bearz 24.

Go Pack Go!!!

2020 NFL Week 16: Packers vs. Titans Preview and Prediction

A Quick Look Back

Well, Packers fans, the Pack did what they needed to do last week against Carolina, although not in the best way possible. They lit it up offensively in the first half behind a strong running game and then seemed to go almost totally away from that in the second half, allowing the Panthers to claw their way back to make it a far too close of a game down the stretch. A win is a win, but why a team would leave behind what's been working for an entire half to go to a different scheme ... ? Your guess is as good as ours ... or the head coach's for that matter. Mike LaFleur wasn't a fan of what the team did in the second half of that game and, hopefully, learned a valuable lesson without it costing the team a win. We'll see what happens going forward.

QB Aaron Rodgers will need a productive game tonight vs. the Titans

to help the Packers secure a win and hang on to the #1 seed for

the playoffs. (Photo by Dan Powers USA Today Sports)

The Preview

Most previews of tonight's game at Lambeau Field — the regular season home finale — seemingly begin and end with accolades and warnings about Titans' running back Derrick Henry. Radio Voice of the Packers, Wayne Larrivee, said in preview interview that Henry has 100 yards before he gets off the bus. So there's that. 

Described as a "bulldozer" type back, Henry is well on his way to 2,000 yards rushing this season, coming in with nearly 1,700 yards rushing and 15 TDs. He tends to prefer to run between the tackles and look for cutback lanes, but he can also present problems when he gets around the edge. Against a weak run defense (any teams come to mind, Packer fans???), he can take over a game and be the best defense the Titans have by keeping QB Aaron Rodgers and his weapons off the field. That's not a good scenario. Tennessee QB Ryan Tannehill is also having a good year overall. Combined, they contribute to the league's number-one ranked offense (before this weekend's games).

Of course, the Pack comes in with the NFL's third-overall offense. So we have strength against strength in tonight's game. Defensively, the Pack's numbers have actually been improving over the last few weeks to put them roughly in the middle of the rankings, give or take. The Titans defense, on the other hand, is toward the bottom of the rankings. Again, Wayne Larrivee described the Packers and Titans as basically mirror images of one another: both good in the same areas and challenged in the same areas.

The Packers will need to establish their ground game again tonight. When they stick with it, good things happen; when they go away from it, as they did in the second half last weekend, they don't always perform at a peak level. They need to feed Aaron Jones. Jamaal Williams likely won't play tonight so rookie RB A.J. Dillon should get some reps and can be a powerful addition at the goal line.

The ground game will be especially important this evening as snow is expected (it's falling at the time of this writing), with temps in the upper 20s and wind chills in the teens. Will be a tough environment for punters and kickers tonight. Conditions overall would seem to favor the better running team. But they should also favor Rodgers over Tannehill if receivers can make their catches.

The Prediction

The oddsmakers have set the Packers as 3 to 3-1/2 point favorites, depending upon your source. The over-under is indicated as 56 points. We agree with those saying this will likely be a shoot-out and could even come down to which team has the ball last. We hope not. We hate those types of games ... at least when the Pack is involved.

The Packers can clinch the number 1 playoff seed in the NFC tonight be defeating the Titans. The team has had an uncanny ability to follow up a poor performance (i.e., last week) with a good one, and to turn it up on defense when needed to hang on to a victory. Both of those traits will be called upon tonight to beat the best team the Packers will play until a potential Super Bowl berth.

We're calling it Packers 34 - Titans 31. 

2020 NFL Week 14: Packers vs. Lions Preview and Prediction

A quick review of last week's win at Lambeau Field over the Philadelphia Eagles ... the Green Bay Packers won, 30 -16.

But wait, there's more! The Packers defense actually played pretty well, getting some sacks and second-year D-back Darnell Savage picking up his third interception of the season. As usual, on offense QB Aaron Rodgers, WR Davante Adams and RB Aaron Jones had great games individually. Rodgers threw his 400th TD pass and was the fastest ever in NFL history to do so in terms of the fewest games needed (we know, fastest/fewest sounds a bit confusing, but it works here). Not surprisingly, Adams was the recipient and was aware enough not to toss it into the empty stands. Instead, he knelt down and presented it to Rodgers as A-Rod was then symbolically "crowned" by TE Robert Tonyan. A real keeper moment, that.

And Jones scampered off to an amazing 77-yard TD run, as well. Another great moment, made even more memorable by the fact that LT David Bakhtiari himself trundled all the way down to the end zone as part of the escort. Analysis by those with the tools to do so showed that the big man was trucking along at 16.75 mph (NextGenStats)! Holy Roadrunner, Batman! Good hustle from the now highest paid offensive lineman in NFL history. Shows leadership and commitment. Kudos, Mr. Bakhtiari!

Oh, not that anyone pays much attention, but we were again close on our prediction: we had it 31-20 Packers. That missed PAT from Mason Crosby and one also by the Philly kicker who returned the favor...go figure.

We should expect to see a lot of TD celebrations in Detroit.

(Photo from Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)

The Preview

What to expect today? Well, for Detroit, we know QB Matthew Stafford can have some big games against the Packers. He's thrown for more TDs against Green Bay than any other team during his career. He's coming off a 400-yard passing game. And the Lions still, even with a 5-7 record coming into the game, are only a game back in the Wild Card hunt. So they have something to play for, certainly.

Plus, after former head coach Matt Patricia was relieved of his duties (about time) and replaced by offensive coordinator and former Wisconsin Badgers QB, Rose Bowl winner, Packers QB coach Darrell Bevell (was that enough Badgers/Packers ties for you?) as interim head coach the Lions got a win last week. We love to see Bevell do well as he is genuinely a good guy. But not when he plays against the Pack. So no love here today, Darrell, sorry.

The other thing that might be expected based upon past history is that the Packers could very well fall behind early. As Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Packers reporter Tom Silverstein points out: "In the last seven games – four of them at Lambeau Field – the Packers have fallen behind. Going backward from the teams' first meeting this season on Sept. 20, the deficits were, in order: 14-3, 17-3, 13-0, 31-0, 24-0, 27-3 and 20-3. The Packers rallied to win the most recent three games but lost the four prior to that, so falling behind again could be a recipe for disaster against a team trying to stay in the playoff race."

So...there's that. For most of this season, the Pack has gotten off to a hot start. It would do well for them to do so once again today in Detroit or they may wind up feeding the Lions' new confidence level following last week's 34-30 win against Da Bearz in Chicago. The Lions have been putting up points, even in their losses and, with a few notable exceptions — including their 42-21 loss to the Packers in their first meeting of the year and the 20-0 loss to the Panthers — usually keep the game within a score or two.

For the Packers, unless last week was an aberration, the defense looks to finally be on an upward arc. They got at Carson Wentz last week, even forcing a QB change, because they had him so rattled. They've started to generate some turnovers. Folks on that side of the ball seem to be generally healthy. May it continue thusly!

On offense, the Pack has been averaging nearly 32 points per game, leading the NFL in that category, while giving up an average of about 25 points per game. We'll take that any game of the season, won't we, Packer fans?

With WR Davante Adams having what some are beginning to call an MVP season in his own right, a complement of other receivers that Rodgers has confidence in — particularly TE Robert Tonyan — and a backfield consisting of Jones and Jamaal Williams, and an offensive line that, even missing starting center Corey Linsley is arguably the best in the NFL, there's no indication that the Pack won't again be putting up at least their season average of points today. Plus throw in the entrance of new returner and WR Tavon Austin and that may help spark some special teams magic ... which, let's admit it, certainly needs some magic on its coverage units. If the coverage units continue to plays as they have, i.e., not well, and the game is close, giving up a long return and or return for touchdown could be just the thing that flips the game to the opponent's favor.

The Prediction

It seems as if, not matter how poorly the Lions play over the course of a season, they play the Packers tough. We would expect nothing less today.

The Packers are listed as 7-1/2 point favorites at the time of this writing. Seems as if that's fair.

We're calling it Packers 38 - Lions 27.

Go Pack Go!!!

------------------------------------

A late addition: My good friend, Billy Da Bearz Fan, after reading my prediction today, texted to say I'm living in fantasyland. Yeah, he really said that...and he being a Bearz fan! Anyway ... his prediction is 20-17 Lions. I know. But remember: he is a Bearz fan. Hasn't seen a good team in ages. So...be gentle with him. He's a nice guy. Really.

2020 NFL Week 9: Packers vs. 49ers Preview and Prediction

Before anything else, Packer fans, lets clear the air...losing to the Minnesota ViQueens at Lambeau Field last Sunday stunk, didn't it? For as on track as they seemed, at least on offense, in the first half, everything just flopped in the second half. The defense is the Achilles Heel of this team. They had no pass rush, no run defense, and looked like a JV team playing the varsity. And it was the Vikes! And another game without any takeaways from the defense. C'mon, man!

Enough about that horrible game. And a chance for quick redemption tonight in San Francisco ... or Santa Clara, to be more geo-precise.

Packers RB Dexter Williams may well get the lion's share of

handoffs in tonight's game against the Niners.

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

On a short week, and traveling to the West Coast to boot, the good news is that the Packers will be taking on a decimated 49ers team. Depending upon who you listen to, the Niners will have only three starters from last year's NFC Championship game on the field tonight. They have been hit extremely hard by injuries. Of course, the Pack has its own set of important players who either won't be playing tonight or are likely not to play. They are especially short-handed at running back as Aaron Jones is still listed as questionable. Jamaal Williams is out, as is A.J. Dillon. Dexter Williams may be the featured running back tonight.

One bit of good news on the receiver front is that Allen Lazard was on the team plane yesterday; he hadn't travelled recently as he was recovering from his injury. Head coach Matt LaFleur said yesterday that Lazard was "very close" to returning. Even if just running occasional routes as a decoy, that might help open up Davante Adams a bit. And, let's be honest, none of the other receivers have grasped the brass ring of opportunity during Lazard's absence. So his return to the field would be a boost, for sure.

On the defensive side of things for the Pack, the Niners schemes on offense seem to work no matter who they have at running back, quarterback or receiver. San Fran has defensive coordinator Mike Pettine's number. Complicating matters is the Pack's lack of depth right now at inside linebacker. Along with no pass rush, no tackling and no turnover capability.

But when push comes to shove...

The Prediction

When push comes to shove, the Packers still have Aaron Rodgers and Davante Adams on the field. They don't play defense, granted, but we have to believe that as off as the Packers are in terms of personnel availability they still have more right now than do the Niners.

Apparently, the oddsmakers agree, favoring the Packers by 7 points. We never like these big spreads as it seems as if the Pack nearly always underperform in such situations.

With much trepidation, we still see it going Packers 24 - 49ers 17.

Go Pack Go!!!

2020 NFL Week 8: Packers vs. Vikings Preview and Prediction

Packers fans, the universe (at least the football version) was in balance once again this past week. After their 38-10 loss in Tampa Bay coming out of their bye week, the Pack resumed their winning ways in Houston last Sunday by a score of 35-20. And they looked fairly good doing it. 'Nuff said. Oh, except Da Bearz lost, so the Pack resumed their first place standing in the NFC North. There's that, too. Yay!

The Preview

The ViQueens make their annual visit to Lambeau Field. The 'Queens will be without their top 3 cornerbacks which, under normal conditions, would seem to make it an arial field day for QB Aaron Rodgers and his receivers, especially Davante Adams who had a huge receiving game in the season opener in Minnesota. The problem is the weather forecast calls for windy conditions, 25 mph, with gusts even higher. That may well affect the downfield passing game. But against the 'Queens defense, the short and medium passing attack should be able to keep the chains moving and the score increasing.

Conversely, Minnesota QB Kirk Cousins has had his issues with interceptions this season even under good weather conditions. He's been intercepted 10 times, including once by Packers CB Jaire Alexander.

Packers CB Jaire Alexander grabs an interception off Vikings QB

Kirk Cousins intended for WR Adam Thielen in the season opener.

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

In game conditions such as these, the ground game for both teams will be key. Minnesota will have RB Dalvin Cook back and will no doubt hope he can take over the game and keep Rodgers and company off the field. The Packers defense will have to see to it that doesn't happen. Stopping the run will be key, as will getting to Cousins and forcing him into a bad throw or two with interceptions the result. The Pack D has to start generating turnovers and playing against Cousins could be just what the doctor ordered.

The Packers will unfortunately be without RB Aaron Jones, who is out with a calf injury. Still, Jamaal Williams and A.J. Dillon will handle the running game just fine against a suspect defense and give Rodgers just enough flexibility to keep the 'Queens on their heels.

An area of real concern is the availability of kicker Mason Crosby who missed some practice time this week with a left calf and back injury. He's currently (at the time of this writing late Saturday), listed as questionable. If he can't go, backup plans call for either using punter JK Scott in that role or signing rookie kicker Nick Vogel, who had a tryout Friday. Not a great situation under good weather conditions, let alone what's expected Sunday in terms of the havoc that wind conditions can have on punters, kickers and long snapper. Let's hope that the game doesn't come down to that. It shouldn't.

Other Packers listed as questionable at this moment are LT David Bakhtiari, RB Tyler Ervin, safeties Darnell Savage and Raven Greene, DL Tyler Lancaster, and TE John Lovett.

The Prediction

The Packers are favored by 6-1/2 points coming into this game. The over-under is set at 50. We see the Pack continuing its domination of the NFC North.

We're calling it Packers 31 - Vikings 20.

Go Pack Go!!!

2020 NFL Week 7: Packers vs. Texans Preview and Prediction

A quick look back ...  

Oops.

Before we look at the upcoming game against the Texans in Houston today, we need to acknowledge that things didn't go as planned in last week's game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, did they, Packer fans? After rushing out to a quick and relatively easy 10-point lead, the Pack proceeded to give up 38 unanswered points. An ugly performance on both sides of the ball that saw the Pack fall from the ranks of the undefeated and, for a time anyway, cede first place in the NFC North to Da Bearz (ewwwww!).

The Bucs defense had constant pressure on QB Aaron Rodgers throughout the game, leading to two uncharacteristic interceptions, two within three passes actually (including a pick-6 return), while the Pack's D let a non-mobile Tom Brady go by nearly untouched. The offense couldn't get going and the defense seemed lethargic and out of position constantly. Example: why was DT Kenny Clark dropping into coverage? Who knows. Either out of position or a badly designed scheme. But anyway, that's done. First loss of the season. On to Houston.

One of the things that has been in short supply this season for the Packers has been

turnovers. Here, safety Adrian Amos gets an interception last season against the Bears.

The defense needs to start generating takeaways. (Photo by Mike De Sisti, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)

The Preview

The game at Houston will pit a potentially explosive offense (Texans) against an actually explosive offense (Packers)...despite the latter not actually being so in last week's game, this year's Packers have been known to put up points. Thankfully, the Texans defense ranks at or near the bottom of the league in terms of defense, which sets things up nicely for the Packers to get back on track after the stumble against the Bucs.

Despite not having LT David Bakhtiari for today's game, perhaps not having RB Aaron Jones (supposedly a game-time decision), and going against all-world (and Wisconsin native) DE JJ Watt, this game sets up well for the Packers offense to put up points.

On the other side of the ball, the Packers defense — which clearly has some of its own issues to resolve — will be going up against the type of quarterback in Deshaun Watson that has typically given them fits over the years. Yes, a different year and set of players. But for the last few years, the same defensive coordinator and scheme. Watson is dangerous when flushed from the pocket. He will be hard to corral and sack. And if he is able to get around the end he can either open things up downfield for a pass or scamper to keep the chains moving.

The Prediction

The Packers come into this game (at the time of this writing) as 3-1/2 point favorites. The Packers need to get the running game going today to not allow Watt and company time and opportunity to get after Rodgers the way the Buccaneers did last week. As noted earlier, it's not clear at this time whether Jones will be active in the backfield today. So Jamaal Williams, A.J. Dillon and other backs, such as Dexter Williams just activated off the practice squad (perhaps a sign that Jones won't be available today), will have to carry the load. If they can do so successfully we should see the offense we saw in the first four games of the season, not the last one. Of course, it would help if the defense could generate a turnover or two, as well, something that they've only done three times in five games so far.

We're calling it Packers 34 - Texans 27.

Go Pack Go!!!

2020 NFL Week 3: Packers vs. Saints Preview and Prediction

The Green Bay Packers play the New Orleans Saints down Louisiana way tonight in the Pack's first primetime football game of the season. More on that in a moment.

But first, let's just quickly acknowledge the Pack's second straight division win of the young season last weekend vs. the Lions at Lambeau Field. Not your usual home opener with the dearth of fans due to Covid-19 restrictions, except for the fact that the Pack did to the Lions what they have usually done over the years: win. The Packers doubled up the Lions, 42-21 on a spectacular offensive performance, particularly by RB Aaron Jones (we rightly also need to acknowledge a good defensive effort). Jones rushed for a career high 165 yards and contributed significantly in the passing game as well, to finish with a load of all-purpose yardage to his credit. The downside was that WR Davante Adams, who just the week before against Minnesota tied legendary WR Don Hutson's Packers record of 14 receptions in a single game, left early in the game with a mild hamstring injury. That injury may keep him out of tonight's game, as well. Early reports are that he will be a game-time decision, but you can't imagine the team exposing him to longer-term injury if they can get by without him tonight. Better with him, definitely, but can't risk a season-long loss, either.

What about tonight against the Saints?

The oddsmakers give the Saints the home field advantage of 3 points to win. They also figure this to be a high-scoring game, with a total over-under of 52.5 points; given the two future Hall of Fame quarterbacks and both teams' potent pass and rush schemes, that's quite understandable. The Pack has sure been prolific in their first two games.

Given that both teams will likely be without their top receivers — Adams for the Packers and Michael Thomas for the Saints — expect both teams to exploit their running games to open up the passing game even more. The Saints will have to try to contain not only Jones on the Packers side of things but also Jamaal Williams.

Packers RB Jamaal Williams breaks away during the game at Minnesota.

He offers a powerful and explosive counterpoint to Aaron Jones,

giving the Saints a lot to worry about.

(Photo by Dan Powers, Dan Powers/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wis)

We think that both teams' defenses will be challenged, despite how good they each are in their own ways. They each have their weaknesses, too. If Packers DT Kenny Clark is able to get on the field tonight that will certainly aid the Pack's defensive efforts.

The Prediction

We think that the Pack has just a bit more than the Saints across the board at this stage of the season. Taking away the crowd that brings such an advantage to the SuperDome means Rodgers and crew will be able to get their play calls made without the usual difficulty. So that is a plus for the Pack.

Still, wouldn't you expect a shootout?

We're calling it Packers 34 - Saints 31.

Go Pack Go!!!

2020 NFC Championship Game: Green Bay Packers vs. San Francisco 49ers - Preview & Prediction

Quick review: The Packers beat the Seahawks in Green Bay in the Divisional round of the NFC playoffs last weekend, 28-23. It was a battle, as was expected. The Pack played one of their better games in all phases of the game. And they closed it out by never giving the ball back to Seattle late in the game due to timely and needed third down conversions. Packer fans breathed a collective sigh of relief.

Of course, that was temporary. Because next up, for the NFC Championship, was and is the San Francisco 49ers who the prior day had dispatched the Minnesota Vikings.

Which brings us to today.

Packers QB Aaron Rodgers will need to be "in a Superman cape", according
to former Niners QB Steve Young, for the Pack to have a chance to win today.
(Photo: Stan Szeto, Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports)

Preview by way of review

Outside of Packers fans, of course, not many are giving the Packers a chance today. The Niners are favored by 7-1/2 points going into the game. Much of this, or at least a good deal of it, has to due with the Week 12 blow out that the Niners won by 29 points on their home turf, 37-8.

Well, here we are once again, on their home turf in Santa Clara. But while home field is important, typically 3 points to the favor of the home team, that doesn't explain the dismissiveness with which the Packers are considered in this game. Frankly, the Pack just didn't show up at the earlier game. They were lethargic, playing-calling was mediocre, and they allowed themselves to get beat in every phase of the game. Yes, there were some horrible penalty calls that didn't help matters, as well as turnovers that set up the Niners in great position to score. And they did. When the Niners had to go a long ways they usually did so passing to receivers who had no defenders within the same zipcode. It was horrible defense and the offense did nothing to help mitigate the damge. By all measures, it was a throw-away game.

But the Packers learned from that loss. The defense had a closed-door players-only meeting after they returned to Green Bay from that game. They wouldn't be as porous or soft in a game since. And the Packers haven't lost since, either. They tightened up. And with the Packers offense finally getting more in sync, albeit still not seemingly firing on all cylinders for lack of receiving threats other than Davante Adams, the team learned how to battle for a full 4 quarters, right down to the wire. In the end, a 13-3 record was the result...the #2 seed...only missing the top seed by virtue of about 12 inches and a TD on a stop in a game in which they were not participants. Oh, and their opponent is also 13-3. Seems pretty even doesn't it?

Not if you listen to the pundits. They emphasize the strength of the Niners defense, particularly the front four, who were able to dominate the Packers O-line in the last outing, a line which, by the way, lost RT Bryan Bulaga early on and had to replace him with Alex Light who was an unmitigated disaster in a backup role. Bulaga is back and is also now backed up most capably by veteran lineman Jared Veldheer.

The Niners offense will have its trio of running backs — Tevin Coleman, Raheem Mostert and Matt Breidain — in gear. They ran and ran on the Vikings last week and wore down that defense. The Pack's defense must find a way to minimize the Niners rushing attack in order to force young QB Jimmy Garoppolo to beat them. Given time and porous coverage, Garoppolo can certainly do damage; he's got a good arm and, admittedly, a winning record in his young career. His offensive line has protected him well, which accounts for a good deal of his success; defenses this season, with few exceptions, haven't made life difficult for him in the pocket. Somehow, someway, the Packers defense has to make him uncomfortable. A few sacks and lots of pressure by the Smith Brothers, Kenny Clark and others would go a long way to making a Packers win more of a possibility. That, and somehow also finding a way to tackle TE George Kittle when he gets the ball in his hands. He could single-handedly do some big damage if left unchecked. Not going to be easy to do.

The Packers offense, has shown signs of being on the same page in the last six games or so. Even QB Aaron Rodgers has said, “The last six weeks, I’ve felt really locked in on the preparation, and I think that’s helped us on offense to really be on the same page.” What else has helped are receivers and tight ends stepping up and making clutch catches instead of drops. Having a solid running game behind Aaron Jones and Jamaal Williams is going to be key to opening up the passing game for Rodgers and keeping the Pack in the game. Special teams also needs to come up big. The pick up of Tyler Ervin and his insertion as returner and occasional running threat has been a boost, as well.

Bottom line: all the pressure is on San Fran as no one expects the Packers to win. But the Packers can match up with the Niners.

The Prediction

This game will not be a reprise of Week 12's blow out loss for the Packers. This will be a 4-quarter game, likely down to the wire as has been the case for the Pack throughout much of the season. The Packers have nearly perfected into an art form this season the "bend-don't-break" defense. They should be able to get at least one turnover that will be converted into points. We think they'll also give up more field goals than touchdowns today. Finally, in a close game, who would you rather have with the ball: Garoppolo or Rodgers? Yeah, us too.

We're calling this game Packers 27 - 49ers 26.

Go Pack Go!!!

Divisional Playoff vs. Seahawks: Preview & Prediction

We've done our now infamous "twofers" for the entire season, Packers fans. The last being a review of week 16's win over Minnesota and a preview of week 17, which was the win over Detroit. Seems like forever ago, doesn't it? Amazing what a week off will do. So, rather than waste time on reviewing the Detroit game, let's move right along to this afternoon's Divisional Playoff game at Lambeau Field vs. the Seattle Seahawks (eeeewwwww!!!).

The Preview

The Seahawks make their way to Lambeau Field today by virtue of their win last weekend in Philadephia over the Eagles. Many didn't see that one coming, most of all the Eagles. Of course, losing their starting QB, Carson Wentz, after an obvious cheap shot helmet to helmet hit early in the game by DE Jadeveon Clowney (not penalized and also no fine...go figure!) didn't help. The Packers O-line better make sure Clowney doesn't get anywhere close to QB Aaron Rodgers today to make a play like that even possible...or the tide could and would turn quickly in favor of Seattle.

Still, it nearly goes without saying that any team with Russell Wilson at quarterback is a team to be feared. He is, in the estimation of many pundits, if not currently the best and most dangerous QB in the game right now one of the top two or three. While he'll be playing behind an offensive line that may feature several backup players (starting LT and LG may not play today), Wilson's legs can still rip off big gains when he breaks the pocket, which can happen at any time. He also has a legitimate deep threat receiving target in rookie wideout DK Metcalf. Wilson can throw one of the best deep balls in the game and the Packers secondary has been known to be susceptible to the deep ball most of the season. Throw in RB Marshawn Lynch now in his third week back at running back and it gives the Packers defense a lot to worry about. Despite being without their top three running backs, top two tight ends and starting center, Seattle can still put up points, and quickly, if you let them get rolling.

Prime objectives for the Packers defense: contain Wilson in the pocket, don't let Lynch regain his former glory, and don't let Metcalf get behind you deep. Simple, right? A big help in this effort will be Kenny Clark dominating in the middle, the "Smith Brothers" getting plenty of pressure on Wilson in the pocket without letting him break containment, the secondary covering receivers tightly, and everyone making sure tackles when they get their shots. Oh, and getting a turnover or two wouldn't hurt either; Wilson has had his problem throwing interceptions in his games at Lambeau...let's hope that problem continues today.

Defensively, the Seahawks will likely be in a Cover 3 defense most of the game. Nothing too fancy, but they are very solid at what they do. As a result, nothing for the Packers offense will be a gimme, especially in terms of the offense's general out-of-sync-ness most of the season, at least in terms of the passing game. We should expect a big dose of RBs Aaron Jones and Jamaal Williams today, with QB Aaron Rodgers making key throws to WRs Davante Adams and Allen Lazard, with TEs Jimmy Graham and Marcedes Lewis getting a few reception opportunities. WR Jake Kumerow could also pick up a big catch or two, along with TE Robert Tonyan. It will take a solid effort from the Pack's offense, with no turnovers, to come out on top today.

That's funny. I don't care who you are...that's funny!
Fan-sponsored billboards with this message appeared around Green Bay this week.

The Prediction

As the billboard above says, "The Gum Stops in Green Bay!", a reference to Seahawks coach Pete Carroll's infamous gum-chewing ways. An enterprising Packers fan had several of these electronic billboards put up this week around Green Bay. They express every Packer fan's wish for today: the gum-chewer's — and Seattle's — playoff run stop in Green Bay. Can I get an "Amen"?

The Packers are favored by 4-1/2 points coming into this game. The Seahawks haven't won at Lambeau Field since 1999, losing eight straight. Russell Wilson is 0-3 here. Those streaks should continue today.

We're calling it Packers 27 - Seahawks 24.

Go Pack Go!!!

NFL Week 16 Review of Packers win vs. Minnesota, NFL Week 17 Preview vs. Detroit — The last of our regular season twofers!

Packers fans, the time has come. The time for the last of our season-long slacking and, hence, twofer-type posts.

But, you know, it has seemed to work. And while not being a superstitious sort (knock on wood, a-hem), given how well the Green Bay Packers have played while we have been following this pattern, we're reluctant to change now. So...deal with it.

The ViQueen Takedown

What can we say that hasn't already been said about the way the Packers overcame three uncharacteristic first half turnovers and still held Minnesota to just 10 points off those turnovers? Oh, and that wasn't just the first half point total allowed...that was for the entire game! While the Pack's offense put up 23 points (Mason Crosby's first missed PAT of the season on the last TD kept the points from being spot on again in terms of our point prediction for the Packers), it was the defense that was the collective star of the game. Za'Darius Smith, in particular, was a beast in terms of pressures, QB sacks and overall disruption to the Vikes game plan. Kenny Clark, Dean Lowry, Preston Smith, et al locked down the Minnesota offense in all phases of the game.

Granted, Minnesota was without its top running back, Dalvin Cook. But left to rely on QB Kirk Cousins, he lived up to his winless record on Monday Night Football, now 0-9. The Packers, in contrast, finally got their first win in four tries in the new Humpty Dump (whatever the new stadium is called, nothing will ever replace the Humpty Dump in the minds of many). And with the win, the Pack captured the NFC North Division title, sitting at 12-3 going into today's regular season finale.

With the Packers defense finally rounding out into what looks like championship-calibre form, and the offense being solid if not spectacular, a win today in Detroit against the 3-12 Lions will put the Pack in position to potentially grab the #1 seed for the NFC Playoffs, pending a 49ers loss this evening in Seattle. So let's now get onto the preview of today's game, shall we? Yes, we shall.

RB Aaron Jones has been a beneficiary of great Packers offensive line play
this season, on the verge of 1,000 yards rushing and 20 TDs. The linemen
will tell you that he inspires them to that level of play.
(Photo: Getty Images)

The Preview and Prediction

As noted above, the Packers seem to be starting to peak at the right time in all phases of the game, albeit with issues still remaining in the receiving game. But, the Pack goes into the game being healthy overall and playing for the possibility for home field advantage throughout the NFC playoffs. In most circles, that's what's known as "incentive."

Detroit, on the other hand, will be without QB Matthew Stafford, as they have for a good chunk of the season. There's been ongoing questions about second-year head coach Matt Patricia even going back to last season. The only thing the Lions truly have to play for today is draft position: if they lose they will have the 3rd overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, win and they will get the 5th overall pick. With as dreadful a season as the Lions have had, might as well get something for the effort...lose and grab that #3 pick, guys. Just a suggestion.

The Packers, on the other hand, need not to have a letdown after Monday's night emotional and impactful win over the ViQueens. They need to build on that momentum going into the playoffs. It would be wonderful if the Pack could get off to a fast start and take what few Lions fans will be in the stands today — yes, most fans will probably be Packers fans — out of the game. Some Detroit players will, of course, be playing today's game for work next year, if not in Detroit, somewhere else. But it's likely, as some other pundits have noted, that most players will be looking to clean out there lockers and hit I-75 out of town.

Some Packers pundits have called today's game as much a "must win" game as was the game against Minnesota. As noted earlier, with a win and 49ers loss the Pack gets the #1 seed, a first-round bye and and home field advantage throughout the playoffs. Huge. With a win and a 49ers win in Seattle, the Pack will have the #2 seed, and still have a first-round bye. With a loss and a 49ers win (and the Saints play into some of these combinations, too), the Pack will get the #3 see and a play a first-round game at home. Good, but surely not as good as grabbing a first-round bye.

The Prediction

We see the Packers continuing to work on their offensive "identity"...better late than never. RB Aaron Jones should have another big day. He's close to hitting the 1,000 yards rushing mark and scoring 20 TDs in a season...yowza! RB Jamaal Williams, at the time of this writing is listed as questionable for today's game, which means rookie Dexter Williams may get some playing time, as might versatile late season pick up RB Tyler Ervin. Hopefully, one or more receivers will step up their play and be a reliable counterpart to Davante Adams, not just today but throughout the playoffs. If the Packers just play their game, despite Detroit perhaps staying close for a quarter or maybe even the first half, Green Bay will come away with a win.

We're calling it Packers 34 - Lions 13.

Go Pack Go!!!

NFL Week 15 Review of Packers win vs. Chicago, NFL Week 16 Preview vs. Minnesota — Still with the twofers!

In what looked like a relatively solid and safe, if not spectacular, victory through 3 quarters of the game vs. Da Bearz last weekend, after which they led 21-3, the Green Bay Packers played...what's the word?...I dunno...good enough to win in the end.

But it sure got tight down the stretch didn't it, Packer fans? Much tighter than it should have been. Coming ultimately within a yard of Da Bearz possibly tying it up and going to overtime. Remember that crazy last-play lateral-a-thon that was finally fumbled and recovered on the Packers' 1-yard line by Tramon Williams? Final score, 21-13. Whew!

So in the 199th and 200th meetings between these two storied rivals, the Packers wound up sweeping this season's series. Despite misfiring on offense again, yet doing enough on defense again, the Packers were able to move on with an 11-3 record and a guaranteed spot in the playoffs still atop the NFC North.

Which brings us to tonight's game in Minnesota. With LOTS on the line. Especially for the Packers.

The Packers will once again need a big night out of NT Kenny Clark
and the entire Packers defense if they hope to come away with the win
tonight in Minnesota.
(Photo: USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin)

Preview and Prediction

This will be an interesting game for many reasons, including the fact that the Packers have yet to win in U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis (going 0-3 in prior games in the successor to the HumpDome), and Vikes QB Kirk Cousins is 0-8 in Monday Night Football games. So either the Pack or ViQueens will finally get off the shneide. Let's hope it's the Packers.

Minnesota is favored by 5-1/2 points in this game. Hmmm. As others will also point out, they don't have a victory this season against a team that has a winning record...which, as you know, the Packers have. Probably gives the Packers an extra bit of incentive to be a bit disrespected this way. Seems as if the Packers are the about the quietest 11-3 team out there...not getting much chatter yet in terms of a potential playoff threat. We'll save that conversation for another time.

The Pack will also benefit tonight from not having to face RB Dalvin Cook who is out with an injury, although the Vikes certainly have enough other weapons to cause havoc particularly if the Packers defense plays as loose as they sometimes do. A consistent pass rush against Cousins will help considerably. Give him time and he can certainly do damage in the passing game.

Defensively, Minnesota will try to shut down the Pack's running game with their good linebacking corps, led by ILB Eric Kendricks, and put pressure not so much on QB Aaron Rodgers per se as on the receivers; if the wideouts don't get separation on coverage — as has been an ongoing problem this season — it will make Rodgers' life much more difficult. After last week's game, head coach Matt LaFleur said that WR Jake Kumerow deserved more looks and time on the field. Agreed. The team is still in search of a solid and reliable second receiver behind Davante Adams. At least for now, that may be Kumerow. Allen Lazard has also earned looks from Rodgers. Swinging RB Aaron Jones out as a receiver has also paid benefits, especially when RB Jamaal Williams has it going; that's a powerful combination and the Packers need to employ it more frequently in our view.

This game means more to the Packers than to the Vikes as Green Bay is playing to secure the NFC North with the win tonight and a first-round playoff bye if they then beat the Lions in Detroit in the season finale. They can control their destiny now, into and perhaps even through the playoffs if they can get this win tonight. It's that big. And it's time they step up all the way around. They will need a solid effort in all three phases of the game.

The Packers have been challenged all season and somehow, someway have typically found a way to hold on to win late in the 4th quarter. This game could certainly go either way and, obviously, the oddsmakers think Minnesota is to the plus-side even without Dalvin Cook. We think the Pack will do just enough to come home with a win in yet another Cardiac Pack game.

We're calling this game Packers 24 - ViQueens 23.

Go Pack Go!!!

NFL Week 13 Review of Packers win vs. Giants, NFL Week 14 Preview vs. Washington — Yet another...twofer!!

A disturbing pattern has arisen, Packer fans. Not with our beloved Green Bay Packers per se, but with yours truly. Despite the best intentions after each week's game to offer a timely review of that game and another separate post looking ahead to the coming game...not. So things have devolved to doing a combo posting — a "twofer", as you will — with a brief review of last week's game and a preview and prediction for today's game. At this point in the season, if you are a regular reader — and you are, aren't you??? — you're used to it. So...let's carry on then.

Last Sunday saw the Pack bounce back, as we expected they would, from their disappointing drubbing at the hands of the 49ers the prior week with a solid win vs. the New York Giants in the Meadowlands. In a game that saw rain, sleet and snow, the final score was 31-13 Packers. (Our prediction, by the way, had the Pack winning 31-20 ... so we were once again spot on with the Packers' points. Just didn't count on our defense getting 4 turnovers and the Giants being even a bit worse than initially anticipated.) 

The Packers showed, once again, that when they are able to generate and come away with turnovers that they are difficult to beat (but let's be real: any team that is able to benefit from 4 takeaways in a game should darn well win that game, right?). In fact, if memory serves, the Pack's only losses have come in those games where they don't get turnovers.

Solid play came pretty much on both sides of the ball. Yes, there were the 4 takeaways by the defense, but as has been the case pretty much the entire season, there remain concerning gaps and lapses in terms of giving up big plays. But, it's also been the case that generally, the defense has stiffened up when the opponent nears or gets into the redzone. So there's that.

QB Aaron Rodgers did what he needed to do in helping guide the Packers
to a big bounce-back win out east against the Giants last Sunday.
(AP Photo/Adam Hunger) (Photo: Adam Hunger, AP)

It's also the case that the Packers offense may have discovered a reliable Number 2 receiver behind Davante Adams. Allen Lazard had a great game with big catches totaling over 100 yards in receptions, if memory services, including a huge TD catch. Rodgers has confidence in him that seems to be growing each game. Head coach Matt LaFleur said this week when asked that Lazard is the type of player that really gives his all each week in practice whatever he's asked to do. Remember that he's also been very good on special teams coverage. Big and fast are always two great attributes on a football field, any time. RB Jamaal Williams seems to also have some "mudder" in him, reminiscent of the running prowess of Edgar Bennet in his heyday. He showed power and moves in less-than-ideal playing conditions. And Aaron Jones continues to be a multi-dimensional threat that defenses have to account for whenever he's on the field.

The game was really never in doubt. The Packers had to get back on track after their second West Coast flop of the season to get ready for the 4-game stretch run, with 2 games at Lambeau Field and the final two on the road, with the final 3 being against NFC North Division opponents Da Bearz, the ViQueens and the Lions.
.

The Preview

As for today's game against Washington, it is a team that comes to Green Bay with a record of 3-9, the mirror image of the Packers 9-3. Washington has won its last 2 games in a row behind rookie QB Dwayne Haskins (the second rookie quarterback in a row to be faced by the Packers) and a reliance on its running game that includes a veteran running back by the name of Adrian Peterson. Remember him? He may be on the outer edges of his career these days but he can still cause problems if not attended to. The Packers defense will need to stop, or at least contain, the run today as we could expect Washington to try to keep Aaron Rodgers on the sidelines as much as possible by running the clock with its ground game. Washington's defense is said to be coming on, particularly its front.

Offensively for the Packers, it should pretty much be business as usual. Protection for Rodgers and opening some running lanes will be key offensively for the Pack. Such a simple game, really, isn't it?

The inactives list hasn't been published at the time of this writing so we're not entirely sure who's in today and who's out. The injury report had a few players listed as questionable, most notably RG Billy Turner who was out late this last week due to illness; expect shuffling on the O-line in terms of personnel if that lingers into today's game.

We would expect also to see the first action for newly-acquired running back/returner Tyler Ervin who may finally give the Packers something that they haven't yet had all season: positive yardage on returns.

The weather forecast has it set for a balmy 40-degrees for the game with no precipitation anticipated. Good football weather, especially for fans. Just not great December weather advantage football for the Pack.

The Prediction

The Packers are favored by a whopping 12-1/2 points for this game. Yowza. We actually never like to see the Pack favored by this much because it seems as if they often fall short of covering the spread in situations such as this. However, for today's game, we think that's pretty realistic all things considered.

We're calling it Packers 34 - Washington 17.

Go Pack Go!!!

NFL Week 8 Review of Packers win vs Chiefs, NFL Week 9 Preview vs. Chargers — We're on a twofer binge!

Looking back at last week's game vs. the Kansas City Chiefs, the Green Bay Packers displayed some magnificent offensive firepower in coming away with a 31-24 win ... which, by the way, was exactly the score that we predicted in our pregame prediction (is that redundant?).

Anyway, the Pack had some explosive plays, which they haven't had many of this season. Aaron Jones is solidifying himself as a true threat both running and receiving. Fellow RB Jamaal Williams isn't too shabby in that department either, making an epically-good-highlight-reel-corner-of-the-endzone catch that really helped the Packers nail down the win. WR Jake Kumerow also made a nearly impossible catch at a critical point in the game. The offense was humming. And, still, WR Davante Adams was on the sidelines. So the Packers are good at offense, particularly with the best QB in the NFL, Aaron Rodgers, at the helm.

Packers RB Aaron Jones had a big day vs. the Chiefs.
(Photo: Charlie Riedel, AP)

But, to be honest, there are still issues on the defense, particularly in the secondary. KC receivers were open far too often with no Packer defender in sight. This has been nearly a season-long issue, although it seems to have gotten worse in the past four or five games. What will turn that around? If you have an answer, mail it to 1265 Lombardi Ave., Green Bay, WI. Still, the defense has been doing enough, at the right times, to keep the Pack in the win column. At least there's that. And, really, that's all that matters when the play clock strikes zero.

Packers will be playing the Chargers at Lambeau Field West today

While this is a home game for the 3-5 Chargers, it's LA and Los Angelinos haven't exactly warmed to the San Diego transplant or its temporary home at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson. The expectation is that the stadium will probably be more like a home game for the Packers than the Chargers. The chargers head coach (whoever it is) said that they really don't play for the fans anyway so that won't matter. We'll see. Not exactly a great way to attract fans. Of course, if they wanted to do that they would have stayed in San Diego. Just sayin'.

It is agreed, however, that the game is played on the field. The Packers are apparently as healthy this week as they have been pretty much all season, listing only 2 players with injury designations for today's game: WR Davante Adams and TE Robert Tonyan were both listed as questionable. Rookie TE Jace Sternberger was activated yesterday off the injured reserve list, although whether he will be active for the game today remains uncertain at the time of this writing. A decision was still awaited on S Ibraheim Campbell who was also on the injured reserve list. The Pack comes into this game at about as full strength as they can get, whether or not Adams is active. Yay.

The Chargers are going to be missing a few players on defense, with one DL already out and 3 other defenders listed as questionable. That should bode well for the Packers offense...as long as Bryan Bulaga and David Bakhtiari can handle the excellent edge rushing tandem of Joey Bosa and Melvin Ingram. This is a tough challenge for Bulaga and Bakhtiari, perhaps especially so for the latter who has been getting flagged more than usual recently for holding penalties. Let's hope that doesn't come at a critical time in today's game.

The Chargers do have weapons in the form of QB Philip Rivers, of course, and RB Austin Ekeler who takes what Aaron Jones does up a notch. He is going to be a lot to handle, particularly in the receiving area. You don't want him tearing things up, but given recent coverage tendencies, the expectation is he is going to cause some damage in the Packers defense. And let's not forget former Wisconsin Badger standout RB Melvin Gordon, who seems to just be kicking off the rust from his unsuccessful contract holdout. Gordon can also cause problems for a defense.

The Prediction

The Packers are favored by 3-1/2 points. We see the Packers continuing their offensive roll, with the defense continuing its bend-don't-break trend. Combined, that's a win.

We're calling it Packers 38 - Chargers 23.

Go Pack Go!!!

NFL Week 7 Review of Packers win vs Raiders, NFL Week 8 Preview vs. Chiefs — Yes, another twofer!

We're now at the halfway point of the NFL season, Packers fans. Sitting at 6-1, things are looking pretty good. Let's be honest, better than likely many expected. 

The Raiders Leave Lambeau with a Loss

Last Sunday, we saw the Pack beat the Raiders 42-24 in a game in which QB Aaron Rodgers had a perfect quarterback rating, throwing for 5 touchdowns and running for one. He received help from 8 different receiving targets, if memory serves correctly. It was a great game from an offensive standpoint. Defensively, the Packers still are giving up too many explosive plays particularly through the air in the secondary. Seemed as if in many cases there wasn't even a defensive back in the same zipcode as the Oakland receivers. Somehow, someway, that has to be tightened up. But they also seem to make enough plays at the right time, goal-line stands, etc., that have been making wins possible. So there's that.

Packers QB Aaron Rodgers on his way to a perfect QB rating
and win vs. the Raiders on Oct. 20, 2019 at Lambeau Field.
(Photo: Mark Hoffman / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)

Kansas City, Kansas City Here We Come

But what about now? What about tonight's game in Kansas City? In this rematch (in name only) of the teams in Super Bowl 1, the Packers are favored by 4-1/2 points at the time of this writing. The Chiefs will be without their MVP QB, Patrick Mahomes, as well as reportedly about 5 other starters. That likely helps explain the Pack being favored. Arrowhead Stadium is arguably the loudest stadium in the NFL and opponent offenses often have to rely on hand signals to make their calls. Not an easy place to play so getting the Chiefs with so many missing parts right now is a bit of a gift. 

While still without WR Davante Adams, the Packers have been winning as other receivers have begun to step up in his absence. The Pack's running game also has to be respected with the two-headed threat of Aaron Jones and Jamaal Williams.

We have to believe that a Rodgers-led Packers offense will get it done against a Mahomes-less Chiefs. The biggest challenge for the Pack's defense will be to somehow minimize the damage that wide receivers Tyreek Hill and Sammy Watkins, along with TE Travis Kelce, can do. The secondary, as noted, as had its issues this season, and covering good tight ends — of which Kelce is among the best in the league — has also been a challenge. But if the defense can keep these weapons in check and the offense does what it's capable of doing, the Packers are likely to leave KC with a win.

The Prediction

We already gave it away in the last sentence above, didn't we, Packers fans?

We're calling it Packers 31 - Chiefs 24.

Go Pack Go!!!

Self-Check at the Midway Point of the Season

We'll revisit this after today's game, but taking at look back at our Preseason Preview, we had the Packers coming through the first half of this season at 5-3. Depending on what happens against the Chiefs, the actual record will either be 7-1 or 6-2. Either way, glad to know we underestimated this team. Better and deeper than earlier looks indicated.