2025 NFL Week 1: Packers vs. Lions Preview & Prediction

Here we go, Packer fans...the first game in what some are speculating good very well be a Super Bowl year for the Green 'n' Gold.

While we are all on board with that speculation, we also have to remind ourselves it is the first game. A lot of games left. And a team doesn't win or lose the Super Bowl in this game. Still, it can help get you there. Beating a NFC North Division team today would equal the total wins the Packers had within the division all of last season (sorry for the reminder...eeewwww). And beating Detroit would really be a great thing — especially at Lambeau Field — as the Lions have had the Packers number for a few years running now...not great. Time to change that up. What is the likelihood of that? Let's take a closer, albeit brief, look.

For the first time in more than 2 decades, the Packers drafted a wide

receiver — Matthew Golden — in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft

held in Green Bay. While holding the first round jersey #1 here,

Golden will now be wearing #0 —  the first ever player to wear

that number as a Packer — after wearing #22 during the preseason.

(Photo via Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)

The Preview

Other than the lost of their offensive and defensive coordinators during the offseason (not insignifcant), the Lions coaching staff still has head coach Dan Campbell at the helm. That counts for a great deal as Campbell totally changed the Lions culture when he became head coach. He instilled a smash-mouth approach. Any team playing the Lions better be ready to play a full 60 minutes and match the physicality of Detroit.

The offensive and defensive units retain many of their key players, although the offensive line is a big question mark because of the new folks they have occupying the interior, particularly. Now, QB Jared Goff is a top quarterback...given time in the pocket. He is not mobile. His quarterback rating when under pressure is significantly lower than when given time. He has plenty of weapons, both with his running backs and receivers. So if the Packers don't get frequent pressure on Goff, it could be yet another long day for the Packers defense.

But...this is one of the many reasons the Packers traded for Micah Parsons; they needed to get more pressure on opposing QBs than was the case in recent years. Now, Parsons is not yet in full game shape due to sitting out the preseason and arriving in Green Bay after the trade with a back issue. Still, it would be hard to imagine the Packers sitting Parsons on such a big day. He probably will see a lot of work on third downs, especially. The key to getting to third downs for the Packers defense will be to find a way to replace the traded Kenny Clark in the middle of the D-line so they can stop the run.

Get to Goff, early and often, and the Packers have a great chance to win this game.

As for the Packers, they will need to open some spaces for RB Josh Jacobs so the passing game under QB Jordan Love has a chance to show what it can do. It will be interesting to see what kind of chemistry Love and rookie WR Matthew Golden are able to establish in this and other games going forward. This connection will be a key to the season, we believe. The other question about the receivers, of course, is whether they can actually hang on to the ball; dropped passes were a killer last year. Look for more use of two tight end sets as both Tucker Kraft and a healthy Luke Musgrave can also do damage as receivers, as well as help the running game.

The Prediction

At the time of this writing, the Packers are favored by 1.5 to 2.5 points. The over/under is set at 47.5 to 48.5 points. So, to no one's surprise, it is expected to be a close game. And it could very well be that the team with the ball last wins.

If it comes down to a field goal, we have to like K Brandon McManus who was automatic in training camp and preseason. Special teams typically don't get enough attention especially for the opener, but a play here or there could be the difference. Keep an eye on things here, too.

We're calling it Packers 27 - Lions 24.

Go Pack Go!!!

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

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

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

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

(Photo via the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)

The Preview

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Prediction

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

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

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

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

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

Go Pack Go!!!

With the 2023 Packers season upon us ... Our season prediction. Crikey!

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

Well, we've had a looooong hiatus, haven't we? Since April, as a matter of fact. Before OTAs, summer training camp, roster cuts, you name it. Now, it's game time (almost). Too much to cover here and you know it all already anyway. So we'll get on with what we see in store for this season. A very different season than the past 18. Ol' #12 is now in New York City (New York City!). We hope he plays at least 65% of the snaps AND that the J-E-T-S Jets Jets Jets have a dismal record so the Packers get a higher draft pick as part of the trade deal.

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

2023 first game scrum between the Packers and Da Bearz.

(Photo via Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)

A Quick Season Overview

In the big picture of things, as every fan of the Packers knows, and likely most NFL fans, as well, given all the news and kerfuffle about the youth of the team, the new starting quarterback, etc., etc., expectations for the Pack this season are...basically unknown, but skewing towards...how shall we say...meh.

Most teams would be hard pressed, given the circumstances, to be about .500 for the season. That may well be the case when all is said and done here. But, while young at certain skills positiions, i.e., receiver, the Packers are a talented team. In addition to one of the best running back tandems in the league with Aaron Jones and A.J. Dillon, an experienced and good offensive line, first-time starter QB Jordan Love — with 3 years sitting behind ol' #12 — is not the same as a rookie would be. Assuming his young receivers step up, Love will have opportunities to put points on the board. He is as much of an unknown at the start of the season to defensive schemers than those schemes are to him. I give the advantage to Love. Defensively, the Packers have 8 1st-round draft picks on board; it's well-past time they showed up as the 1st-rounders they are.

A big unknown in this whole overview is the kicking game. There's a new long snapper, a new rookie punter and a new rookie kicker. What could go wrong? Lots. Strong legs count for a lot. But so does accuracy and experience. We would anticipate probably losing at least 2 games because of kicking issues which would indeed change our final win-loss tally. Not great. Part of the growing pains that we have to accept will likely be part of things this season.

The Season Prediction

Since the start of this blog in 2005 (18 years ago ... 18!), 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 third consecutive year, we'll have quarters plus one extra game...and the bye week, too, resulting in 18 weeks to examine...not exactly a straight quarterly set-up but 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.

1st Quarter of the Season (+1)

Week 1: @ Da Bearz - Sun 9/10 · 3:25 PM CDT

Week 2: @ Falcons - Sun 9/17 · 12 PM CDT

Week 3: Saints - Sun 9/24 · 12 PM CDT

Week 4: Lions - Thurs 9/28 · 7:15 PM CDT

Week 5: @ Raiders - Mon 10/9 - 7:15 CDT

Note, to begin with, that we have added the extra game into this first "quarter" of the season. Seemed to make sense as the following week is the bye.

Da Bearz are favored by not even the usual home field advantage point spread of 3; instead, they are 1 to 1-1/2 point favorites at the time of this writing. Because the fact is, Chicago is also an unknown under a new coaching regime. Yes, QB Justin Fields is a talented athlete, more so as a running threat than as a passer so far. But Chicago did acquire some receiving help for him. So who knows how that will play out on game day? For the Packers, WR deep threat Christian Watson is likely out because of a late arriving hamstring problem. Not helpful. WR Romeo Doubs was also limited late in the week with a hamstring issue. (What is it with the Packers and hamstring issues seemingly year after year???) So, it would seem the oddsmakers likely have this game figured out as well as anyone...which is...a toss-up.

All in all, without getting into a breakdown of each game at this point, we see the Packers going 2-3 in this stretch leading up to the bye. A lucky bounce here and there (including, perhaps, off a goal post) and the Pack could be 3-2 at the bye.

2nd Quarter of the Season

Week 6: BYE - Sun 10/15

Week 7: @ Broncos - Sun 10/22 · 3:25 PM CDT

Week 8: Vikings - Sun 10/29 · 12:00 PM CDT

Week 9: Rams - Sun 11/5 - 12:00 PM CDT

This stretch of 3 games after the bye should be quite telling as the schedule hits the mid-way mark. Depending upon injuries, of course, and how well the offense and special teams, especially, have gelled, we could have 2 scenarios possible: a team beginning to rise toward a second half push towards playoff eligibility, or a team stuck in neutral. We see the Packers going 2-1 here.

3rd Quarter of the Season

Week 10: @ Steelers - Sun 11/12 - 12 PM CST

Week 11: Chargers - Sun 11/19 · 12 PM CST

Week 12: @ Lions - Thanksgiving Thursday - Thurs 11/23 · 11:30 AM CST

Week 13: Chiefs - Sun 12/3 · Sunday Night Game - 7:20 PM CST

A gauntlet, at least from this far down the road. We would be happy to see the Pack go 2-2 in this stretch. Anything more than that is gravy.

4th Quarter of the Season (+1)

Week 14: @ Giants - Mon 12/11 - 7:15 PM CST

Week 15: Buccaneers - Sun 12/17  - 12:00 PM CST 

Week 16: @ Panthers - Christmas Eve Game - Thurs 12/24 - 12 PM CST 

Week 17: @ Vikings - New Year's Eve Game - Sun 12/31 - 7:20 PM CST

Week 18: Da Bearz  - TBD

With only 2 home games in the last 5 of the regular season, including 2 away games on Christmas Even and New Year's Eve, and with the last 2 against NFC North Division opponents, this is the series of games that, if the Packers have been holding their own as a young team, can seal their fate one way or the other. We see the Packers going 3-2 in this final stretch.

Summary

Looking back at our predictions, we have the Packers going no better (or worse) than 10-7, which would surprise many. As fans know, many projections have the Pack going 6-11 or, at best, 9-8. Lots of unknowns this season.

But it seems as if the love for Love among many sports pundits has been trending upward recently. And, if #10 stays healthy — along with his O-line, running backs and receivers — we see this team putting up points, if not initially, as the season goes on. And if the defense can remain consistent — good consistent, that is — we think this team could surprise some folks. While last season's team underperformed on many levels, we think the opposite may be true this season. Let us pray...

As always, GO PACK GO!!!

2021 NFL Week 16: Packers vs. Cleveland Browns Christmas Day Preview and Prediction

Merry Christmas! May you have a wonderful Christmas with family and friends.

One of our shared Christmas wishes as Packer fans, of course, is for a Christmas Day win over the visiting Cleveland Browns. In looking ahead, though, we need to take a quick look back at last weekend's skin-of-your-teeth win in Baltimore.

It was certainly a much closer margin of victory than most — including the oddsmakers — had projected. Us, too. But the Pack did enough to win, as they have been doing in 11 of the 14 games they have played this season and, in the process, secured the NFC North Division title for the third year in a row and the number one seed atop the NFC for at least the time being.

The Preview

Because this is an inter-conference game, what we know about the Browns is that they are 7-7, have underperformed expectations because of injuries and COVID-19 challenges. They had 19 players on reserve/COVID-19 at the start of the week — including QB Baker Mayfield — with six more players on injured reserve. Their best defensive player, Myles Garrett, is questionable with a groin injury. But if those two players in particular are able to go Christmas Day, this game may be another one of those that goes down to the wire ... especially if the Packers defense plays as they did in Baltimore and special teams continues its problematic performance.

DT Kenny Clark should return to the Packers defense

for the game against the Browns.

(Photo by Samantha Madar/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin)

One boost for the Packers might be the return of Kenny Clark to the middle of the defensive line. He was missed last week, out with the COVID protocols. He was able to return to practice this week, but will likely be a game-time decision. Our guess is that if he's able to go he will, if not fully at least in spot work.

Anyway, it's Christmas Eve as we write this...so let's just get right to the prediction, shall we?

The Prediction

Currently, the Packers are favored by 7-1/2 points at the time of this writing. While the Pack didn't cover the spread last week (8-1/2 points), we think that at home and with retention of the No. 1 seed in the NFC in their own control, the Packers will come away with the win.

We're calling it Packers 27 - Browns 17.

Go Pack Go!!!

Ho ho ho ...

2021 NFL Week 10: Packers vs. Seattle Seahawks Preview and Prediction

Packers fans, let's get first things first: we were wrong in our prediction of a Packers' win in KC...despite the game being absolutely winnable. While the defense continues to shine, the special teams performance was a debacle (costing points), QB Jordan Love — in his first NFL start — looked meh at best, and head coach Matt LaFleur's game plan did Love no favors. There was plenty of blame to go around.

Still, the Pack enter today's game at 7-2, still far atop the NFC North Division due to the mediocrity of its other teams.

Today, after four out of the last five games on the road (!), Green Bay is finally home at Lambeau Field. And QB Aaron Rodgers will once again be the man under center after clearing the league's Covid-19 protocols yesterday. So, while he participated in all the team meetings via Zoom, he'll be hitting the field with no practice and, hopefully, no lingering effects from the virus. That still makes him a better QB on this day than nearly every other QB playing.

Seahawks' QB Russell Wilson leaves DT Kenny Clark behind in an

earlier game at Lambeau Field. This is not a scene we wish to see play out today.

(Photo by Mark Hoffman, Mark Hoffman/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)

The opposing quarterback, coming off a three-week hiatus as a result of a finger issue, is the always dangerous Russell Wilson. So it's hard to tell what type of game he might have. But past history, despite the 'hawks not winning at Lambeau since 1999, teaches us that Wilson can beat you with both his legs and his arm.

Let's look a bit more closely at today's game, shall we?

The Preview

First, it's a bit unknown as to what effect today's wintery weather may have on the game. It's that time of year when yes, Packer fans, we really have to start looking at the weather forecasts. It will be the first time either team has had to deal with snow (it is expected that snow will have tapered off by game time...but...?) and cold, with temps in mid- to low-30s. Winds may also play a role today, as winds are supposed to be around 15 mph with gusts up to 30 mph. One would imagine this might have more of an impact on a QB coming off a serious finger injury in terms of gripping the ball than it would one coming off Covid quarantine. Those conditions may also well impact the kicking game, particularly for the Packers, unfortunately, as there are problems in all facets of special teams right now. If the game comes down to a field goal attempt, how comfortable are you with the prospects of a good snap, a good hold and good protection? Yeah, me neither. I'm not worried about K Mason Crosby, just all the moving parts in front of him which broke down in spectacular fashion in the game against the Chiefs.

The Packers defense has had the benefit, over the last two games, of playing highly mobile quarterbacks, first in Kyler Murray and secondly in Patrick Mahomes. They handled containing both very well overall. That was great practice for what they will need to do again today with Russell Wilson. A day like today would seem to favor a running game more than a big downfield passing game. But one or two explosive passes from Wilson could be back-breakers, particularly if the game is close late. He does like to go downfield so don't be surprised to see the Packers blow a coverage and give up a big gainer. As long as it doesn't wind up in the end zone, the Packers defense has been stout in the last few games. That needs to continue today.

The Pack's offense should be able to run on Seattle today. LaFleur needs to have a balanced attack. And with Rodgers at the helm, the likelihood of having both work effectively always enhances the Packers chances of winning.

The Prediction

The Packers are favored by 3-1/2 points. It could stay that close for a good chunk of the game. But we think the Packers will be able to do enough, at home, to continue their home winning streak against the Seahawks.

We're calling it Packers 24 - Seahawks 17.

Go Pack Go!!!

It's been a while. But with the 2021 Packers season upon us ...

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

We've had a looooong hiatus...since just before the Packers vs. Bucs NFC Championship Game (the horror ... the horror ...). And there's a lot to catch up on. So we'll ignore such things as the Aaron Rodgers drama, the draft, comings and goings, cut-downs, final roster, etc. You have better things to do with your time now anyway.

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 Saints (in Jacksonville) in a separate post.

The Season Prediction

Since the start of this blog in 2005 (16 years ago ... crikey!), we have looked at the season preview not game by game but more quarter by season quarter, so to speak. Of course, now with a 17th regular season game, we'll come off with quarters plus one extra. You're smart. 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.

QB Aaron Rodgers: the "last dance"???

(Photo by Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)

1st Quarter of the Season

Week 1: @ Saints (in Jacksonsville) - Sun 09/12 · 3:25 PM CDT

Week 2: Lions - Monday Night Game - Mon 09/20 · 7:15 PM CDT

Week 3: @ 49ers - Sunday Night Game - Sun 09/26 · 7:20 PM CDT

Week 4: Steelers - Sun 10/03 · 3:25 PM CDT

We think it's likely the Packers lose one of these first four games. Despite the Pack being one of the odds-on favorites to make the NFC Championship Game, and, Packer nation hopes, the Super Bowl, and having a loaded roster, we really don't know how it's all going to come together, or how soon. With Rodgers back at QB and the weapons on offense, even if they happen to be a bit out sync, they will still put up points. But in the first year of new defensive coordinator Joe Barry's defense, despite good to great personnel in some spots, we'll have to see how that new scheme gels. Of these first four games, the one that worries us most is the 49ers game. Still, it wouldn't surprise us to see the Pack come out of this sequence 4-0. But 3-1 feels like a safer bet.

2nd Quarter of the Season

Week 5: @ Bengals - Sun 10/10 · 12:00 PM CDT

Week 6: @ Bears - Sun 10/17 · 12:00 PM CDT

Week 7: Washington - Sun 10/24 · 12:00 PM CDT

Week 8: @ Cardinals - Thursday Night Game - Thu 10/28 · 7:20 PM CDT

With three away games in this four-game sequence, including two back to back and the last on a short week after the only home game, we again think the Packers will drop one of these. Expect the Pack to come out of these four games with three wins.

3rd Quarter of the Season

Week 9: @ Chiefs - Sun 11/07 · 3:25 PM CST

Week 10: Seahawks - Sun 11/14 · 3:25 PM CST

Week 11: @ Vikings - Sun 11/21 · 12:00 PM CST

Week 12: Rams - Sun 11/28 · 3:25 PM CST

If you get the sense that the away schedule for the Packers seems to dominate the early part of the schedule, yes, yes it does...including two back-to-back series of games. Take a look at Weeks 5 through 9. There's one home game in there. One. Playing back to back against the Cardinals and then the Chiefs...not going to be an easy stretch of games, to say the least. We could see the Packers going 2-2 in this part of the season.

Week 13: BYE

4th Quarter of the Season (+ 1)

Week 14: Bears - Sunday Night Game - Sun 12/12 · 7:20 PM CST

Week 15: @ Ravens - Sun 12/19 · 12:00 PM CST

Week 16: Browns - Christmas Afternoon Game - Sat 12/25 · 3:30 PM CST

Week 17: Vikings - Sunday Night Game - Sun 11/28 · 3:25 PM CST

Week 18: @ Lions - Sun 01/09 · 12:00 PM CST

Depending upon the health of the team going into these last five games, three of which are at home, the Packers could again drop two, to come out 3-2 here.

Summary

Looking back at our predictions, we have the Packers going no worse than 11-6. (Many projections have the Pack going 13-4. We hope they are right and we are wrong.) They should handle their NFC North competitors and win the division. 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!!!

2020 NFL Week 15: Packers vs. Panthers Preview and Prediction

An opening observation: Boy, there's a lot of "p's" in the title to this post!

OK, now that that's out of the way ... 

A reminder that the Packers beat the Lions 31-24 last week in Detroit to lock up the NFC North Division title for the second year in a row and the seventh time in the last 10 years. Yes, the Packers are the Kings of the North. 'Nuff said.

Except for this: the Packers also now hold the number 1 seed in the NFC playoff hunt by virtue of their tiebreaker win over the New Orleans Saints. If the Pack wins out, they have the lone first-round bye for the playoffs and then the road to the Super Bowl for the NFC runs through Green Bay. In January. Yeah, that's right.

And even if the Packers stumble in one of their three remaining regular season games — Carolina and Tennessee at Lambeau and then Da Bearz in Chicago for the season finale — they can still retain that number 1 seeding. Too complicated in terms of the scenarios to go into here right now. Plus, you can look it up. Lots of football left.

We should see Packers RB Aaron Jones heading to the end zone a lot

in tonight's game at Lambeau Field vs. the Carolina Panthers.

(Photo from Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)

The Preview

The 10-3 Green Bay Packers host the 4-9 Carolina Panthers tonight at Lambeau Field. The Panthers will be without arguably their best offensive player in RB Christian McCaffrey. QB Teddy Bridgewater has been rather mediocre and there hasn't been many receiving weapons for him that would pose a threat to the Packers defensive backs even if he was performing better. Still, the Packers defense needs to put pressure on Bridgewater because if they do they should be able to generate an interception or two tonight.

On the offensive side of things, the Packers continue to put up points and they should be able to do so once again tonight against a young set of Carolina d-backs. Unless the Packers defense fails to show up, the Panthers offense won't be able to keep up with the Pack.

The Prediction

The oddsmakers favor the Pack by 8-1/2 points at the time of this writing. We think the Packers will cover that spread ... if we were betting types (which we are not).

While the Panthers may be able to keep it close for a time, we expect QB Aaron Rodgers and his crew of receiving and rushing weapons to have a good evening. We're calling it Packers 38- Panthers 24.

Go Pack Go!!!

2020 NFL Week 12: Packers vs. Bears Preview and Prediction

Sadly, Packer fans, my prediction of a loss last week to the Colts came through. Took overtime to make it final. But a loss it was. After rushing out to a sizable first half lead ... well ... a change of fortunes in the second half and OT. A game there for the taking. But, no.

So instead we look to this evening's game vs. Da Bearz at Lambeau Field for a bit of revenge. In the storied 200-game history of this rivalry, the Pack has won 99 times, Chicago 95, with six ties. Let's make tonight an even 100 wins out of 201 games played, shall we?

Let's hope the Packers defense rises to the occasion and puts

pressure on Chicago QB Mitch Trubisky tonight.

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

The Preview

What we know is that the Packers offense will score. It hasn't always been as consistent throughout the course of a game as we might like, but it's been good enough to average about 30 points or so a game (4th best NFL offense overall) and help lead the Pack to a 7-3 record and a NFC North Division lead. And it's a good thing that offense has been as prolific as it has been behind QB Aaron Rodgers because the Pack's defense and special teams ... well, not exactly the picture of perfection to this point in the season.

While the state of the Packers defense and its coordinator, Mike Pettine, has been and is a point of much concern among fans, they seem to be able to rise when they have to more often than not. It's not the best approach for winning a Super Bowl, but it is what is right now. The biggest problem for the defense is not, arguably, talent but energy. Doesn't seem to be any vocal leadership this season. The Smith Brothers have been fairly quiet, as opposed to last season. Kenny Clark is double-teamed most plays. Linebackers? The schemes Pettine uses are also questionable, giving offenses too much room underneath, which even head coach Matt LaFleur  acknowledged this week. Let's see if that gets addressed tonight. Facing Mitch Trubisky ("Bisquet" as my friend, Billy Da Bearz Fan calls him) should also offer the defense some turnover opportunities ... he hasn't played in a while so let's hope he's a bit rusty and take advantage of that.

Offensively, it would be nice to see the Packers running game get untracked again tonight. Hasn't been as explosive as early in the season. Recovering that balance would help going down the regular season stretch. Davante Adams and Allen Lazard should factor in tonight, but I'm looking for a good make-up game from Marques Valdez-Scantling. I think he really took the overtime fumble last week hard. And I think he's growing into the role of really being a big-time receiver. He can stretch the field. He can make outstanding catches. He needs to be consistent. That redemption may well start tonight.

The Prediction

The Packers are 9-1/2 point favorites in this game. Big spreads always make me nervous. Still, unless the Packers offense gives the ball away multiple times and the defense comes out totally flat (both of which, admittedly are possibilities although not probabilities), the Packers will prevail.

We're calling it Packers 27 - Da Bearz 17.

Go Pack Go!!!

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

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

The Preview

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

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

Packers CB Jaire Alexander grabs an interception off Vikings QB

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Prediction

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

We're calling it Packers 31 - Vikings 20.

Go Pack Go!!!

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

A quick look back ...  

Oops.

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

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

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

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

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

The Preview

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

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

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

The Prediction

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

We're calling it Packers 34 - Texans 27.

Go Pack Go!!!

Packers 2020 Season Prediction

Happy Kickoff Sunday, Packers fans!

It's finally arrived ... albeit among Covid-19 et al. Not sure whether there will be a full season for the Pack or not. But, with game time fast approaching (and with such a gap between posts...sorry!), let's just do what we've always done before the start of a season: make a season prediction. Today's game prediction vs. the ViQueens will be in a separate post.

We've always predicted a season using a quarters system rather than individual games. So let's break down the season quarter-by-quarter and give you our take on how the wins-losses looks to us...without benefit of any preseason looks, of course.

2020 1st Quarter

There are two home games and two away games, starting with the Vikes away, the Lions at home, Saints away and Atlanta at home. We're calling this quarter at 2-2. Basically, this first month is the preseason. Unfortunately, or fortunately, it's loaded with good teams who will also be working out the bugs. It's 50-50 here.

2020 2nd Quarter

The 2nd quarter of the season begins with the bye week in week #5. Yeah, not ideal. But after the bye comes two away games, at Tampa (vs. Tom Brady) and Houston, and then the Vikes again at Lambeau Field. We're going 2-1 here.

2020 3rd Quarter

As with the 1st quarter of the season, the Pack alternates away and home games, beginning with a road trip against San Francisco (revenge!), then Jacksonville at home, Indianapolis on the road, and Da Bearz at Lambeau. We'll go 3-1 here.

2020 4th Quarter (Extended)

Because of the bye week in week #5, this final (extended quarter, we call it) has 5 games, three at home -- Philadelphia, Carolina and Tennessee — and two on the road against NFC North Division opponents Detroit and finishing the regular season against Chicago. We'll go 3-2 here.

Summary

If the final math is correct (add, subtract, divide by 100, carry the 1...) we predict the Packers will go 10-6. Whether that wins them the NFC North or is good enough for a wild card, we expect the Packers to be in the playoffs.

How the season, if played in full plays out given this bizarre set of circumstances in which all the teams, and we, find ourselves remains a huge question mark.

But no matter... 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!!!

NFL Week 16: Packers vs. Vikings

For the last time in this disappointing 2017 season, the Green Bay Packers will don their home uniforms and play at Lambeau Field tonight. The opponent is the rival NFC North Division Champions, the Minnesota ViQueens. Don't expect any Christmas Eve eve miracles. Or even a Festivus miracle. That tank ran dry much earlier in the season.

The Packers play their last home game of the season tonight,
with backup QB Brett Hundley executing the play calls.
(Photo: Dan Powers/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin)

After a one-game return against Carolina in a losing effort, QB Aaron Rodgers became the Pack's Elf on the Shelf by being placed on the injured reserve list for the rest of the season. A wise move by the powers that be. After this season, there will need to be a number of other wise moves made by the Packers organization, including whether it's time to move GM Ted Thompson down the road (doubtful) or kick defensive coordinator Dom Capers to the curb (more likely). But those are conversations for another time.

For now, let's consider that the Packers, despite a plethora of injuries over the course of the season, have truly underperformed...especially when compared to their purple-clad counterparts. Minnesota, through drafts and free agency, have put together one of the best defenses in the NFL right now. And they are starting their third option at quarterback -- Case Keenum -- and still lighting things up.

The Packers...well...haven't done much this season, particularly after Rodgers went down. Not that there's not talent on the Pack's defense, but it doesn't take much to see how week after week this Packers defense has been out of position, out-schemed, and out-hustled. Granted, losing Aaron Rodgers for half the season exposed just how much he was able to cover up on both sides of the ball. But he didn't play defense. That's on Thompson and the coaching staff. And especially the players for not getting it done. Is it any wonder there were no Packers players voted to the Pro Bowl? (Although, clearly, LT David Bakhtiari got...what's the expression? Oh, yes...hosed!)

For tonight, backup QB Brett Hundley will once again be the starter, as he will in the finale at Detroit. Without his favorite target, Davante Adams, it will be interesting to see who he decides to target. Expect a lot of the run game. Also, expect many young players to see time tonight. In some respects -- even though the Pack says they are playing for pride right now with playoffs off the table -- this will be like a winter preseason game for the Pack, at least in our view. For the Vikes, they are still playing for a first-round bye so expect them to have a bit more incentive than do the Packers. They also want to be the first team in NFL history to play a Super Bowl in their home stadium should they actually make it through the NFC playoffs. That's also a conversation for another time.

The Prediction

We could spend a lot more time going into who's playing, who's not, etc. But really, let's just cut to the chase. At the time of this posting, Minnesota is listed as an 8-1/2-point favorite over the Pack.

We're calling this one Packers 17 - ViQueens 30.

We hope we're wrong. But on this given day in this given season, it pains us to say that Minnesota is the better team.

Still...Go Pack Go!!!

2017 NFL Week 10: Packers vs. Bears

This is it, Packer fans. We're back to the days of saying, "If we can only win two games (or one, in this case today), let it be against Da Bearz." And today, folks, is one of those days when it matters perhaps more than other times.

After losing QB Aaron Rodgers (likely for the season, in our view) and the game at Minnesota, the Pack have gone on a three-game losing streak -- losing at home to both New Orleans and Detroit -- and now sit at 4-4, just one game ahead of the bottom-feeding Chicago Bears in the NFC North. Packers backup QB Brett Hundley has so far shown us...well...not much. Part of that might be head coach Mike McCarthy's game plans for him, as well as perhaps overrating Hundley's ability. Part of that might be Hundley himself and this is going to be as good as he gets...which isn't good enough to help right the ship and keep the Packers in the playoff hunt this season.

But, perhaps a bigger issue than the lack of offensive production we've seen with Hundley at the helm -- which is certainly bad enough, granted -- has been the collapse of the Packers defense time after time and especially on third downs. The defense's inability to stop the opposition on third down, to execute a pass rush of any kind, and to muster any kind of mojo lies both with the players as well as defensive coordinator Dom Capers.

Packers defensive end Mike Daniels hasn't had a QB sack in 5 games.
The entire Packers defense must play at a high level today against Chicago.
(Photo: Jim Matthews/USATODAY NETWORK-Wi)

In the latter regard, local sports writers are starting to opine -- perhaps for the first time since Capers has been on staff -- that his job may be on the line. Finally. Head coach Mike McCarthy is extremely loyal to his staff, and seemingly to Capers in particular. But if the defense does not get turned around, this may be Capers' swan song...to the delight of Packer fans near and far who have wanted to see him gone for years. With all the draft picks that GM Ted Thompson has provided on defense over Capers' tenure, to see the same results year after year is maddening. Wait, what? The Packers have been winning and going into the playoffs, right? Yes, but perhaps what we are all now seeing is just how much the play of Aaron Rodgers has covered up some glaring weaknesses in other areas of the team. When Rodgers is under center, you always have a chance to score points and win...a chance to overcome bad play by your defense. When Rodgers is gone...? Not. So. Much.

Coach McCarthy publicly called out his team this week saying that since Rodgers went down no one on the team has stepped up their play. Some pundits are even speculating that players, again, especially those on defense, may no longer be listening to their main man, Capers. Today would be a good day for at least a few players on each side of the ball to play with some passion. To show that they don't want to flush this second half of the season down the toilet, but at least try to win enough to stay in the playoff hunt. If the Packers don't somehow win today against Chicago, the likelihood of being able to get to even 9-7, let alone 8-8, dims significantly.

The Prediction

While we would normally feel good about going into Chicago and getting a win against a not-very-good Bears team, particularly one with a rookie quarterback, these are not normal times for the Green Bay Packers. Da Bearz defense could well pose problems for Hundley and the Packers' sputtering offense. While neither Chicago's QB or receivers are much to be worried about based upon stats, the way the Packers defense has been a sieve gives us the sense that the Pack could make these guys look like All Pros by the end of the game. Chicago does have a good running back combo and that could create enough problems on its own given the Pack's level of play recently.

Still, even with all that, and playing in what might very well be sloppy weather conditions, our heart of hearts (as opposed to our gut of guts...is that a thing, btw?) tells us that somehow, someway, the Packers are going to win this game. It won't be pretty. And we expect it to be close, despite the oddsmakers favoring Da Bearz by 5-points at the time of this writing. We hope and believe that there is some measure of Packer pride left that will do just enough to come away with a win today.

We're calling it Packers 20 - Bears 17.

Go Pack Go!!!

2017 NFL Week 6: Packers vs. Vikings

The Green Bay Packers dealt the Dallas Cowboys another patented, last-second dagger loss last weekend in Big D. Say it with me (in your best Seinfeld voice): "That's a shame." The heroics of that game have been well documented throughout this last week, so we won't go into them again here. Bottom line is that the Packers are 4-1 and leading the NFC North going into today's game vs. the ViQueens.

Packers QB extraordinaire, Aaron Rodgers, scrambles for a 1st down in last week's winning drive against Dallas.

(Photo: Jim Matthews/USATODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin)

In today's game, the Pack will face the exact opposite of the situation they had to deal with in Dallas. Where Dallas had a potentially explosive offense (if not contained) and a mediocre defense, Minnesota has perhaps one of the best defenses the Packers have faced so far, but with an offense missing its starting quarterback, top wide receiver and running back. Given that the Packers will be without probably half of its usual starters in the secondary, this scenario is certainly a help.

Safety Morgan Burnett has been ruled out, as have Davon House and Kevin King. There are other issues and missing pieces from the defense, as well; adjustments will need to be made, obviously. Offensively, running back Ty Montgomery looks as if he might get some plays today wearing a flack jacket to protect his broken ribs. But we should expect, after his breakout game last week, that rookie running back Aaron Jones should still get most of the carries out of the backfield. While Jordy Nelson migth be slowed by whatever took him out of the game late down the stretch last week, the emergence of Davante Adams as Rodgers' go-to guy in clutch situations means no drop off. Couple that with the terrific tight end trio of Martellus Bennett, Lance Kendricks and Richard Rodgers and it's a defensive coordinator's worst nightmare. Reports just coming in that for the first time this season, the Pack's starting offensive tackles are good to go: Bryan Bulaga and David Bakhtiari finally get a chance to start in the same game! That's a huge plus.

The Prediction

The offensive firepower of the Packers should once again carry the day. A tough Minnesota defense may contain things for a while, but their offense just doesn't have the ability to keep up with what the Pack will do. The Packers are favored by 3 points at the time of this writing.

We're calling this one Packers 27 - ViQueens 20.

Go Pack Go!!!

Packers 2017-18 Season Prediction

Well, Packers fans...we've avoided making any posts during summer training camp and preseason. We've been slacking, no doubt. Sorry about that. But we'll try to do better as we are now at the start of the regular season.

One of the things we've done since the beginning of this blog -- quite a while now -- is to make a season prediction as to overall record. Lots of places give game-by-game predictions for the season and that's certainly a worthwhile pursuit. We do game-by-game predictions, too, but do them week by week as the season goes along; just too many factors that can affect things.

What we do at the outset though is use a game itself as a model. In short, we break up the season into quarters and give predictions for each quarter of the season. OK, yes, because of the bye week there are really 17 weeks to the season not 16...so how can we do quarters??? Hey, it makes sense to us and since this is our blog, well, that's all that matters. So here go...

First Quarter of Season - Weeks 1-4 (Sept. 10-28)

The Packers start off with the Seahawks at Lambeau Field, followed by a game at Atlanta, then at home versus the Bengals and Da Bearz. That's two tough games against likely NFC Conference contenders right off the bat. With three out of these first four games at home, the Pack's traditionally slow season starts might be mitigated. We see them taking three out of these first four games. Overall record: 3-1.

Second Quarter of Season - Weeks 5-8 (Oct. 6-29)

The Packers begin this part of the season at Dallas, then another away game at Minnesota before returning home to take on the Saints. Week 8 of the season is the Pack's bye week and they will no doubt rejoice in the week off after a very challenging first half to the season. We see the Pack going 2-1 in this stretch. Overall record: 5-2.

Third Quarter of Season - Weeks 9-12 (Nov. 6-26)

The schedule has a bit more symmetry to it in this stretch, with home-away-home-away: the Lions, at Chicago, home against the Ravens and then at Pittsburgh. We'd like to see this stretch go 3-1 but...OK, let's say it's 3-1. Overall record: 8-3.

Fourth Quarter of Season - Weeks 13-17 (Dec. 3-31)

In this final non-quarter-like quarter of the season (five games not four), the Pack has two home games and three away. They start at home against the Buccaneers, then are away at Cleveland and Carolina, home against the ViQueens, and finish the season on New Year's Eve day at Detroit. This has the feel of a 3-2 stretch, although it goes without saying (but we're saying it) that a lot here depends upon the health not only of the Packers but their opponents. Overall record: 11-5.

Packers QB Aaron Rodgers is set to take the team back to the Super Bowl.
(Photo: Jim Matthews / USA TODAY NETWORK-Wi, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)

Aaron Rodgers said this week that the way he looks at the season you win all your home goes and then split on the road. In other words, 12-4. He thought that would put the team right there in the mix. We'd feel more comfortable with that as well.

Given the offensive weapons the Packers have this season, they shouldn't have any problem scoring. The question mark, as it has been for seemingly too many seasons, is the defense. The Pack has concentrated several consecutive drafts on beefing up that side of the ball. And just this week, GM Ted Thompson added some free agents to the mix.

We have to agree with Rodgers that this is a good, very good, Packers team in terms of talent. But all the pieces still have to come together. Given that they got to the NFC Championship game last season with a glued-together defense, even an incrementally better defense could get them back to the Super Bowl.

This might be the thinking of a lot of pundits who have selected the Pack to be one of the favorites to go to the Super Bowl this season. We agree.

Please check back tomorrow (game day) to see our Packers vs. Seahawks game prediction.

Go Pack Go!!!