NFL Week 2 Review of Packers Win vs Vikings, NFL Week 3 Preview vs Broncos — Another twofer!

Hello, again, Packer fans! Once again, despite best intentions, we're doing a combo post: first, reviewing (quickly) last weekend's Green Bay Packers win at Lambeau Field vs. the Minnesota Vikings and then taking a peak at today's game at Lambeau vs. the Denver Broncos.

The Win vs. the ViQueens

Packers RB Aaron Jones had a big day against the Vikings.
(Photo: Dan Powers/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wis)

Let's say that the Packers' offense did just enough — in one quarter — and, coupled with the second outstanding performance in a row of the young season by the defense. to beat a good Minnesota team 21-16. With Vikes' QB Kirk Cousins doing his best impression of Chicago's Mitch Trubisky, the Packers' defense took advantage of timely turnovers...especially an ill-advised pass to the endzone late in the game that was picked off by DB Kevin King to basically seal the win for the Packers.

The Packers' offense, as noted above, finally showed signs of what it might be able to do throughout the season if it's firing on all cylinders. For a quarter, the squad looked darn near unstoppable. RB Aaron Jones had a great day rushing the ball. When QB Aaron Rodgers was able to get the ball out quickly to his receivers, good things happened.

Let's now see what, if anything, this game's performance might mean for today.

The Broncos Come to Town

In one of those rare occasions when the folks from the Mile High City venture to Green Bay, we get to see a Joe Flacco-led team in the friendly confines of Lambeau today. Flacco isn't the QB he used to be. And he is also prone to making ill-advised passes. So if the Packers' defense continues to perform as in the two opening games, there should be at least one or two opportunities to get turnovers.

Still, Denver should have beaten Da Bearz last weekend. If it weren't for a horrible roughing the passer call in the closing minute of the game to extend Chicago's drive, the Broncos would have won that game.

Denver has potent defenders in the form of linebackers Von Miller and Bradley Chubb, the latter the victim of that horrible penalty call. But Denver's defense has been unable to register a sack through the first two games. Is it likely that streak will extend to three? Doubtful. Bryan Bulaga and David Bhaktiari will have their hands full, particularly if Rodgers holds onto the ball too long.

The Prediction

The oddsmakers have the Pack as 7-point favorites. That seems about right, although we think the Packers' offense will be able to get in gear more so than in the first two games. The defense will take care of itself.

We're calling this game 24-13 Packers over the Broncos.

Go Pack Go!!!

Pack vs. Broncos Mini-Preview

This will be brief -- more later if time permits...

The Broncos are favored by 3 -- home field advantage. The Packers are 5-1 coming off a bye week. The Broncos are 3-3, with their 3 wins coming on last-second field goals.

The Packers have the worst rushing offense in the NFL. The Broncos, coincidentally, have the worst rushing defense in terms of yards allowed. So, one team or the other will improve their standing in that area. The Packers will start rookie DeShawn Wynn and play Vernand Morency on passing downs and for a change of pace. And let's not forget rookie fullback Korey Hall, who also is becoming a fine receiving option ala William Henderson. If Wynn can toughen up and play with the dings that seem to take him out quickly, the Packers could have a good night rushing...that's assuming the offensive line can effectively employ its zone blocking scheme, which it hasn't so far this season. If the Broncos bring up safeties to help with the run -- assuming that would be needed -- then look for Brett and the receivers to have a big night. This despite the fact that Brett has never thrown a TD in Denver. It's about time.

What can the Broncos bring on offense? Depends on whether second-year QB Jay Cutler continues the type of play he had last week against the Steelers, where he had the best game of his young career. He has a couple capable receivers, although that guy that used to play in GB before whining his way out of town (what was his name? Walker?) is out with a knee injury. They also have a pretty good running back in Travis Henry. But if the Packers defense performs as it has been, they should be able to rattle the young Cutler and keep things in check.

Give the Packers the edge at QB -- obviously! -- and at receivers. Give the Broncos the edge at RB. Give the Pack the edge on defense. Home field advantage goes to Denver, of course. This seems to add up to a tight one. I'd still take the Pack to beat the spread...and win the game.