NFL Week 16: Packers vs. Bears Preview & Prediction (Part Deux)

The Preview

After a disappointing loss in Denver last weekend, Packer fans, including especially the loss of DE Micah Parsons with a non-contact ACL tear that shuts him down for the remainder of the regular season, playoffs, and likely into the early part of the 2026 season, we come tonight to the regular season rematch with Da Bearz. Two games against each other in three weeks. Who makes these schedules???

As we recall, the Pack won the first round at Lambeau Field, although it came down to an end-of-game 4th-and-one-near-the-goal-line interception in the end zone to seal the deal. The Packers seemed to have things well in hand in the first half, although they left points on the field by having to settle for field goals rather than touchdowns (one in particular early on could have well helped put that game away). Following halftime, Chicago took charge and made a game of it. Despite the then-uninjured Parsons chasing Bears QB Caleb Williams all over the place, he did not record a sack. Williams found his on-the-run passing mojo and kept drives alive and the Packers defense on the field and wearing down. Not great.

But, still the "W" went in the Packers column. As it rightly should be.

The Packers defense — without Micah Parsons — will have to be on top

of its game against Chicago and QB Caleb Williams to emerge

with another "W" against Da Bearz.

(Photo via Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)

So tonight, Packers defensive coordinator, Jeff Hafley, will have to pull out all the tricks in his bag to contain Williams and make him throw from the pocket — not his strong suit. Still, coming off his best game of the season, Williams will be looking to build upon his success. The Packers must find ways to force him into mistakes and to take advantage of those mistakes when they come their way. All season long, the Packers have had a tough time getting turnovers and especially hanging onto potential interceptions. Williams may very well throw a couple that should be picked off; Packers defenders must catch them.

Simple game, isn't it?

At this point in the season, though, injuries for all teams play a big role in outcomes. As of the time of this writing, the Packers have 9 players listed as questionable, about half on defense. Late this week, the Pack elevated DE Brenton Cox Jr. off the injured reserve list. He was having a good early start to the season before suffering a groin injury that placed him on injured reserve. Whether he plays tonight and how effective he'd be is anyone's guess. But football sometimes is a game of attrition and right now the Packers can use any able body, especially on defense. DE Lukas Van Ness should also see spot duty, so that's a plus. And do we also need to mention that DE Rashan Gary really needs to step up tonight in Parson's absence? Nobody's going to individually replace Parsons, but a collective effort along the defensive front can go a long way.

Offensively, RB Josh Jacobs is still dealing with knee issues but we can expect head coach Matt LaFleur to use him as he has in recent games: strategically. Jacobs knows he's a big factor in the Pack's offense and he'll do whatever he can do when he's in the game to win, whether running or in the passing game.

WR Christian Watson, who spent time in a Denver hospital following the game against the Broncos with what appeared to be possibly another season-ending injury at the time, may actually play in the game tonight. That would be huge as there's no Chicago defender that can cover him one-on-one. Another big lift would be the emergence of 2025 1st-round draft pick WR Matthew Golden. He's been used in small doses, but successfully so, especially recently. Perhaps with Watson somewhat limited (?) LaFleur will dial up Golden a bit more. With Jayden Reed back in the flow, Jacobs a legitimate receiving and yards-after-catch threat, if the Packers O-line (likely minus RT Zach Tom who was also injured vs. the Broncos) can protect QB Jordan Love, control time of possession, and convert touchdowns instead of field goals when they are in the red zone, the Packers should come out on top.

No denying, this will be a battle. While it pains us to acknowledge it, Chicago has the record it has for a reason at this point. They scraped by by the skin of their teeth through a number of games but still won. If the Packers let them hang around, as they did in the earlier meeting, Da Bearz could sneak out a win. Can't...let...that...happen.

For the Packers: stop the stupid pre-snap penalties, take advantage of turnover opportunities, special teams needs to come through...play a full 60-minutes in sync...you know, complementary football. You got this. Remember: you own Da Bearz!

The Prediction

The weather forecast for this evening is actually balmy for this time of year in Chicago. A few weeks ago, the forecast had frigid weather for this evening; now, temps at game time are supposed to be above freezing ... low/mid-30s...with wind chills in the 20s and going down throughout the game. With two of my good Bearz fans buddies attending the game tonight, I really was hoping for the frigid forecast. You know, what are friends for, right?

At the time of this writing, Chicago is favored by 1-1/2 points. Not surprising, at home and all. The over-under is set at 46-1/2.

Both teams are playing for the lead in the NFC North and playoff seeding. The Packers need to win 2 out of the next 3 games in order to secure their playoff berth. Run the table and they win the division, as well. Many pundits are taking Da Bearz tonight. Even my friend, Billy Da Bearz fan — not surprisingly — is taking his favorite team, 28-27. I commended him for his surprisingly close call...so out of character!

Against the odds tonight, we think the Pack will find a way to get it done.

We're calling it Packers 27 - Da Bearz 24. Hope it's not that close.

Go Pack Go!!!

NFL Week 15: Packers vs. Broncos Preview & Prediction

Before looking at this Sunday's game in Denver vs. the 11-2 Broncos, a quick look back to last weekend's game vs. Da Bearz in Lambeau Field. Here it is: Packers won ... 28-21! (If you check our prediction for that game, we once again had the spread correct on the final score, just off a few points for both teams with the prediction. Still ...)

The Pack was in control in the first half, but Chicago made adjustments at halftime which basically allowed them to make a game of it in the second half by controlling the time of possession. The Pack's defense was gassed. They couldn't get off the field and when they did, Green Bay's offense either scored too quickly (as defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley noted in his chat with the press during this past week) or couldn't sustain possessions to let their defense get a breather.

It was a nail biter at the end, with the victory sealed by an interception in the end zone on a 4th-and-1 play that new Chicago head coach Ben Johnson would probably like a mulligan on. Whew! The Packers see Da Bearz next Saturday night in Chicago in primetime in what will be an even colder game than they played last weekend. Bundle up if you're going (like my Chicago fan buddies Bill and Jack ... good luck with the cold guys, not the game).

On to the game at hand.

We hope to see the Packers celebrating like this

throughout the game versus the Broncos on Sunday.

(Photo by Jamie Schwaberow/Getty Images)

The Preview

Both of these teams are mentioned as Super Bowl contenders. Some pundits even suggest that this game may be a Super Bowl preview. Let's set that aside for the moment. Can't even get there without winning one game at a time, starting with this one, obviously.

Denver has won 10 straight games, albeit without really dominating opponents. They've won 11 straight home games going back to last season. The Broncos are coming off two straight road game wins. Returning to Mile High Stadium (is it still called that???), the home fans will be jacked. Historically, the Packers have not done well in Denver: 1-7.

Packers QB Jordan Love has already said the GB offense will be operating on a silent count the whole game because of the noise. Factor in the altitude, and this is a tough test for any team. 

The Broncos have a great defense — as does the Packers — and an ascending offense under QB Bo Nix. More on Denver's offense and quarterback in a moment.

The Broncos have the best third-down defense in the NFL and, coincidentally, the Packers have the best third-down offense in the NFL. The Broncos get many teams into a lot of third-and-longs. It will be a match up of heavyweights in those situations. Denver also likes to play the type of pass defense against which QB Jordan Love has had a great deal of success. So if the O-line can protect Love and give him time, he and his receivers could have a big day. That's a big if because Denver's defense has been a sack machine this season, on track to tie or even surpass the 1985 Bears. Yowza.

This will likely be the best defense, and especially defensive front, the Packers will see the rest of the season. The ability of the offensive line to create some running lanes for the Pack's running backs, to set up play-action, will be hugely tested. If they can't do that, it could be a long day for Love. It won't be easy as Denver's defense is No. 1 in the NFL in yards allowed per rushing attempt. Oy.

Back to Denver's offense and QB ... in terms of abilities, Nix reminds some of Chicago QB Caleb Williams: young guy, good arm and dangerous legs. The Packers know how to scheme against that type of quarterback. Execution of the scheme is, as always, the key. And Denver will have the home field advantage of the fans allowing them to call out the signals.

Weather conditions will be balmy in Denver for mid-December. Kickoff temperature is predicted to be in the low 60s. Sweet. Despite that, the Packers will still be wearing their "Winter Warning" all-white uniforms ... which have come to grow on at least some of us. (Yeah ... we like 'em!)

The Packers on Saturday, in a concerning move, added backup RB Emanuel Wilson to the injury report and listed him as questionable. This apparently arose due to an illness. It's concerning, of course, because starting RB Josh Jacobs is also questionable with his ongoing knee issue.  As a result of both of these circumstances, the Packers elevated RB Pierre Strong Jr. from the practice squad; this is Strong's third call-up of the season, the maximum allowed. Elsewhere, most of the receivers are good to go. And the Packers may even have DE Lukas Van Ness available, which would help along the defensive line. Every bit helps. Especially with the need to spell guys given the altitude issues which come along with a visiting team playing in Denver.

If it comes down to a special teams play, Denver has the edge. Returner Marvin Mims is statistically the greatest punt returner in league history in his young career with a 16.1 yard average. He's averaging 26.3 yards per kickoff return. Conversely, the Packers sit at 21st in punt coverage and 13th in kickoff coverage. Yikes! As fans know, penalties have been a real issue all season long for the special teams, with some Packers players now even suggesting that the officials are looking for penalties to call on the Pack while not doing so in a similar way for the opponents. More on that here.

Punter Daniel Whelen will need a big day when called upon to change field position. He's third in the league in average at 51.1 yards and seventh with a 42.7 yard net average. Obviously, kicker Brandon McManus also needs to be spot on with his kickoffs (i.e., make sure they land in the "landing zone" and not the end zone) and make his field goal attempts. With the thinner air, we may see some long attempts. Gotta make 'em, because it may come down to that.

The Prediction

Earlier in the week the Packers were favored by 2-1/2 ... against an 11-2 team ... who is playing at home. At the time of this writing, that spread has tightened and currently sits at 1-1/2 in favor of the Pack. In a game such as this, that doesn't really mean much. Accept perhaps giving the "no respect" card to the Broncos as added incentive. Both teams need to win to stay atop their respective divisions and help solidify playoff seeding in their conferences.

This game could well go down to who has the ball last. Hope not. 

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

Go Pack Go!!!

2025 NFL Week 8: Packers vs Steelers Preview & Prediction

Well, Packer fans, we were able to return from the desert of Arizona earlier this week with a 27-23 win over the Cardinals in a game that really went right down to the wire. We called it 30-24 in our prediction; once again, very close.

Will say here what I said to a Cardinals fan on the walk out of the stadium — which was filled with about two-thirds Packers fans as you could hear on the TV coverage I was told — that the Cardinals are so very close. They have now lost five games this season by a total of 13 points, if memory serves. They should also stick with backup QB Jacoby Brissett. He had a great command of the game and had big plays to his top receivers.

But enough about last week. We have some story lines to talk about in tonight's Sunday Night Football extravaganza, don't we? Let's get on with it then.

Packers WR Christian Watson is expected to make his return to the

playing field for the first time since last January after recovering from

an ACL tear. While he has been practicing for the last three weeks, fans

shouldn't expect to see perhaps more than 10-20 plays from him as the

Pack eases him back into playing form. Still, his ability to lengthen the

field and put pressure on the Steelers defense — even as a decoy —

shouldn't be underestimated.

(Photo by Mark Hoffman, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)

The Preview

There are so many ways to look at this game that space and time prevent reviewing each. So let's just note a few:

• The Packers last win in Pittsburgh against the Steelers was in 1970. 1970! With the legendary Bart Starr at quarterback, no less.

• Steelers QB (and, of course, former Packers QB) Aaron Charles Rodgers has beaten 31 of 32 NFL teams during his illustrious Hall of Fame career. The only team he hasn't beaten? The Packers, of course.

• WR Christian Watson will be making his 2025 NFL season debut today. As a down-field threat, he should give a boost to the Packers offense even if he is not targeted much. But we'd expect a few throws to go his way.

• High-priced Packers cornerback signing Nate Hobbs got exposed last week in Arizona. He had difficulty covering the Cardinals big-time receivers and gave up huge yardage. If Rodgers exposes him again it will be interesting to see what adjustments Jeff Hafley and his defense make during the game.

• The only Packers players ruled out for tonight's game are WR Dontayvion Wicks and DE Lukas Van Ness. Among other notables indicated as questionable on the injury report are K Brandon McManus and DT Devonte Wyatt.

• While McManus did practice this week after missing the last two games with a quadriceps injury to his kicking leg, the Packers released TE Ben Simms to make room for retaining K Lucas Havrisik who has been stellar in his appearances, making 100% of his field goals and PAT attempts ... including a franchise record 61-yard field goal to end the first half last week in Arizona. While it's unusual for teams to keep two kickers on the active roster it has been done before. The thinking here is that while McManus may be good to go, ya never know at this stage of his recovery. And releasing Havrisik risks the chance — especially after the way he has performed — that another team might sign him. Gotta hedge your bets. For a while at least.

• RB Josh Jacobs should be a bit fuller speed than last week where he was limited with a calf injury. That bodes well against a somewhat shakey Steelers defense.

• While both Steelers WR DK Metcalf and DE TJ Watt missed two days of practice this week, they both were also full participants on Friday which would lead one to assume both will play in today's game. Darn it!

• Packers DE Micah Parsons got the first three-sack game of his career last week ... and it should have been four if not for a first-time-this-season "hip drop" penalty ... which was also only called once all last season. Oy. Some of those sacks came late in the game when the Cardinals inexplicably decided to try to block him one-on-one. Let's hope the Steelers also try that tonight. And good luck with that!

• Jordan Love seems to love playing on Sunday night. As an article in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel states: "Love has started four Sunday night games in his career and is 3-0-1, the only blemish a Sept. 28 tie against the Dallas Cowboys. In those four games, Love has thrown 11 touchdowns and no interceptions. He has passer ratings of 118.6, 125.3, 123.8 and 118.1. Dating to 2023, his first year as a starter, Love leads the NFL with a passer rating of 121.1 in Sunday night games and is tied for No. 1 in passing touchdowns. Love’s 121.1 passer rating in Sunday night games is the second best since 2000 (100 pass attempts minimum) behind New Orleans’ Drew Brees (121.7)." Let us hope this kind of performance continues tonight.

We could go on with the bullet points. Lots of bits to look at. But, in the bigger scheme of things, whether this turns out to be "Rodgers Revenge" game against his old team, as some see it, or a confirmation of the changing of the guard for the Packers, this will be a full-on battle for four quarters.

The Prediction

At the time of this writing, the Packers are favored by 2-1/2 points, down from 3 earlier in the week; the odds always seem to adjust closer to game time, as you know. The over-under is set at 46-1/2 points.

We see this game, between two division leaders, as one where the last team to have the ball will likely win. Rodgers is Rodgers for a reason: he's seen everything a defense can throw at him. While his mobility is limited, he is getting passes out of his hand in less than 2-1/2 seconds ... remarkable. And unless the Packers defense can figure out a way to disrupt that rhythm and get pressure on him, it might be a long night for the D. Conversely, if the Packers offensive line can protect Love the way they have been — along with creating rushing lanes for Jacobs and Emanuel Wilson — the Pack will be in it to win it.

We're calling this one Packers 30 - Steelers 27.

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 11: Packers vs Bears Preview & Prediction

Coming off the Packers Week 10 Bye, it's now that most special time of the year: Bears Week. Or, more accurately, it has been Bears Week all week, hasn't it? Now, we are on the cusp of the first of the two 2024 regular season games against that NFC North Division rival from south of the (Wisconsin) border: Da Bearz. Eeewww. We know. It is truly the longest-standing rivalry in the NFL, although it may not have felt like it for Chicago fans as Packers head coach Matt LaFleur hasn't yet lost to Da Bearz in his tenure in Green Bay: 10 straight wins. Will that streak continue today? More on that in a bit.

So the Packers have had a chance to get rested, especially one Jordan Love, i.e., the starting quarterback for the Packers. According to him, he stated in interviews he is probably as close to 100 percent as he has been since the opening game where he sustained the MCL sprain in his left knee. After being sidelined with that for two games, as we know, he then sustained a groin injury that has hindered his mobility and accuracy. One could say it has forced him, in his mind, to try to make plays where he shouldn't; i.e., some ill-decided throws which turned into interceptions and points for the opponents. Hopefully, with his body more right his head will be more right as well in his decision-making. The Packers need Love to be more like the second-half of last season Love than the first. That can start today against Da Bearz.

Oh, and during the downtime, Packers GM Brian Gutekunst traded away longtime veteran DE Preston Smith, ostensibly to give some of the younger players more playing time. To be fair, Smith's playing time and impact have been on the downturn this season. So...it was time. Thank you for your service, Mr. Smith. As some pundits speculate, the coaches et al must be seeing something on the part of the young defensive linemen that lead them to conclude they will be just fine moving on from Smith at this time. The end result will hopefully be a reenergized defensive line effort. As Packer fans know all too well, the pass rush in the first half of the season has not been all it should be. Not a lot of sacks. Time to get that turned around. And Da Bearz are just what the doctor ordered after they gave up nine sacks in their most recent game against the Patriots. Chicago's rookie QB, Caleb Williams, may have first-overall-pick talent, but he can't do much if he's lying flat on his back.

Let's get on to a preview of the game, shall we? (Oh, before we go on to the second half of the 2024 season schedule, we should note that in our preseason prediction we had the Packers record at 6-3 at this stage ... in fact, exactly where they currently stand. Well done, us! No applause, just throw money. Thank you.)

A throwback pic: Packers head coach Vince Lombardi and his team before a game against the Bears in 1963 at Wrigley Field in Chicago. Yes, Wrigley Field. The most historic rivalry in the NFL resumes Nov. 17, 2024, at Soldier Field.

(Photo via Milwaukee Journal Sentinel files)

The Preview

Let's start with the Packers. As noted above, the Pack now sits at 6-3. Two of those losses, regrettably, are against division rivals Minnesota and Detroit. So picking up a win in Chicago would be a plus, not only in the division but also in terms of overall NFL standings. Gotta stay in the hunt for the playoffs, if not as winner of the division — which seems possible but not probable at this point — then as a wildcard team.

It's pretty much all hands on deck for the Pack today. The only players ruled out on the latest injury report are rookie RB MarShawn Lloyd and rookie OT Jordan Morgan. Lloyd has not had the rookie season he or the Packers had hoped for when he was selected in the third round of the 2024 NFL Draft. A twisted ankle early on and then lingering hamstring issues have kept him on the sidelines. It appeared earlier in the week that he would finally be available for this game ... until Friday when he awoke not feeling well. Turned out it was appendicitis. So his return in a few weeks or at all this season is a question mark. Morgan had been making progress and making spot performances. So his absence today is a hit to an already thin offensive line, at least in terms of reliable backups. In fact, the Packers placed Morgan on injured reserve Saturday and elevated CB Robert Rochel to the game-day roster. The other question mark for today is CB Jaire Alexander who is questionable with a lingering knee issue. Other players have this and that and are listed as questionable. DL Colby Wooden, who has been making an impact in spot play, is listed as doubtful.

For Chicago, they'll likely be missing a couple starting offensive linemen again this week, which certainly should help the Packers get to Williams today. DE Montez Sweat is listed as questionable with an ankle injury but we would expect him to play.

Keep in mind that Packers RB Josh Jacobs should help set the tone today. If the Pack can get the running game going early on that should allow coach LaFleur to open up his full offensive scheme, keeping Chicago on their heels. And if defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley can dial up the pressure from his front on Caleb Williams, Green Bay's turnover margin should increase accordingly.

There's been a little bit of smack talk — shocking! — between Packers S Xavier McKinney and Chicago WR DJ Moore. Let's see what comes of that on the field. Our money is on McKinney if push comes to shove ... which it very well might. Stay tuned. 

The bottom line is that Chicago is going nowhere after what seemed like a fast 4-2 start that fizzled as they now find themselves at 4-5 after a three-game losing streak. They fired their offensive coordinator earlier this week. Yeah, like that'll solve Chicago's problems.

The Packers have more weapons and talent on both sides of the ball than Da Bearz. The Pack have the playoffs in front of them. But they must take care of business. And that's what this trip to Chicago today is all about: TCB, as Elvis would say. (And, yes, Elvis has left the building.) Gotta show up and play the game. Do not take Da Bearz for granted.

Will weather play a role in today's game? It may have an impact: both teams may be dealing with some wind and rain today. Winds are forecast at 10-15 mph, while the chance of rain is near 30 percent. Sounds as if this would likely affect kickers more than anything else if both were to come to pass. We don't see this game as coming down to a field goal differential, so weather should not present a major problem.

The Prediction

The Packers are now favored by 5-1/2 points over Chicago at the time of this writing, down from 6-1/2 earlier in the week. Not sure what moved the line other than the oddsmakers figure Da Bearz desperation may lead them to an upset win at home? Not. Going. To. Happen.

The Pack will take care of business today, despite this being — as seemingly always with Chicago — their Super Bowl. According to PFF, with a win today the Packers have an 80 percent chance of making the playoffs; with a loss, that chance drops to 48 percent. We prefer the 80 percent, thank you very much.

And with all due respect to my friend, Billy Da Bearz Fan, who offered a "prediction" of Bearz 19 - Packers 18 ... not ... going ... to ... happen. Jackie Da Bearz Fan's Wife (and Packers fan ... yes, it happens), was much more realistic, offering a prediction of Packers 27 - Bearz 6. That's better. Much better. And why we love Jackie.

We're calling it Packers 30 - Da Bearz 13.

Go Pack Go!!!

2024 NFL Week 7: Packers vs. Texans Preview & Prediction

Last weekend, Packers fans, Green Bay played its most complete and balanced game so far this season beating the Cardinals 34-13. The Pack dominated Arizona on both sides of the ball. QB Jordan Love threw for 258 yards, 4 TDs and 1 INT (the latter coming after a slip by the receiver). Total yardage for the Packers amounted to 437 compared to 303 for Arizona. The rushing attack amounted to 179 total yards for Green Bay compared to 89 for the Cardinals. The Pack's defense also continued its takeaway binge, recovering 3 fumbles by Arizona and also getting an interception (by Xavier McKinney, of course). The Packers dominated time of possession by nearly a full quarter.

A great win, especially against a team that had just the week before beaten the Packers' kryptonite team, the 49ers.

So that was then. Now is now. Which brings us to the matchup Sunday between the 4-2 Packers and the 5-1 Houston Texans.

You won't be seeing the Packers in their traditional home colors today.

Instead, the Packers will be rolling out their new 'Winter Warning' color scheme.

For more looks, check out these views.

The Preview

This is a game many were looking forward to as it would showcase two hot young quarterbacks — Jordan Love and C.J. Stroud — and teams expected to compete not only for the playoffs but perhaps even the Super Bowl this season.

For the Packers, the Texans are coming to Lambeau Field at an opportune time. Based upon the latest injury reports available, the Packers are expected to be pretty much all-hands-on-deck, with only DL Devonte Wyatt, and TE Luke Musgrave, who was previously placed on the IR list, out. Conversely, the Texans come to town a bit beat up and without several of their key players both on offense and defense which plays to the Pack's advantage.

Jordan Love, as evidenced by his performance vs. the Cardinals, seems to be nearly over his MCL knee sprain, although he will still be wearing a brace on the left knee for protection. WR Romeo Doubs, despite whatever was going on with him the week he was suspended, returned with a subdued vengeance catching two TD passes from Love. WR Christian Watson also seemed to be past his ankle sprain, lengthening the field for a huge and wide open TD pass. RBs Josh Jacobs and Emanuel Wilson continue to get the yards on the ground.

Defensively, the Packers are thriving on and benefitting from takeaways. The linebackers and secondary are making plays. Most fans are still waiting for the defensive line to exert more pressure on the opposing quarterbacks. But keep in mind this is the first season under new defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley's 4-3 scheme. It seems over the last few games particularly that he is devising different schemes as he has become more familiar with what his personnel are capable of. So perhaps we'll see more pressure on Stroud who, like Kyler Murray last week, is one of those run-pass threats that has so often given the Packers fits. The key will be containing him. In doing so, the Packers defense will also have to stop Houston's running backs, particularly Joe Mixon. While WR Stefon Diggs will be available for Stroud, Robert Woods is out. So not his full complement of weapons, shall we say. On defense, Houston will be shorthanded at linebacker and in the secondary, which should play to Love's advantage over the course of the game.

If there's any question mark in this game it is, we have to say, the kicking game. Oy. It's been a dumpster fire since the Packers opted to let Mason Crosby walk away. The Packers are now on their third active kicker...actually, they have had seven kickers in the building from preseason till now and, as U2 might say, they "still haven't found what they're looking for". I repeat: oy. The team parted ways this past week with rookie kicker, "Wide Right" Brayden Narveson, and signed veteran Brandon McManus. He has kicked in a Super Bowl, so there's that. You can read all about McManus here. Let's hope he can bring the consistency that Narveson et al were unable to bring in their appearances.

The Prediction

Looking at the records, one would probably give the nod to Houston. But the Packers are healthy and the Texans are not. Some may feel Stroud is the better QB over Love; we would not...a push at best.

With the Packers at full strength, the offense humming, and the defense feeling its mojo, we give them the advantage in this game.

Weather is not expected to be a factor; actually, the forecast is very good for this time of year.

The point spread is favoring the Pack by 2-1/2 points at the time of this writing.

We're call it Packers 34 - Texans 24.

Go Pack Go!!!