2024 NFL Week 5: Packers vs Rams Preview & Prediction

Before we dive into a look at today's game vs. the Rams in LA, a word about out last week's loss at Lambeau to the ViQueens. That word is: oy. To expound: a horrible first half of football — down 28-0 at one point! — followed by a great second half-plus in which the Packers outscored Minnesota 29-3. That last "3", unfortunately, made the difference in the final score of 31-29. As we said, oy.

Now, it should also be noted that, while not placing the loss on the rookie kicker, Brayden Narveson did miss two first half field goals. Making just one would have made the difference between a win and a loss. Right now, Narvy has missed at least one field goal in each game, albeit one which was wiped off the board in the Tennessee game because of a Titans' penalty. And, also of note, each of his misses has been either off the right upright or wide right which indicates a mechanics issue more than anything else; hence, why the Packers are sticking with him. At least for now. They like his leg and his attitude. And, frankly, there just aren't that many good options out there right now in terms of replacing him. Not a great spot to be in unless the young man can make whatever mechanical corrections he needs to make. And fast.

But, as stated, it wasn't all on him. Not when you go down by four TDs in one half of play. The defense had no pass rush on MN QB Sam Darnold, who is having a career-resurrecting season so far. Give him time — as the Pack did last Sunday — and he will connect with his receivers. Advantage ViQueens. And, ultimately, despite Jordan Love finally warming up in the second half, there were just too many things wrong that led to too big of a hole to climb out of. Familiar things. Along with the missed kicks, there were far too many penalties once again. The lack of pressure on the opposing QB. You know the story by now.

What will be the story coming out of today's game in LA? Let's take a look at some possible story lines.

Packers RB Josh Jacobs should have a big game rushing against the LA Rams.

(Photo Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)

The Preview

Let's get the big news out of the way first: WR Romeo Doubs has been suspended by the Packers for today's game because of "conduct detrimental to the team", according to the official statement. He attended Wednesday's practice where the game plan for the upcoming game is presented to the team. Doubs was apparently unhappy with his role, perhaps not just for this game but because of how he has been used so far this season. He didn't attend Thursday's practice — team staff were sent to his home to check on him because he didn't even bother to notify the team he wasn't coming in — or Friday's. The Packers announced the suspension Saturday. So, with Christian Watson still out with his high ankle sprain, that leaves the wide receiving corps for today consisting of Jayden Reed, Dontayvion Wicks, Bo Melton and Malik Heath. They are certainly all capable of making big plays. Add in the tight ends and there will not be a noticeable drop off in production today despite Doubs' absence. Wish he was playing, but he's made his choice and the Packers made theirs. So it goes.

The rest of the look for today should play to the Packers advantage: the Pack is hitting LA at a time when the injury bug has really hit the Rams. The Packers should be able to get a good pass rush on QB Matthew Stafford if they decide to bring it...and they better because Stafford, given time in the pocket, can shred the defense like Darnold did last week. While we know that new defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley doesn't like to blitz out of his 4-3 scheme, he sure better make better uses of it than he did last week.

Offensively, the Packers should be able to take advantage of a beat up and bad Rams defense. RBs Josh Jacobs and Emanuel Wilson should find room to run and the receivers the Packers do have on the field should be able to find pass-catching lanes available. Let's leave it at that.

As for who is in and who is out for the Pack, according to packers.com: "The Packers have listed seven players as questionable for Sunday's game against the Los Angeles Rams. Those seven are cornerback Jaire Alexander (groin), linebacker Edgerrin Cooper (hip), guard/tackle Elgton Jenkins (knee), tackle/guard Jordan Morgan (shoulder), tight end Luke Musgrave (ankle), cornerback Carrington Valentine (ankle), and defensive lineman Jonathan Ford (ankle/injured reserve). Receiver Christian Watson (ankle) and receiver Romeo Doubs (personal) are doubtful after not practicing Thursday or Friday. Defensive lineman Devonte Wyatt (ankle) has been ruled out."

For the Rams, key players out for today are WR Cooper Kupp and DE Darrell Murchison. A few other key players, while not officially "questionable" on the injury report are listed as not practicing most recently. Will see how that goes.

The Prediction

A little factoid of history for you: the last time the Pack beat the Rams in Los Angeles was when Vince Lombardi was the head coach. Yowza! How can that be? Well, recall there was a long period of time when the Rams were headquartered in St. Louis. So there's that.

The Packers are favored by 3 points at the time of this writing with the over-under set at 49.

We think with Love having a full week of practice following shaking off some game-speed rust last weekend, that the Packers should bring a "W" back to Green Bay after the conclusion of today's game to go to 3-2 on the season.

We're calling it Packers 31 - Rams 24.

Go Pack Go!!!

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

Happy New Year, everyone!

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

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

Packers QB Jordan continued the ownership of Da Bearz in

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

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

(Photo via the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)

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

The Preview

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Prediction

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

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

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

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

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

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

We're calling it Packers 31 - Bearz 24.

Go Pack Go!!!

2023 NFL Week 14: Packers vs. Giants Preview & Prediction

The Green Bay Packers are on a roll. A sweet roll. And it is most yummy indeed for us Packers fans (sorry for the sweet roll pun). But after taking down the Lions in Detroit and the Super Bowl Champion Chiefs at Lambeau Field, the Pack find themselves in the hunt for a wildcard spot in the playoffs at 6-6 after winning 3 out of their last 4 games and 4 out of their last 5. We really didn't see that coming earlier in the season now did we? (Although, looking back at our pre-season prediction, we had them finishing with a 10-7 record ... still in play!)

Still, Green Bay's playoff odds are now set at roughly 72% after a run of thousands of future game simulations by the New York Times. If the Pack wins their remaining 5 games, beginning tonight against the Giants in the Meadowlands, their chances improve to 100 percent. Nice. Drop one? Still good.

But this playoff run starts in earnest tonight. So let's have a look, shall we?

Packers QB Jordan Love has been the talk of the NFL

for the last month or so.

(Photo via the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)

The Preview

Perhaps we should begin with a look at tonight's weather and field conditions. The rain and winds that impacted the East Coast over the weekend supposedly will be gone by kickoff. Expect a temp in the upper 30s and winds around 10 mph. Artificial turf. Acceptable December conditions.

The Pack will be without the services once again of RB Aaron Jones, CB Jaire Alexander and WR Christian Watson. Also appears as if LB Quay Walker will be on the sidelines. The Packers have been dealing with key injuries all season and finding ways for the back-ups to step in and make plays...which they have been doing. Yay. Tonight's yet another occasion.

The 4-8 Giants have a backup QB, Tommy DeVito, starting, and a so-so offense apart from RB Saquon Barkley, who could single-handedly deal the Packers a loss if the running game defense doesn't find a way to contain him more often than not. And while DeVito's passer rating is actually slightly ahead of Jordan Love's over the same stretch of last 3 games, he hasn't had to face the kind of pass rush the Pack can bring.

The Giants defense isn't great either. It is ranked 26th in the league in points allowed per game. But that's a bit deceiving because they are in the top 10 in opponent passer rating. So Love will have to continue his sharp ways tonight. And get continued high performances from his receivers and support from RB A.J. Dillion and others, not the least of which is the offensive line who have been performing at a high level during this turn-around.

The Prediction

The Packers are 6-point faves tonight, only the second time they have been favored all season.

We see them continuing their winning ways this evening. We're calling it Packers 24 - Giants17.

Go Pack Go!!!

Turning the page ... A-A-Ron gone ... NFL Draft done. Hit it ...

Dear fellow Packers fans, yes, I know. There have been no posts here since the debacle against Detroit that dropped us from the playoffs before we could even get started. That was a tough one, as you know.

As QB Aaron Rodgers and WR Randall Cobb walked off the Lambeau Field turf together, you kind of knew: this was it. Yes, Rodgers was still under contract. A big contract. But keeping him on at this stage, approaching age 40 with seemingly declining performance late in the season in the cold, even at home, was problematic at best on a number of levels. The Packers needed to see what they had in backup QB, Jordan Love. Time to turn the page. Not with a rebuild per se, but definitely a new era in Packers football was going to begin. Somehow.

Thanks for the memories, Aaron Charles Rodgers.

See you in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in a few years.

You know ... when you retire.

Source: Mike De Sisti, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

Enter the New York Jets. Yes, the same Jets that executed a trade for our last aging Hall of Fame, MVP QB, Brett Favre. It took a while for the Rodgers trade to get done. But it did early in the week leading up to the 2023 NFL Draft. And GM Brian Gutekunst got the better part of the trade, in the opinion of many NFL pundits. For what it's worth, I agree with that assessment.

So, farewell and thanks for all the years of remarkable memories, Aaron. You will be missed. Hope you stay healthy and play at least 65 percent of the offensive plays for your new team this coming season. And ... that the Jets' record is a poor one. If both happen, the Packers will get a high 1st round draft pick next season to complete the trade particulars.

Turning the page officially ...

The three-day 2023 NFL Draft completed its 7th round yesterday. The Pack wound up, through trades and compensatory picks, with 13 draft picks. Will they all stick? Nope. But, it's interesting that at least one source (see below graphic) thought the Packers had the best draft of all 32 teams.

Pro Football Network declared the Packers to have

the best draft class of the 2023 NFL Draft.

Source: Pro Football Network

With needs in many areas, and with a clear objective to give new starting QB Jordan Love offensive weapons to grow with, the emphasis was on that side of the ball, while tending to defense and special teams, as well. GM Gutey picked up a couple tight ends (needed!) and a couple wide receivers (needed!), as well as a couple edge rushers, among others. Wasn't surprising to see the Packers pick up a QB for camp and to compete with Danny Etling, the current backup behind Love. Plus, there will be the need for arms in camp to keep all the receivers and tight ends busy. The Pack also went with a late round running back; decisions will need to be made about both Aaron Jones and A.J. Dillon next off-season, so having some backs on hand...yes.

It also became more of a likelihood as the draft approached that the Packers would likely draft a kicker to replace venerable, aging, and all-time franchise scoring leader, Mason Crosby, who is currently a free agent. Now, Gutey made it clear in post-draft interviews that they had not closed the door on bringing Mason back in. But there would have to be a real failure on the part of this young kicker from Auburn. Stat-wise, he doesn't appear to have been especially accurate from long distance. And kicking in the south, despite growing up in Colorado, it remains to be seen how he'd do at Lambeau and other cold-weather venues come December and January. But with kickers and punters, especially, it always seems to be a shorter leash than with other players. As with all the picks, we just have to wait to see.

Also immediately following the draft the Packers and other teams began signing undrafted free agents. You can see those on packers.com and other sites that track these developments. Yes, there are sometimes some diamonds in the rough that actually emerge among this group so it's always interesting to keep an eye on this list, as well.

As draft experts are quick to remind us, evaluating any draft immediately after the fact, is a bit foolish as it typically takes three years before these young players "arrive", so to speak. A big jump usually takes place between the first year and the second. But patience is needed. Think Davante Adams. It took a while. But then ... wow!

As noted earlier, while the Packers assert that they are not in rebuilding mode — and I agree with that view for what that's worth — they are re-tooling. Lots of great veterans. And lots of young guys.

It's going to be an exciting year, Packers fans. Stay tuned.

As always, Go Pack Go!!!

2022 NFL Week 18: Packers vs. Lions Preview & Prediction

The Packers took care of division opponent Minnesota at Lambeau Field last weekend to keep their slim — but increasing! —playoff hopes alive. And they did so in fine fashion: a kickoff return (a kickoff return!) and a pick-6 interception return. Getting 14 points from special teams and defense always comes in handy, doesn't it?

Anyway, it set things up for tonight's regular season finale at Lambeau vs. the surging Detroit Lions. While both teams are sitting at a traditionally mediocre 8-8, the league decided the implications of this game were so good — and ... Packers! — that it decided to flex the game to the last slot on the weekend schedule. Let's take a look, shall we?

The Packers will be looking, as usual, for QB Aaron Rodgers to help

lead the team to the NFC Playoffs with a win over the Lions tonight

at Lambeau Field.

(Photo by Lon Horwedel, USA Today Sports)

The Preview

Why would the league put this game between two 8-8 teams in primetime? Because — Packers! — it's possibly a win-and-in game for Detroit, if the lowly Rams can somehow beat Seattle earlier today AND the Lions can beat the Pack, as they did in Detroit earlier in the season at Green Bay's low point. And because, regardless of how the Rams vs. Seahawks game turns out, if the Pack can beat the Lions Green Bay will secure the final wild card spot for the playoffs. In short, there's a lot on the line for both teams. Especially for the Packers. And, sorry Lions fans, this primetime coverage is happening precisely for that reason. You're along for the ride.

Given where the Packers were sitting just a bit ago, 4-8 and on life support, to having control in their own hands for making the playoffs ... wow. Nothing short of remarkable.

Since hitting rock bottom at Detroit, the Packers have gotten their offense more in sync with a balanced run-pass game and trending upward in average points-per-game since they began their winning streak. QB Aaron Rodgers has more confidence in his young receivers, rookie WR Christian Watson has provided the ability to stretch the field and open up other aspects of the game, and returner Keisean Nixon has become the league's leading returner and a legitimate threat to take it to the house every time he touches the ball. Defensive coordinator Joe Barry's defense has, astoundingly, rounded into shape, becoming more physical and covering receivers so at least they are in the same zip code together, thereby creating turnovers. Unimaginable a month or so ago.

But let's not forget that Detroit is bringing a lot to tonight's party, too, having won 7 of their last 9 games. The team has taken up head coach Dan Campbell's toughness. QB Jared Goff can cause problems if given time to throw (his last INT was against the Pack, by the way). And Packer fans recall all too well what RB Jamal Williams can do if given room to run. While Detroit boats the number 4 offense in the league, they do not score as well on the road as at home in a controlled environment, i.e., dome. Tonight, that offense will have to perform on the road, in 23-degree weather (at kickoff), on a slick turf to which they are not accustomed. Advantage Packers.

A Packers defense that was seen as a liability has been getting key stops and takeaways that have changed the outcome of games. Advantage, too, in that the Packers defense has been a turnover machine during the current four-game winning streak. If the defense can generate one or, better, two key turnovers this evening that bodes well for the final outcome. And special teams, aside from a minor hiccup or two (blocked punt/FG, etc.), with Nixon's emergence as a returner, has become a real strength of this team ... something we haven't seen arguably in decades.

The Prediction

The Packers are getting hot at the right time. Detroit has been on a roll, as well, no denying that. But with the playoffs so close — and all they've had to overcome to get in this position — it's hard to see the Pack laying an egg tonight. The oddsmakers apparently feel the same way, installing the Pack as 5-point favorites at the time of this posting.

We're calling this one Packers 31 - Lions 20.

Go Pack Go!!!

2022 NFL Week 17: Packers vs. Vikings Preview & Prediction

The Packers did what they had to do last week in Miami: come away with a win to keep their slim playoff hopes alive. Now sitting at 7-8 after a 3-game winning streak, the Pack roll into the last 2 weeks of the season with games at home against division rivals. First up today, the NFC North Division winners, the Minnesota ViQueens, and concluding the season — depending upon happens at Lambeau Field and elsewhere today — in what could essentially be a playoff game against the Detroit Lions. Yowza.

Let's jump in with a closer look at today's game, shall we?

The Preview

Today, we must hope that the past is not the prelude when it comes to this game. Specifically, the Packers cannot let WR Justin Jefferson do what he did in the first game of the season in Minnesota, i.e., go off.

The Packers saw this little TD dance from ViQueens receiver, Justin Jefferson,

in the first game of the season. This scene cannot be repeated today.

(Photo by Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)

The ViQueens, as especially their fans are wont to remind the world, are the winners of the NFC North this season, currently sitting with a record of 12-3. They have won 11 of those 12 games by one score and a season-long point differential of +5. So not really blowing any team out, just winning close and often and late. Now is that all luck? Or do they make some of their luck? As the saying goes, good teams win close games. So do some lucky ones. We can come to the conclusion that the 'Queens are better than we'd like them to be, but perhaps not quite as good as some Purple People would have you believe. Still, given the option of being 7-8 and fighting for your playoff lives and being 12-3 and winner of the NFC North, I think we know where Packer fans would rather be. 'Nuff said about that.

Today, with good early January weather expected at Lambeau Field for a 3:25 CT start time, the only thing that Minnesota really is playing for today is keeping the Packers out of the playoffs be dealing Green Bay a loss. That is incentive enough for the 'Queens.

Minnesota has quality performers on both sides of the ball. Offensively, QB Kirk Cousins has receiving and running weapons around him, as we know all too well. If the Packers defense is unable to make Cousins uncomfortable in the pocket, and Packers defensive backs let Jefferson and company wander as freely as they did in the first game, this game could become ugly. Thankfully, Green Bay's defense has been performing better of late, most notably in the second half of games. The trick is not to let an opposing offense jump out to a big lead before half or the Packers may have a tough time coming back. That was not the case last week, but the Dolphins are not the 'Queens.

We need to have the Packers defense step up in a way they really haven't all season and play a 4-quarters game. They need to continue to generate turnovers, as well. They likely won't get 4 as was the case last week, but a couple timely takeaways could definitely turn the tide of the game. The Packers young defenders, in particular, along with veterans Kenny Clark and Preston Smith, need to come up big.

In terms of the Packers offense, they should be getting David Bakhtiari back at left tackle today. That would be helpful if he is really ready to go. But it's still unclear at the time of this posting as to whether rookie WR sensation Christian Watson will be ready to go today. He was basically a non-entity, according to reporters, during practice this past week after sustaining an unspecified hip injury in last week's game that saw him unavailable the entire second half. If he can't go, that certainly limits that Pack's offense and also changes the way Minnesota's defense will play.

It's also the case that RB Aaron Jones' ongoing ankle issue is still something that is limiting his availability during not only practice but especially during the game. Do fans really think that, if Jones was healthy, the Packers would only be putting the ball in his hands 6 times as was the case last week? Not a chance. It is the reason why they elevated and started using Patrick Taylor in spot duty and why they late this week elevated RB Tyler Goodson. Now, in the latter case that might also be a signal that Packers exceptional breakout kickoff returner Keisean Nixon might not be ready to go today. Nixon was dealing with a groin injury going into last week's game in Miami and came out of it in no better form. You hate to lose Nixon's explosiveness and take-it-to-the-house potential but you also want to have him available if the season continues.

QB Aaron Rodgers will have to really be in command today, of himself as well as his weapons, if the Pack is to stay in this game and win it down the stretch. Part of that process is converting red zone opportunities, which he and the team have been horrible at over the course of the season. Case in point: last week's game. A couple deep opportunities and instead of coming away with touchdowns they had to settle for field goals. That can't continue and especially not today. Each red zone opportunity needs to result in 7 points not 3.

One other player was elevated late this week from the practice squad and it caused a raised eyebrow or two: kicker Ramiz Ahmed. Does that mean, fans and pundits wondered, if K Mason Crosby's team-record consecutive games streak was coming to an end for some reason? Or, just that the Packers will have Ahmed handle kickoffs? As the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel notes, Ahmed was active "for one other game this season, against the Dallas Cowboys. In that game, he had five kickoffs: two were touchbacks, three were returned and two of those were kicked within the 3-yard line. Ahmed's elevation allows the Packers to aim for more touchbacks against dynamic Vikings returner Kene Nwangwu. Nwangwu is second in the league (behind only Green Bay's Keisean Nixon) in kickoff returns, averaging 26 yards per return, with a 97-yard touchdown." We're betting Ahmed handles the kickoffs today while Crosby takes care of field goals.

Managing player resources, particularly in such strategic situations as today's game, will be key to a Packers victory.

The Prediction

The Packers are anywhere from 3 to 3-1/2 point favorites over Minnesota today, basically the home field advantage. Many pundits don't see the Packers defense as being able to handle the 'Queens offense, much as in the first game, and are predicting a Minnesota win.

Reminder: this isn't the first game of the season. Granted, the season has not gone the way the Packers or their fans have expected. But the team seems to be playing better now than before. So there's that. As usual, there are a lot of "ifs" that will impact this game. But 3 wins in a row, combined with a defensive performance we haven't seen in a while, also would tend to make the Packers players believers in themselves. With their entire season in the balance, and playing at Lambeau Field, we also are believers today.

We're calling it Packers 27 - ViQueens 24.

Go Pack Go!!!

2022 NFL Week 6: Packers vs. Jets Prediction

Hello, Packers fans. Well, after last Sunday's collapse in London vs. the Giants...what can be said? Play another team from New York, apparently, and hope for a better result. Welcome to Lambeau Field, J-E-T-S, Jets, Jets, Jets.

Because of constraints on time and the fact we will not even be able to view the game live this Sunday, we are skipping the usual preview of the game and going straight to the prediction. Hope that works for you.

Packers head coach, Matt LaFleur, needs to get a full game out

of his team...and coaches.

(Photo from Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)

The Prediction

The Packers are currently 7-1/2 point favorites at the time of this posting. Both teams are 3-2. Whether the Pack can play more than a half of football on either or both sides of the ball yet remains to be seen. Perhaps if the Pack runs the ball more ... and occasionally blitzes ... and has man-to-man coverage in the secondary more often ... Let us pray....

We're calling it Packers 24 - Jets 13.

Go Pack Go!!!

2022 NFL Week 4: Packers vs. Patriots Preview & Prediction

Before we begin our current game review, if you haven't yet exhaled from the Packers hold-on-to-your-hats win in Tampa last weekend, you can now do so: Packers 14 - Buccaneers 12. Whew!

It was a much closer game than it needed to be or should have been. The Pack would have all but sealed things up early on if RB Aaron Jones had been able keep possession of the football as he was tackled just shy of the end zone. That would have given the Packers 21 points in the first half. But...not. Still, thanks to the defense and special teams (who would have imagined ever saying that?!), the Pack held on to go to 2-1 on the young season. Yay.

The Preview

Today, Green Bay takes on the New England Patriots at Lambeau Field. The Pats' starting QB, Mac Jones, will not play today leaving instead veteran QB Brian Hoyer as the man under center. Advantage: Packers. Still, this is a Bill Belichick-led team. He will do the best to scheme with who he has. Particularly on defense. It will be a bit of a chess match at the outset, perhaps, as the Packers offense, especially with the young receivers, attempts to outwit Belichick's defensive calls. Look for rookie WR Romeo Doubs to continue to shine. TE Robert Tonyan could also resume his key-play role for the offense. The platooning of LT David Bakhtiari and Yosh Nijman that worked well last weekend in its first iteration will likely continue today with equally good results.

Packers rookie linebacker, Quay Walker, has already shown his

value as part of the Pack's defense. He's a playmaker.

(Photo by Mike De Sisti / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)

We should feel good about where the Pack's defense is right now. It is ascending. And so is its young talent.

Certainly, being able to stifle Tom Brady and the Bucs last weekend has to bolster a unit which already possesses a good deal of confidence in its abilities. Whether or not DB Jaire Alexander is able to play today, the defense knows it can handle whatever comes its way. Rookie LB, Quay Walker, has been making plays like a veteran since the first game. He is an impact player. There are quite a few of them on this side of the ball right now. That means if the offense can do what it is capable of doing, the defense can close out games.

The Prediction

The pundits have put the spread at anywhere from 8-1/2 to 9-12 points, depending upon when and what source you are looking at (bad grammar there, sorry). These same oddsmakers have put the over-under at 40-1/2 points. So, clearly, looking at just these numbers, the Packers are viewed as definite odds-on favorites.

The Pack's defense should hold a so-so, Brian Hoyer-led Patriots offense in check. The only question is whether the Packers offense is able to put together a complete game and not shoot itself in the foot. That, and whether the special teams can hold its own which so far has been the case.

With all that being said, we're calling this game Packers 27 - Patriots 13.

Go Pack Go!!!

 

With the 2022 Packers season upon us ... Our season prediction.

Hello, Packers fans ... and all who wish they were.

We've had a looooong hiatus...since just before the 2022 NFL Draft, to be exact. A lot of water under the bridge before and since then: comings and goings (most notably and regrettably, of course, WR Davante Adams), injury updates, cut-downs, final roster, etc. Too much to cover here and you know it all already anyway.

So let's just get to the important matters of the moment: the season prediction. We'll do the prediction for Sunday's opener against the ViQueens (in Minnesota) in a separate post. We invite you to please check back for that.

The Season Prediction

Since the start of this blog in 2005 (17 years ago ... 17!), we have looked at the season preview not game by game (those are done individually at the relevant time) but more quarter by season quarter, so to speak. With a 17th regular season game in place for the second consecutive year, we'll have quarters plus one extra game...and the bye week, too, resulting in 18 weeks to examine. You'll figure it out. Home games are in green. Be aware, of course, that the NFL may flex various game times, especially later in the season, so the days/times shown here are as they are now indicated.

QBs Aaron Rodgers and Kirk Cousins will meet

in the first game of the 2022 season.

(Photo by Associated Press)

1st Quarter of the Season

Week 1: @ Vikings - Sun 9/11 · 3:25 PM CDT

Week 2: Da Bearz - Sunday Night Game - Sun 9/25 · 7:20 PM CDT

Week 3: @ Buccaneers - Sun 9/26 · 3:25 PM CDT

Week 4: Patriots - Sun 10/02 · 3:25 PM CDT

We think it's likely the Packers lose one, and perhaps two, of these first four games. Despite the Pack being once again one of the odds-on favorites to make the NFC Championship Game, and, Packer nation hopes, the Super Bowl, and having a talented roster, particularly on defense, we really don't know how it's all going to come together, or how quickly. With Rodgers back at QB and coming off two consecutive MVP season and the weapons on offense, you know that the team will always be in the game in terms of point potential. But with his wide receiver security blanket, Adams, now gone to Las Vegas, and a slew of young and untested receivers, the offense might not be as high-flying as we've been accustomed to especially early in the season. We expect perhaps a more even split between downfield throws and runs and touches out of the backfield. The two-headed monster that is Aaron Jone and A.J. Dillon will be used in new and impactful ways. Will be fun to watch. It will be good to have TE Robert Tonyan back in the mix particularly in the red zone. The new receivers, Christian Watson and Romeo Doubs, as well as veterans Randall Cobb and Sammy Watkins, will also have to have an impact early and often. During this first quarter of the season, but especially down its stretch later in the season, the defensive unit will be called upon to limit the points put up by opponents until the offense finds its footing. And special teams? Can't be worse than last season. Even a modicum of improvement there will help. So, it would seem if the Pack could come out of these first four games 2-2 it would be satisfactory. Not great, but OK, setting the stage for better things moving down the road.

2nd Quarter of the Season

Week 5: Giants - Sun 10/9 - 8:30 AM CDT (technically the home team atTottenham Hotspur Stadium, London)

Week 6: Jets - Sun 10/16 · 12:00 PM CDT

Week 7: @ Washington - Sun 10/23 · 12:00 PM CDT

Week 8: @ Bills - Sun 10/30 · 7:20 PM CDT

This quarter of the season starts with the Pack's first international game in London against the Giants, in which the Packers will be technically the home team. There will be a large contingent of European Packers fans on hand. If the team can handle the jet lag, they should be able to come away with the win there. In looking at the other teams in this quarter, the Bills are the team to worry about, as they showed in their season opener by man-handling the Super Bowl champion LA Rams in LA. Some pundits are projecting a possible Packers-Bills Super Bowl match-up. Long way to go before we get there. But, on a whole, the Packers should come out of these four games with a 3-1 record.

3rd Quarter of the Season

Week 9: @ Lions - Sun 11/6 - 12 PM CDT

Week 10: Cowboys - Sun 11/13 · 3:25 PM CDT

Week 11: Titans - Thursday Night Game - Thurs 11/17 · 7:15 PM CDT

Week 12: @ Eagles - Sun 11/27 · Sunday Night Game - 7:20 PM CDT

The first game of this quarter of the season sees the Packers play the third of three consecutive away games. Oy. Fortunately, it's against the Lions, albeit in Detroit. To be fair, the Lions might be an improved team over what we have come to know over so many years of futility. By roughly the mid-point in the season, we'll have a good idea of who they are. The Cowboys, Titans and Eagles round out these four games. Given the three straight roads trips and the opponents, we can see the Pack going 2-2 in this stretch.

4th Quarter of the Season (+1)

Week 13: @ Da Bearz - Sun 12/4 - 12 PM CDT

Week 14: BYE - Sun 12/11

Week 15: Rams - Sun 12/19  - Monday Night Game - 7:15 PM CDT 

Week 16: @ Dolphins - Christmas Day Game - Thurs 12/25 - 12 PM CDT 

Week 17: Vikings - New Year's Day Game - Sun 1/1/23 - 3:25 PM CDT

Week 18: Lions - Sun 1/8 - 12 PM CDT

The bye week comes in Week 14. Not ideal, but hopefully can get guys rested a bit for the final stretch of four games, three of which are at Lambeau Field. If the Pack is healthy, here's where the stretch run to the playoffs and Super Bowl gains steam. Given the opponents and being able to finish at home, we see the Packers going 3-2 over this span of games, including the bye.

Summary

Looking back at our predictions, we have the Packers going no worse than 10-7. (Many projections have the Pack going 13-4 or 12-5. We hope they are right and we are wrong.) They should handle their NFC North competitors and win the division once again. We'll worry about the playoff scenarios much, much later on. Lot of ball game left, as the saying goes.

As always, GO PACK GO!!!

2021 NFL Week 14: Packers vs. Chicago Bears Preview and Prediction

When we last saw our beloved Green Bay Packers, they were dispatching the LA Rams, 36-28, in a game that really wasn't as close as the final score indicated...even though a successful on-side kick in the last minute of play might have made it so.

As it was and is, the Pack went into (finally!) their bye week at 9-3. An opportune time to get QB Aaron Rodgers' broken toe time to recover a bit, without surgery. Also a chance to get some players back for the stretch run into the playoffs. And then to get the gift of Da Bearz coming into Lambeau Field for a Sunday night primetime game. Yes, please!

We hope to see RB A.J. Dillon being congratulated for his efforts again today.

The Packers will want to have a balanced pass-run attack against Chicago tonight.

(Photo by Dan Powers /USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin)

The Preview

Do we really need to do more of a preview than to repeat what Rodgers said to some Chicago fans after scoring a TD in the last meeting in Chicago? You know, that ownership thing? I think not.

Granted, rookie QB and future hoped-for ChiTown savior, Justin Fields, is back from his rib injury and has been named the starter today. The Packers defense will have to account for his ability to run. But they've handled Kyler Murray and Patrick Mahomes so there is no reason to believe they won't handle Fields. But it wouldn't be surprising if the Packers get a few turnovers today, either.

For the Pack, just keep doing what they've been doing. On both sides of the ball. And do better on special teams. Please.

The Prediction

My good friend, Billy Da Bearz Fan, texted me earlier today with his prediction: 19-18 Bearz. The only thing surprising about that prediction from him is that it might be a score-a-gami type of thing. (Someone look that up, would ya?) So there's that.

Of course, for the more rationally-minded among the readership here, we have to actually consider reality. And the reality is the oddsmakers favor the Pack by either 11-1/2 or 12-1/2 points depending upon who you look at and when you check out such things. That's a big spread. And it's there for a reason. The primary one being that the Packers have Aaron Rodgers and Da Bearz do not. The secondary reason is that, overall, the Packers are just a better team, and better coached, than is Chicago. There may be a changing of the guard in the NFC North at some time, but it isn't now. Or the foreseeable future, for that matter.

We're calling it Packers 31 - Da Bearz 17.

Go Pack Go!!!

2021 NFL Week 7: Packers vs. The Washington Football Team Preview and Prediction

Let's just acknowledge the obvious: Aaron Rodgers and the Packers have owned Da Bearz. In Green Bay. In Chicago. Doesn't matter.

With that now out of the way, on to today's game vs. The Washington Football Team (hereafter referred to as WFT...no, not WTF...WFT. Got it?).

We hope to see a lot of this today: RB Aaron Jones

running over and through WFT defenders.

(Photo by Mike De Sisti/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)

The Preview

The WFT is 2-4. Despite having four first-round picks on the defensive line, they aren't great overall. Main thing for the Packers O-line is to make sure you know where Chase Young is lining up and keep him from getting to Rodgers. As it is, the WFT has given up more points than any other team in the first 6 games of the season.

And can you even name the WFT quarterback? Taylor Heinicke.

Bottom line: the dysfunction in Washington continues.

The Pack has won the last five games vs. the WFT at Lambeau Field. The last time Washington won in Green Bay was 1986.

Still, the Packers can't view this as a walk-over game. We and they saw in the season opener what can happen when you don't show up to play. The Pack also can't be looking past Washington to the Cardinals whom they will be seeing on a short turn-around in Arizona this Thursday evening. Get up on Washington early and go all gas, no brake.

If the Packers show up and play at the level they are capable of — which is still a work in progress, and not even counting the injuries — they will have a win at home.

The Prediction

We kind of gave it away in that last sentence, didn't we? Sorry.

The Packers are favored by anywhere from 8 to 9-1/2 points depending upon who you're listening to.

We're calling this game Packers 38 - WFT 17.

GO PACK GO!!!

2021 NFL Week 4: Packers vs. Steelers Preview and Prediction

First things first: we were wrong in our prediction about the Niners beating the Packers in last week's game. Thankfully so. Glad to be wrong and admit it.

For this week's game, the 2-1 Pack is back home in the friendly confines of Lambeau Field taking on the 1-2 Pittsburgh Steelers. The Packers are currently favored by 6-1/2 points at the time of this writing. Seems about right, but more on that later in the prediction.

For now, what do things look like?

QB Aaron Rodgers was aided by a quick-release passing approach

in the game vs. the 49ers. So was his young offensive line. Expect that

approach again today vs. the Steelers.

(Photo by Cary Edmondson, Cary Edmondson/USA Today Sports)

The Preview

The Packers, as all good fans know, are coming off an exhilarating last second come-back win against San Francisco. Thirty-seven seconds left, no time outs, and the length of the field to go...or at least a portion of it to get in field goal range for Mason Crosby. Voila!

What we saw in that game may well be the precursor to what will happen again in today's game, minus — it is hoped — the needed comeback in the closing seconds of the game. The Pack's O-line will be without the services of it best lineman, Elgton Jenkins. Which means a young line is likely going to be challenged even more than last week, particularly with the likes of T.J. Watt across from them. But rookie LT Yosh Nijman handled, with a bit of assistance from the tight ends now and then, Niners DE Nick Bosa. The rest of the young line in the middle also held up well as head coach Matt LaFleur went for the most part with a quick-release passing game which meant the linemen didn't need lengthy pass protection times in order to allow the scheme to unfold. Given what Pittsburgh and its front might be able to generate, it would seem that last week's approach would be well suited to today, as well. Unfortunately, the receiving corps will be without Marquez Valdes-Scantling today. He pulled a hamstring in last week's game and will be given time to rest that injury. He's needed going forward so no need to risk him further right now.

On defense, the Packers will be without Za'Darius Smith for the foreseeable future as he had back surgery this week for an injury which cropped up during training camp. Given his contract and salary cap hit for next season, it's likely we won't see him suit up for the Packers ever again. His pass rush will be missed. Still, this opens up opportunities for others. Last week, without Smith, we saw a pass rush that sustained itself at a high level throughout the game. If the defense can muster that same energy today, Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger should find himself under pressure a great deal today. At age 39, Big Ben isn't the same QB he once was. That can add up to good things for the Pack.

The Prediction

After losing two in a row after a good start in Week 1 at Buffalo, the Steelers will come into Lambeau looking to get back on track. Home state boy and former Wisconsin Badgers standout (and a should-have-been Packers draft pick, it should be noted) T.J. Watt will obviously want to have a big game. He will be a disruptive force, no doubt, but the Packers can't allow him to take over the game on that side of the ball. For the Pack, they will want to continue the offensive and, especially, defensive schemes evolution that have occurred since Week 1. And there is no reason to suspect that they won't.

We're calling it Packers 31 - Steelers 20.

Go Pack Go!!! 

2021 NFL Week 3: Packers vs. 49ers Preview and Prediction

The Green Bay Packers did what they needed to do last Monday evening: beat the Detroit Lions at Lambeau Field. Final score was 35-17. Our prediction was 34-24...so...close...somewhat.

But it's not about last week's game or prediction, it's all about tonight's battle on the West Coast, as the Pack meets the 49ers. Reminder, too, this is a "short" week for the Packers, plus the travel. For whatever reasons, the Packers haven't had what you'd call a great deal of success on these trips west. Reasons vary. But what about tonight's game?

The Preview

It's about player availability here as much as anything tonight. The Packers will be without LT Elgton Jenkins tonight on offense (not helpful) and Za'Darius Smith again on defense. Those are two key pieces for the Pack. We also just learned that DB Kevin King is out of tonight's game due to illness. This should give rookie Eric Stokes a chance to continue to show that he is the future at that spot; he had a great game against Detroit and, to our point of view, is a clear upgrade over King. So a blessing in disguise here, perhaps.

Conversely, the Niners will be down to about their sixth-string running back. They are hurting, too. Don't need to say any more about that. And expect San Fran to continue shuffling their veteran and rookie quarterbacks, which may present ongoing challenges for the Pack's defenders.

Having said that, we saw in last Monday's game that the Packers offense can, as expected, put up points...even with QB Aaron Rodgers overthrowing a couple long balls to Marquez Valdes-Scantling that would likely have been easy scores. But the Pack's defense continues to be a huge concern, particularly its lack of pass rush. New defensive coordinator Joe Barry's scheme hasn't come together. In apparently an emphasis to stop the run first, it has allowed the opposing quarterback to sit back in the pocket nearly untouched through the first two games. That has to end...soon.

Could special teams make a difference? Rookie running back / returner Kylin HIll has performed well in his returner role. Could he pop one today? Possible. But could the Packers special teams unit also give up a return? Yes. So we can't count on special teams to decide the game.

It will come down to Rodgers doing Rodgers-like things. More than once or twice. Perhaps even with the ball in his hands at the end of the game to determine the outcome. That would be a positive in our view.

The Prediction

The Niners are favored at the time of this writing by 3-1/2 points...a bit more than home field advantage. And given the Pack's historic performances in these contests, a bit surprised the spread isn't more than that.

In our season prediction, we had the Pack going 3-1 in the first four games. While we didn't make game-by-game picks at that time, instead looking at the overall opponents and schedule, this in actuality was the game we most expected the Packers to lose. While we thought the opener against the Saints would be a tough game, we never saw the team not getting off the plane to play.

While we hope we are wrong, we still see the Packers dropping this one, based off recent history as much as anything, plus the problems on defense.

We're calling this game 49ers 31 - Packers 27.

Still ... Go Pack Go!!!

2021 NFL Week 2: Packers vs. Lions Preview and Prediction

Guess what? We were right on the money with our call of 38 points in last week's season opener against the Saints in Jacksonville.

The only problem was it was New Orleans that racked up 38, not the Packers. The Pack got 3 points for writing their collective name on the test paper otherwise that game was a total toilet flush, know what we mean? I think you do.

So...let's move on to tonight's Monday Night Football extravaganza against the Lions at Lambeau Field. Yes, let's.

QB Aaron Rodgers needs to play like

Aaron Rodgers tonight vs. the Lions.

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

The Preview

The gist of it is that the Pack rarely has two bad games back to back. QB Aaron Rodgers usually comes out blazing after an embarrassing game the week before. The entire Packers team, offense and defense, sleepwalked through that season opener. They won't do that again tonight. Not at home. With fans in the stands for the first time in two seasons. Against a division opponent who always plays the Pack tough regardless of each team's record. And not on Monday Night Football.

Yes, the Packers will be without veteran Za'Darius Smith who is now on the temporary IRL for three weeks with an unspecified, but apparently lingering, back problem. Third-year OLB Rashan Gary will now have to step up. Gary has trended upwards each year with the team, so now is his chance to shine. Ditto for the entire defense in order to give some credibility to the new defensive scheme under coordinator Joe Barry. If they don't show significant improvement tonight after last week's poor showing, even more questions will arise as to why head coach Matt LaFleur hired him given Barry's lack of success in that area before coming to the Pack.

As for the offense, tonight it will all focus on establishing the running game. Look for a steady diet of Aaron Jones and A.J. Dillon to get the defense out of a strictly drop-and-defend approach as the Saints were able to do last weekend. The Packers need the running game to be credible so Rodgers and the play-action pass can be as effective as it was last season. Oh, and the wide receivers have to do a much better job getting open than in the last game, as well.

Everything that could go wrong last week, did. Tonight, it's time for the Packers to show us what they got, so to speak. They've been hyped all off-season. Now it's time to begin living up to that hype.

The Prediction

The Packers are favored by 11 (or 11-1/2) depending upon what oddsmakers you are looking at. The Lions had a good comeback effort fall just short against the 49ers in their opener; they were down by 28 points in the fourth quarter and lost by only eight. So the Lions won't quit, that's for sure. The Pack needs to get up early and not allow the Lions to hang close.

We're calling this Packers 34 - Lions 24.

Go Pack Go!!!