NFL Week 18: Packers vs. Vikings Preview & Prediction

Soooo...Packer fans...we were just a bit off in our prediction for last week. Yowza. Yes, it got within 3 points for a brief time. But, really. Not even close. The Ravens had more energy from the get-go. The Pack's run defense must have thought the game was on Sunday instead of Saturday because they were a no-show throughout the game. Embarrassing. We will spare you the details.

But with the NFC North Division title still open, the Packers decided to hand it on a silver platter to Da Bearz, along with the second seed in the upcoming NFC playoffs. For their efforts, or lack thereof, the Pack secured the seventh seed no matter what they do in the regular season finale against the ViQueens in Minnesota.

Which brings us to our preview...

The Preview

Let's be honest: this final regular season game for the Packers is much like the first game. Of the preseason. There's no way to improve their seeding for the playoffs. And with even more players hurt in last week's game — adding to the devastating tally of all the preceding games — the object, as it is in preseason, is to just get through the game without more injuries, especially to key players.

Hence, many of the starters will be held out or see minimal time on the field. Starting QB Jordan Love, who has missed the last few games as he was going through the concussion protocol, was cleared late this week. Think he will play to get some action in before the first playoff game (likely against Chicago, by the way...or possibly the Eagles)? Not a chance. QB Malik Willis? He's dinged up but under normal circumstances he'd likely go. Instead, third-string QB Clayton Tune got the word on Thursday that he will start the game, the second start of his brief NFL career. What about the running game? Josh Jacobs? With the injuries he's dealt and played with all season, he's a no-go. RT Zach Tom? Nope. There are others.

Ladies and gentlemen, your starting QB for the 2025 regular season

finale against the ViQueens: backup QB Clayton Tune.

(Photo via Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)

Now, let's also remember that the Packers bye week was a looooong time ago in Week #5. So these guys deserve a break. Playing for pride, sure, and a double-digit winning record again. But a loss won't hurt as much as losing more players to injury.

The silver lining is that this will be a chance to see what some of the younger backup players can do. At least there's that. Plus, not sure if you heard the late-breaking news of the week (kidding!): the Packers claimed one-time Pro Bowl cornerback Trevon Diggs off waivers from the Cowboys. He might actually see some limited playing time. Defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley indicated that they were working with him to get him up to speed on some of the language and schemes used on defense. Will be interesting to see how that plays out.

As a sign of how tight things are from a personnel standpoint, reports indicate that the Packers have added receiver Jakobie Keeney-James and guard/center Lecitus Smith from the practice squad to the 53-man roster, and tight end Drake Dabney and linebacker Jamon Johnson were elevated from the practice squad to the game-day roster. Whether "signed" or "elevated", these are some new names to watch for Sunday and likely in the playoffs.

Bottom line, according to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Since Dec. 26, the Packers have placed eight players on injured reserve, signed six players from the practice squad to the 53-man roster and claimed two players off waivers from other teams." Now, every team deals with injuries, we got it. But...yowza. None of this is how you want to roll into the playoffs. Particularly with a three-game, and potentially four-game, losing streak at play. Crikey.

Do we even need to bother talking about Minnesota? Well, they have now won a few in row. Have a very good defense under coordinator Brian Flores. Offense is so-so, as is — on a good day — young QB J.J. McCarthy. Not really as relevant to this point of view as all that's going on with the Packers, sorry.

The Prediction

Given the circumstances, the Packers are coming into this game as anywhere from a 7-1/2 to 9-1/2-point underdog. Packer fans would probably be very happy if the game wound up being this close.

We're calling this game Packers 13 - Vikings 24.

Hope we're wrong and perhaps catch lightening in a bottle. Let us pray.

Go Pack Go!!!

2025 NFL Week 12: Packers vs. Vikings Preview & Prediction

After two frustrating home losses, the Pack got back on the winning side of the ledger with their trip to the Meadowlands to take on the NY Giants last weekend. With a final score of 27-20, the Packers did what they needed to do against an inferior opponent.

Of course, as we know, so far this season the Packers have played down to the level of their opponents. Many reasons for that, but at least during the second half of the Giants game, head coach Matt LaFleur took the reins off the offense a bit and allowed QB Jordan Love the opportunity to go downfield, with good results. Now, there were still far too many dropped passes by both offense and defense, but in the end they did enough to win by 7. We had predicted a final score of 20-13 so we had the margin correct just not the tally. So it goes.

Let's now take a look at Sunday's game at Lambeau Field against the ViQueens ... the first of five NFC North Division games in the final remaining seven games of the season. Like many, we're of the view that backloading this many division games is not a great thing for the schedule. But it is what it is and it will definitely determine playoff seedings.

Unfortunately, Packers RB Josh Jacobs is

not available for  today's game against Minnesota.

(Photo via Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)

The Preview

The ViQueens swept the Packers in last season's two matchups, and they have won two straight at Lambeau Field. That's just wrong on so many levels, isn't it, Packer fans? Of course, they had a better quarterback than J.J. McCarthy directing the offense then, too.

The young QB, as most do, is struggling; he may yet turn into a good QB but right now ... not so much. Let's pray his coming out party isn't today. If the Packers want to get some takeaways today, McCarthy should be good for an INT or two. The Vikes aren't horrible, of course, they do have playmakers. And, as we all too well know ... the Packers seems to have it in them so far this season to let lesser opponents hang around far too long and give them the opportunity to win with a field goal.

We don't see that happening today.

There are now seven games remaining in the regular season, five of which including today, as we noted earlier, will be against NFC North Division opponents. This is where you can make or break your season.

Luckily for the Packers, since becoming the starting QB, Jordan Love has really come on in the second half of the season...right where we find ourselves. That started to emerge last weekend vs. the Giants. It should continue today, with or without Josh Jacobs at running back. (The early word is Jacobs is out, as are LB Quay Walker and WR Matthew Golden among the notable inactives.)

Love will have nearly a full array of receiving targets available today. Emanuel Wilson and Chris Brooks will share the running back duties. Matt LaFleur should be able, based upon last week's game and the unavailability of Jacobs, to open up the game plan more than he has in the earlier portion of the season. Granted, the issues with the offensive line are still there. But play-action and going deep earlier in the game to stretch the defense can help the running game, too. And might we see a special package or two for backup QB Malik Willis if the situation warrants it? Don't be surprised after what Willis again showed in very limited playing time last weekend when Love was out for a few plays with a left shoulder injury.

The Prediction

The current odds favor the Pack by 6-1/2 points. If the Packers defense plays as they have, and both receivers and defensive backs catch the ball when it comes their way, the Pack should win this one. And it shouldn't come down to whether or not now-beleaguered and still semi-injured (?) kicker Brandon McManus can make a field goal or extra point. We see the Packers taking this game with rounding-into-form play on both sides of the ball. In Week 12, it's about time, right?

We're calling this game Packers 30 - ViQueens 13.

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 4: Packers vs Vikings Preview & Prediction

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

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

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

(Photo by Mark Hoffman/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)

The Preview

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Prediction

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

We're calling it Packers 24 - ViQueens 23.

Go Pack Go!!!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

today to overcome expected lapses by the Packers defense.

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

The Prediction

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

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

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

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

GO PACK GO!!!

2023 NFL Week 8: Packers vs. Vikings Preview & Prediction

OK, Packers fans, here we go again. Not much time on this end for a full-on preview due to travels, so will get to the prediction.

THE PREDICTION

For the last few games, we have believed the Pack would get things together, avoid the slow starts, and — very important in football — score occasionally. A rash of injuries and, it must be said, lack of veteran leadership especially on offense, has led to a 3-game losing streak. Players don’t seem well-prepared. That’s on both the players AND the coaches.

So can they get it together against an arguably hot ViQueens team right now, albeit one missing its top receiving threat? We’d like to think, at home and with some key players activated for the Packers, that the answer would be “Yes”.

But, alas, until the team shows up … in all 3 phases of the game … for all 4 quarters … we regrettably see this game going in the loss column.

We ‘re calling this game ViQueens 24 - Packers 17.

Very much hope we’re wrong.

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!!!

2021-22 NFL Week 17: Packers vs. Vikings Preview and Prediction

Since the last time the Green Bay Packers and Minnesota Vikings met (a win by MN), the Pack's defense has seen its excellent performances leading into that game drop off, allowing for some finishes of late that were a bit too close for comfort. Tonight's game at Lambeau Field, however, should — in theory — be one with a little breathing room when all is said and done.

That's due in large measure to the Covid-19-related absence of ViQueens starting QB Kirk Cousins. He was ruled out late in the week. Minnesota will now have backup QB Sean Mannion under center. He came out of Oregon State and was drafted by the St. Louis Rams (yeah, that's right, the St. Louis version of the Rams!) in the third round of the 2015 NFL Draft. He's been with a few teams, has seen limited action, and has yet to throw a TD pass in his NFL career. This is why the line on this game went from about 6-1/2 points in favor of the Pack earlier in the week to one at the time of this writing being 12-1/2 points in the Packers' favor. In a game where the Packers could lock up the #1 seed (with a win and a Dallas loss), the lone first-round bye in the NFC, and home field advantage throughout the playoffs, we appreciate the favor of this change at QB.

Thankfully, there will be no change at QB for the Pack. While he still is bothered by his broken pinkie toe, Aaron Rodgers will be ready to go. Yay!

Packers QB Aaron Rodgers will once again lead his team

at Lambeau Field tonight against the Minnesota Vikings.

(Photo by Mark Hoffman/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)

The Preview

A couple things play into the game tonight.

First and foremost, the Packers are looking to lock up the #1 seed in the NFC, as noted above. With a win and a loss by the Cowboys, the Pack will have that secured. They'll know the outcome of that Dallas game before they take the field. That may change how they play the season finale at Detroit, but it won't change anything about the importance of tonight's game.

Secondly, without ViQueens QB Kirk Cousins at the helm, it would seem likely that Minnesota would ride the coattails of RB Dalvin Cook as much as possible. He's had some big games against the Pack. The defense will need to slow him down. They will also need to make sure WR Justin Jefferson doesn't go off on the secondary the way he did in the teams' last meeting in Minnesota. That seems less probable with Cousins out, but apparently Mannion, his replacement, has a strong arm that could stretch the defense if nothing else. He's also reportedly more of a pocket passer than a run-and-gun type of QB so if the Pack can contain Cook and get pressure on Mannion that will go a long way to skewing the game in Green Bay's favor. Make no mistake: Minnesota is still playing for a wildcard spot and need to win out in order to even stay alive in that hunt. There will be no let up by head coach Mike Zimmer's squad, that's for sure. The Packers need to come out ready to go because the ViQueens sure will.

Third, the Packers will have WR Marquez Valdes-Scantling available tonight which give Rodgers a downfield threat that he's come to rely on. TE Mercedes Lewis can also provide Rodgers with a security blanket in those short and mid-range situations that occur so often.

Finally, it's going to be cold ... single digits they say at game time. Brrrr. Especially brrrr for the skill-position players who need to keep hands, fingers and toes warm to do what they need to do. If the passing game becomes less reliable than usual due to the conditions, the Pack's thunder 'n' lightening running back duo of A.J. Dillon and Aaron Jones will be relied upon to keep moving the chains ... and to hang on to the ball.

The Prediction

As noted earlier, this game went from 6-1/2 points in the Pack's favor to 12-1/2 once Cousins was ruled out. You'd like to think, if one were a betting person, the Pack could cover that spread. They haven't done so the last few weeks. But a double-digit spread is still a tough nut to crack.

So, yes, this would be a good time, ramping up to the playoffs, for the defense to resume its former productive ways. And for special teams to be, if not spectacularly special, at least reliable enough not to lose a game the Packers should win. In that regard, the Pack dodged a bullet with the activation off the Covid list of punter Corey Bojorquez for the game. (The Packers also got back linebackers Oren Burks and Ty Summers and made a number of other roster moves ahead of the game you can read about here.)

We're calling this game Packers 27 - ViQueens 17.

Go Pack Go!!!

2021 NFL Week 12: Packers vs. Los Angeles Rams Preview and Prediction

Quick look back...the game in Minnesota didn't quite finish up the way we had hoped, did it, Packers fans? The Pack's defense was not up to its usual level, failing to get pressure on the ViQueens QB, Kirk Cousins, and allowing him plenty of time to find receivers — especially Justin Jefferson — who somehow seemed to roam free most the day. That, and failing to get stops when needed and INTs when presented. And penalties at inopportune times. So ... disappointing on the defensive side. Offense wasn't exactly up to snuff either. And Mason Crosby's problems continued. Oh, and did we mention losing for the rest of the season and beyond all-position-O-lineman Elgton Jenkins to an ACL tear? All together it added up to a loss.

Next.

The Preview

Today, the Packers play the LA Rams at Lambeau Field. The Rams are 7-3 and coming off their bye week. Rested, in other words. The Packers are 8-3, beat up, and looking forward to finally having their bye week following this game. QB Aaron Rodgers hasn't really practiced in weeks, first as a result of Covid protocols and most recently with the infamous broken toe. He looked rusty last week. Can we expect better today? Hope so. RB Aaron Jones did practice this week and is listed as questionable for the game at the time of this writing. Having him back would be a definite plus, but RB A.J. Dillon has proven himself capable, as well, both as a runner and receiver. The Rams can be run on, as both the Cardinals and 49ers showed.

The LA pass rush, led by Aaron Donald and the newly-acquired Von Miller, will test the piecemeal Green Bay offensive line. The Pack's running game must find a way to keep that pass rush from going off every time Rodgers drops back. Head coach Matt LaFleur needs to stick with the ground game today to open up the passing game or it could be a long day for Rodgers.

Packers' now-starting LT, Yosh Nijman, will be counted

on today to handle a major Rams pass rush.

(Photo by Mark Hoffman / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)

One of the few positives to come out of last week's game at Minnesota was the break-out game by WR Marquez Valdes-Scantling who had a couple big catches, including a 75-yarder late in the game to give the Packers a chance to come away with a win. His breakaway speed finally combined with a pair of hands that was more reliable than what we've often seen in the past. May it continue thusly.

On the defensive side of things, the Packers pass rush needs to get to QB Matthew Stafford. As we have seen from his many years with the Lions, he's a good QB but if pressured will give the defense opportunities for takeaways. The D-backs have to be in better coverage positions than last week or WR Cooper Kupp could go off the same way Justin Jefferson did last week...which would not be conducive to a Packers victory.

Will the weather be a factor today? Probably not the way Coach LaFleur would have hoped for. No snow forecast, but it will be around freezing at the time of kickoff and in the mid-20s as the game winds down. Winds may gust up to around 20 mph. Whether the warm-weather Rams will be affected by these conditions...doubtful. QB Stafford is certainly familiar with playing in these early winter conditions at Lambeau Field. Although he's not always been successful there, either.

The Prediction

The pundits looking at this game, the Rams coming off their bye and the Pack seemingly limping into theirs, have installed the Rams as 2 to 2-1/2-point favorites, depending upon who are looking at. The Rams are healthy and the Packers are not. It would take a great effort in all phases of the game for the Pack to win this game. The Pack hasn't lost back-to-back games in the Matt LaFleur coaching era. This sets up to be the first time that could happen.

Still, we're calling it Packers 28 - Rams 27.

Go Pack Go!!!

2021 NFL Week 11: Packers vs. Minnesota Vikings Preview and Prediction

What a great game that was for the Green Bay Packers defense last week, wasn't it, Packers fans? The D pitched a shutout against the Seattle Seahawks, allowing a slightly-off Pack offense to do enough to win, 17-0. There were plenty of miscues, including a missed FG (again) from Mason Crosby and the woeful special teams unit, and missed throws by QB Aaron Rodgers who was coming off a week of Covid protocols. It wasn't the team's best performance overall, but against a struggling Seahawks team, it showed that the Packers defense is ramping up. 

Unfortunately, that same defense experienced a few injuries, including taking out recently-acquired LB Whitney Mercilus for at least 3 games (who is now on the injured reserve list with a bicep injury), and LB Rashan Gary hyperextending his elbow. Not sure how much he will be able to go with a brace today. With all that in mind...let's get on to the game against the ViQueens.

We look forward to seeing the Packers defense

pressuring Vikes QB Kirk Cousins today.

(Photo by Dan Powers/USA TODAYNETWORK-Wis)

Preview

This is going to be one of those games that may likely be tight. Minnesota has weapons on offense — Justin Jefferson, Dalvin Cook, and Adam Thielen, among them. QB Kirk Cousins...well, who knows? He's very capable of doing damage to a defense, especially with his receivers. RB Dalvin Cook can also tear up a defense. So the Packers defense will be challenged, for sure. But if they can contain Cook and get pressure on Cousins, there could be a turnover or two available for the taking. That would help today's effort.

If the Pack's offense doesn't click more than in the game with the Seahawks, things could come down to special teams. Oy. Advantage Minnesota.

Head coach Matt LaFleur, after 6-of-9 games on the road and 1 more game yet after today before the team's bye week, did what he could during this week to help keep his team fresh. Physical contact in pads was limited to half a session. Most of the week was walk-throughs. With this game today at Minnesota and next week at home vs. the Rams, the Pack could come away with a 10-2 record if they win both — a great place in which to go into the bye week — or 8-4. Not so great. Even a split, to go 9-3, would be better than dropping both games. Certainly the game against the Rams will be a challenge, so it would be best if the Pack can take care of business — as the better team overall — today.

The Prediction

The stadium will be loud. The game will be the usual physical battle between division rivals. The game could come down to a play being made ... or missed. The oddsmakers have the Packers listed as 1-1/2 point favorites at the time of this writing, attesting to the closeness they see in this contest.

The Packers offense still hasn't clicked on all cylinders, for various reasons. But we think it will be more in sync than last week, despite Rodgers newly-reported toe problem. We also think the number 3-ranked overall defense — without 2 of the top 3 defenders for so long — will hold the ViQueens in check.

We're calling this game Packers 24 - 'Queens 20.

Go Pack Go!!!

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

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

The Preview

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

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

Packers CB Jaire Alexander grabs an interception off Vikings QB

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Prediction

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

We're calling it Packers 31 - Vikings 20.

Go Pack Go!!!

2020 NFL Week 2: Packers vs. Lions Preview and Prediction

The Green Bay Packers have their season home opener today at historic Lambeau Field against the Detroit Lions. More about that in a moment. But first, a quick review of last week's game vs. the ViQueens.

Recap of win at Minnesota

The Packers won at Minnesota last weekend 43-34. The final score was closer than the actual tone of the game, which was basically a result of the Packers' defense not closing things out in the 4th quarter: with every Packers' score there seemed to be a subsequent score by the Vikes ... 3 TDs plus 3 consecutive 2-point conversions.

On the field for just 49 defensive plays thanks to the time of possession domination by the Packers' offense, the D seemingly picked up where they left off from the NFC Championship Game vs. the Niners by giving up a ton of rushing yards. One could argue that the second half defensive problems were the result of DT Kenny Clark leaving the game with an injury (and who, by the way, will not see action today). But it just seemed that what was exposed against the Packers in that Championship game was also attacked by Minnesota. We could expect that to continue until the Packers figure out a way to shut down the run.

Having said all that, the Pack came away with a win largely due to — shocking! — the stellar play of QB Aaron Rodgers and WR Davante Adams, who tied the nearly 70-year-old game receptions record (14) of legendary receiver Don Hutson. Rodgers looked in mid-season form. If he keeps this up all season, other teams should be afraid...be very afraid.

Packers WR Davante Adams making one of his 14 record-tying receptions against

the Vikings last week. Expect him to continue his stellar performance against Detroit.

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

But on to today's game against the Lions...

According to the Packers Game Day program, the Pack come into this game on a 6-game regular season win streak going back to last season. The Packers have won 7 straight home openers and since 2007 are 12-1 in their home openers. The Pack also have a 17-3 home opener record vs. the Lions since 2000. As fans will recall, the Packers swept Detroit in 2019, although the 2 games were decided by a total of 4 points. Crikey!

Today, while the Pack will be without RG Lane Taylor who was lost for the season in last week's game and Clark, as mentioned earlier, Detroit will be without three of its starters, including corners Justin Coleman and Desmond Trufant in the defensive backfield. Expect Rodgers and the WR corps to exploit that weakness. If the running game is able to provide balance (and probably, even if it isn't), this should be another game with a solid offensive performance led by the air game.

The defense...ah, the defense. Without Clark in the lineup it's likely that Tyler Lancaster and Kingsley Keke will share time at the position. Montravius Adams might also see action in his return from a toe injury. They and the entire defense will also not want to overlook the return of veteran RB Adrian Peterson who often, in ViQueens colors, literally had a field day when playing at Lambeau. Where the Packers had problems last week was when runs were bounced to the outside. No doubt the Lions will test that early and often. If you don't contain Peterson, and don't pressure QB Matthew Stafford, it could be another close game.

The Prediction

The Packers are favored by 6-1/2 points at the time of this writing. Seems reasonable. We think it will be a game similar to last week where the Packers can get out to an early lead and the defense will allow the Lions to keep hanging around. Still, the Packers have more than Detroit, are at home — albeit without the home crowd advantage — and will win to go to 2-0 in the division.

We're calling it 38-27 Packers.

Go Pack Go!!!

2020 NFL Week 1: Packers vs. Vikings Preview and Prediction

With less than an hour before kickoff in Minneapolis, we're going to skip a game preview ... just too many unknowns for us — other than the usual Pack-Vikes rivalry, Aaron Rodgers, Davante Adams, the Smith Brothers, etc. ... and go straight to the prediction.

The ViQueens are favored by 2-1/2 points, basically a shade under the home field advantage. Because there will be no fans in the stands, although probably that stupid horn will be blowing, it's hard to know what advantage there will be.

We figure this will be a close game. Lots of weapons for both teams on each side of the ball. But whether the offense or defense of either team dominates at this point, without benefit of any preseason play at all...???

We'll take the Packers (shocking, right?) 27-24.

Go Pack Go

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

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

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

The ViQueen Takedown

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

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

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

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

The Preview and Prediction

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

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

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

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

The Prediction

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

We're calling it Packers 34 - Lions 13.

Go Pack Go!!!

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

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

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

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

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

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

Preview and Prediction

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Go Pack Go!!!

NFL Week 3 Review of Packers Win vs Broncos, NFL Week 4 Preview vs Eagles — Yet another twofer!

With about 1 hour to go before the Green Bay Packers meet the Philadelphia Eagles at Lambeau Field tonight, we're once again in a time crunch. Sorry. Again.

So...for a quick review of last week's game, here it is: the Packers beat the Broncos, as we predicted. We had the 11 point differential correct, albeit slightly more conservative in our score than was the final. But the main thing is, the Pack went to 3-0 on the season to continue their lead of the NFC North. Yay!

Tonight's Game vs. Philly

In last season's game at Philadelphia, NT Kenny Clark chases down
Eagles QB Carson Wentz. He'll need to do so again tonight.
Photo: Jim Matthews / USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin)

The Pack's offense is still searching to find itself. They've scored more points in each game than they did the prior week, so that would be a good trend to continue. But some of the receivers still aren't living up to expectations and the running game is somewhat hit and miss. The Pack's defense, on the other hand, has been dominating at times, particularly in the secondary, and generating turnovers which have led to points for the offense. That also would be a good trend to continue. But the Packers run defense is leaving something to be desired, giving up 198 yards against the ViQueens and 149 yards rushing against the Broncos That has to get tightened up.

So with only 3 days to prepare for this game, how much improvement on both sides of the ball can we expect? Well, probably not much. But at a quarter of the way through the season now, you hope that some of the things that need to start clicking finally will.

The Prediction

The Eagles, it is said, could just as well be 3-0 as well as the 1-2 at which they now find themselves. They have issues, too. If the Pack's defense hadn't been generating 8 turnovers through the first 3 games, they could just as easily be 1-2, as well. But ... not.

The home field advantage counts for a lot on a short week. The oddsmakers favor the Packers by 5.

We're calling it Packers 27 - Eagles 24.

Go Pack Go!!!

NFL Week 1 Review of Packers Win at Chicago, NFL Week 2 Preview vs Vikings — A twofer!

Just as in the first week back to our Packers blogging endeavor for 2019, we find ourselves in a time crunch. So we're doing a combination review of the Packers' win vs. Da Bearz from the Thursday night NFL 100th Anniversary opening game plus a preview of today's game at Lambeau Field against the ViQueens.

Week 1 — Packers Beat Da Bearz

It's been about 10 days now since the first game of the 100th year of NFL football which was, so fittingly, Green Bay vs. Chicago. And, also fittingly, the Packers beat Da Bearz in Chicago by a final score of 10-3. (Sorry to my dear friend, Billy Da Bearz Fan.)

If you love defense, this was the game for you. Chicago's top-ranked defense from 2018 seems not to have lost anything at this point. Still stingy. The Pack's new offense, under equally new head coach Matt LaFleur's direction, had a difficult time getting untracked due to that defense and the fact that the offense for the Packers really hadn't played much or at all in the four-game preseason schedule.

It especially showed for QB Aaron Rodgers, who never took a snap during preseason, and looked a bit rusty and had a lack of timing with some of his receivers. It wasn't until the second quarter that he seemed to establish a bit of a rhythm for a bit, which led to the go-ahead TD pass from Rodgers to TE Jimmy Graham. But the Pack's running game — which was supposed to be at the heart of this new offensive approach – just couldn't get going.

This was a game won be an impressive effort by defensive coordinator Mike Pettine's unit. The offseason free agent pickups have already made a difference, actually pressuring and getting to the opposing quarterback, which was something not seen much in recent years. The Pack's defense, at least on this night, was the equal of Chicago. If that holds true for the remainder of the season, the Pack will be in good shape once the offense kicks into gear.

A great win, despite the 10-3 score, for the Packers!

Packers WR Davante Adams will likely be doing battle most of the game
with Minnesota DB Xavier Rhodes. Could determine much in the final outcome.
(Photo: Adam Wesley/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wis)

Week 2 — Packers take on the ViQueens

The kickoff for today's game at Lambeau Field in Green Bay is less than two hours away as this is written. So let's not waste time with too many particulars.

The Pack is coming off a hard-fought defensive win in Chicago where the offense was able to do just enough, generate one TD and a field goal, to beat Da Bearz. A similar defensive effort will be needed today against a better offense than what the Pack faced in the opener.

But a better offensive effort will also be needed. Let's hope the 10-day interim since the last game allowed for a lot of tweaking and timing fixes. In particular, let's hope the Packers running game is able to get a bit more untracked today, although it's said that Minnesota's defense could be as tough as Chicago's at this point. If that's the case, this game could come down to a turnover or a late field goal.

The oddsmakers have given the Pack the 3-point home field advantage, effectively indicating it's a toss-up. Combined point total is projected to be in the vicinity of 43 points, so scoring is anticipated. (We anticipated that for the opener, as well, and were way off!)

The Prediction

With the Alumni Weekend and halftime tribute to the late, great Packers QB and head coach, Bart Starr, we have to believe that this 2019 team will rise to the occasion. Going 2-0 against NFC North Division rivals to start the season would be a great advantage as the season rolls on.

We're calling it 20-17 Packers.

Go Pack Go!!!