2025 NFL Season Preview & Prediction

While we may be a little late to the party with our overall season prediction for the Packers, better late than never.

As long-time readers of this blog may recall, we don't really do a game-by-game prediction except for the week of the individual game itself. Instead, we more or less break the season out into "quarters". Which worked perfectly fine before the NFL added a 17th regular season game. So it goes.

Let's take a look at what rolls out...we have no idea how we will wind up until we get through the entire season schedule. Yikes!

First Quarter

In this initial set of games, the Packers play Detroit and Washington at home on a short week, then they travel to play the Browns and Cowboys. The first two games seem to be a hard way to start the season, both with the quality of the opponent and the two games in four-five days routine. Still, we see the Pack starting strong, particularly after the addition of Micah Parsons to the defense; he raises the entire level of play of the entire unit.

Packers go 4-0 through these first games.

Packers QB Jordan Love showing off the "Winter White" uniform.

These will be worn in the Packers home game against the Washington

Commanders.

(Photo by Tork Mason, USA Today NETWORK-Wisconsin)

Second Quarter

The weird early season scheduling shows up again here: the Packers have their Bye Week in Week 5. Not as bad as it could be, but not great either. Looking at the 4 games that actually ensue following the bye, we have the Pack hosting the Bengals, then on the road to Arizona and Pittsburgh (hmmm....who do we know there???), then back home against Carolina. Should we be overly concerned about any of these?

Let's take the Packers again to go 4-0.

Third Quarter

Things could get interesting in this mid-portion of the season. We don't know what role injuries will play at this point, but we have to figure there could be some that impact overall performance. (On the other hand, it's likely that WR Christian Watson returns somewhere along the way here, boosting an already dangerous receiving corps.) In these four games, the Packers host the assumed Super Bowl favorite Eagles at Lambeau Field, then travel to take on the NY Giants, then return home for the first of their games against Minnesota, followed — once again — by a quick turnaround for the early Thanksgiving Day game against the Lions in Detroit.

Let say the Pack will go 2-2 during this tough stretch of the schedule.

Fourth Quarter (the 5-game section)

Heading down the stretch of weeks 14 through 18, the Packers play Da Bearz twice in three weeks...again, odd scheduling by the NFL. The first game is at Lambeau Field, then the Packers will travel to Denver, and then meet Da Bearz again in Chicago. The final two 2025 regular season games will see the Pack hosting the Ravens and then winding up the season in Minnesota. Not an easy series of games by any stretch of the imagination with only two home games.

But if the Packers want to once again be the Leaders of the North and win the division, they need to at least go 3-2 in these final games.

Final Tally

In totaling up the wins and losses across these "quarters" of the season, we see the Packers ending the regular season at 13-4.

Pundits have the Pack going anywhere from 10-7 to 13-4. Yes, we're on the high end of the prognostications. But that's how it all shakes out in this quarter-based look at the schedule.

May it be so.

Go Pack Go!!!

With the 2024 Packers season upon us ... Here's our season prediction (our 20th!!!)

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

We've had a looooong hiatus here at PackerFansUnited...since just before the Divisional game vs. San Fran, to be exact. Been engaged with much movement in life during this time, including literally moving on to a new home a couple of states away. So I have plenty of excuses. There's been a lot of water under the bridge since then: player and coaches comings and goings, injury updates, cut-downs, final roster, etc. Too much to cover here and you know it all already anyway.

So let's just get to the important matters of the moment: the season prediction, just as we've done every year. We'll do the prediction for tonight's opener against the Eagles (in Brazil!!!) in a separate post. We invite you to please check back for that before gametime later today.

The Season Prediction

Since the start of this blog in 2005 (20 years ago now ... 20!), we have looked at the season preview not game by game (those are done individually at the relevant time) but more along the lines of a quarter by season quarter point of view and the overall feel of it, so to speak. With a 17th regular season game in place for the last few years, we'll have 4 quarters plus one extra game...and the bye week, too...resulting in 18 weeks to examine. You'll figure it out. Home games are in green. Be aware, of course, that the NFL may flex various game times, especially later in the season, so the days/times shown here are as they are now indicated on the official schedule. The final home game vs. Chicago is, however, already listed as TBD game in terms of date and time.

QB Jordan Love will lead the Packers 

in the first game of the 2024 season.

(Photo by Scott Galvin-USA TODAY Sports)

1st Quarter of the Season

Week 1: @ Eagles - Fri 9/6 · 7:15 PM CDT

Week 2: Colts - Sun 9/15 · 12:00 PM CDT

Week 3: @ Titans - Sun 9/22 · 12:00 PM CDT

Week 4: Vikings - Sun 9/29 · 12:00 PM CDT

We think it's likely the Packers lose one, and perhaps two, of these first four games. The season opener on Sept. 6 in Brazil...more on that one in a separate post. But it sure adds a big unknown to literally kick off the season. Despite the Pack being once again one of the odds-on favorites to make the NFC Championship Game, and, Packer nation hopes, the Super Bowl, and having a talented roster on both sides of the ball, we really don't know how it's all going to come together, especially with a new defensive coordinator and a new featured running back in Josh Jacobs. The O-line and wide receiving corps are solid. When there isn't a clear #1 receiver, that tells you that there are a lot of weapons that can shred a defense; give QB Jordan Love the time and they can shred the defense. We see the Packers coming out of these four games with a strong start and a 3-1 record.

2nd Quarter of the Season  (+1)

Week 5: @ Rams - Fri 10/6 · 3:25 PM CDT

Week 6: Cardinals - Sun 10/13 · 12:00 PM CDT

Week 7: Texans - Sun 10/20 · 12:00 PM CDT

Week 8: @ Jaguars - Sun 10/27 · 12:00 PM CDT

Week 9: Lions - Sun 11/3 · 12:00 PM CST

Week 10: BYE

Coming off a home game against the ViQueens, hitting the road to take on the Rams in LA is a tough one. Also, in looking at the other teams in this quarter, the Texans are the team to worry about. Still, we think the Packers should come out of these four games with a 3-2 record.

3rd Quarter of the Season

Week 11: @ Da Bears - Sun 11/17 · 12:00 PM CST

Week 12: 49ers - Sun 11/24 · 3:25 PM CST

Week 13: Dolphins - Thurs (Thanksgiving) 11/28 · 7:20 PM CST

Week 14: @ Lions - Thurs 12/5 · 7:15 PM CST

This begins a tough little stretch, Packer fans, despite the Bye Week coming at a pretty good time in the schedule just ahead of this gauntlet of games. It will be the first chance to see the Caleb Williams-led Bearz. He'll either be living up to the hype at this point of the season. Or not. There will certainly be enough game film of him by that meeting to allow the Pack to scheme their defense accordingly. Then the kryptonite comes to Lambeau: the Niners. If the Packers want to get to the next level this season, they have to beat San Fran on home turf. Dolphins and Lions back to back...oy. We can see the Pack going 2-2 in this stretch.

4th Quarter of the Season

Week 15: @ Seahawks - Sun 12/15 · 7:20 PM CST

Week 16: Saints - Mon 12/23 · 7:15 PM CST

Week 17: @ Vikings - Sun 12/29 · 12:00 PM CST

Week 18: Da Bears - TBD

If the Pack is healthy (let us pray...), here's where the stretch run to the playoffs and Super Bowl gains steam. Given the opponents and being able to finish at home, we see the Packers going 3-1 over this span of games.

Summary

Looking back at our predictions, we have the Packers going no worse than 11-6. (Many projections we've seen have the Pack going 10-7, 11-6, or 12-5.) It will likely come down to the Pack and the Lions for the NFC North Division title. 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!!!

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!!!

NFL 2022 Draft - 1st Round Predictions

As you may have noticed, it's been pretty quiet around here since our last post. We predicted that the Packers would beat the Niners in the playoffs ... at Lambeau Field ... in January. Because.

But...not. (sigh) It was really a gut-punch, wasn't it, Packers fans? There just wasn't all that much to say. Yeah, there was that very brief Davante Adams drama. But other than that...meh.

Tonight, however, is a bit like Christmas for us fans. Not just in Green Bay but across the league. For it is the first round of the NFL 2022 Draft! Woo-hoo!!!

Green Bay Packers GM Brian Gutekunst looks as confused

as the rest of us going into the Draft.

(Photo by Sarah Kloepping/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin)

What will Gutey do???

That is the question for the entire seven rounds of the Draft, isn't it? But it's especially so tonight. Armed with two picks — 22 and 28 — in the first round, and 11 overall, Packers GM Brian Gutekunst not only has a plethora of needs but an abundance of options. Thankfully, as you've no doubt read and heard countless times already, this draft seems deep in those areas of most need for the Pack, beginning with wide receiver.

After basically being forced to trade Davante Adams and losing MVS (you can spell it out if you wish) in free agency, the Packers find themselves in need of major help at receiver. While taking a flyer on veteran free agent Sammy Watkins to see if he can get back to early-career form, the Packers need at least a pair of dynamic young receivers to come out of this draft and make an almost immediate impact. You've seen the names bandied about: Chris Olave, Treylon Burks, George Pickens, Skyy Moore, Christian Watson, Jahan Dotson. These (or at least a few) are expected to perhaps be available at #22 when the Packers make their first selection ... assuming they don't trade up or down, of course. It's quite possible that Olave will go earlier and if Gutey thinks he is the guy, he could certainly attempt a trade of picks to move up to get him. On the other hand, pundits tend to think this draft is deep enough where the Packers won't have to do that to get a difference-making receiver.

In fact, there are arguments to be made that the receiver pool is so deep that the Packers can take a very good receiver with their second pick in the first round, #28, and use their higher pick for another area of need. Along these lines, we are really talking lines: offensive and defensive. You can never have too many versatile O-linemen available to protect your Hall of Fame quarterback, Aaron Rodgers, as we saw especially this past season. One name that surprisingly has been showing up here in a number of mock drafts is Central Michigan offensive tackle Bernhard Raimann. It's also the case that it would be most helpful to give Kenny Clark some assistance in the middle of the defensive line, or along the edges. If the latter, George Karlaftis is a name that pops up often.

The tricky thing with this draft in particular, as Packers Hall-of-Famer Mark Tauscher said this morning on his Wilde & Tausch radio program, "Nobody really knows." Amen. Yes, it's always fun to read through the seemingly endless mock drafts that are put out...especially the seven round ones...c'mon, really?...but this year there doesn't even seem to be a consensus number one pick. And top quarterbacks typically go in the first few picks...yet, apparently that won't happen here.

Our Prediction

We like Tauscher's take on things: "Nobody really knows." That includes yours truly.

So what will Gutey do? Our guess is he will stand pat with his #22 and #28 picks and take a wide receiver with one of the two while using the other for an offensive lineman or edge rusher (particularly if Karlaftis is available for the latter pick). We're not going to bother with names. Who knows? (We have hopes...but that's it.)

The Packers have a history of getting great receivers especially in the second round of drafts. So it wouldn't surprise us if Gutey looks to other needs which he sees as equally or more pressing than getting a first-round receiver. The fanbase will, of course, go nuts if the Packers don't draft at least one receiver tonight. Aaron Rodgers also might not be pleased. But, unlike the 2020 Draft, we have to believe that Rodgers will at least be aware of why the team made the decisions it did. Rodgers can make nearly any receiver a good one, and a good one a great one. It'll be OK. 

Channeling #12 from a few years ago, and applying to tonight and the subsequent rounds of the Draft: R-E-L-A-X.

And, as always, Go Pack Go!!!

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

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

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

For now, what do things look like?

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

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

approach again today vs. the Steelers.

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

The Preview

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

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

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

The Prediction

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

We're calling it Packers 31 - Steelers 20.

Go Pack Go!!! 

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

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 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!!!

2019 NFL Season Packers Prediction Plus Packers vs. Bears Preview

Hello again, Packers fans! We're back after an extended hiatus.

As we've done at the beginning of every season since the inception of this blog in 2010, we've made a prediction as to how the Packers would wind up at season's end in terms of wins and losses. We don't do it game by game at this point — although we do individual games week by week — but rather break the 16-game season down as if they were quarters in a football game.

So let's begin with the first four games of the season. Games include Chicago, Minnesota, Denver and Philadelphia, the first away and the last three at home. Given the schedule and the nature of a new system under a first-year head coach, we're predicting 2-2 coming out of this first quarter of the season.

As we go to the second quarter of the 2019 season, the Pack plays Dallas, Detroit, Oakland and Kansas City. Two games at home and two away. Initial reaction is to again go with a 2-2 prognostication here, but we think the Pack will pull a victory out of one of the possible two games they could just as easily lose. As a result, the Pack will go 3-1 to take us up to the halfway mark of the season.

The third quarter of the season includes the Pack's bye week in week #11. The Pack plays San Diego, er, oops, the LA Chargers...a-hem, Carolina and San Francisco, with two of the three on the road. But let's add in week #13 to this quarter (the 16-game season is spread over 17 weeks anyway, right?) just to keep things balanced. So that additional game is away against the NY Giants. We're saying the Pack will go 3-1 over this period despite three of the four games played on the road; the bye week comes well-placed after the first two games to help break up this road-heavy segment of the schedule.

The final quarter of the season has the Packers playing Washington, Chicago, Minnesota and Detroit, the first two at home and the final two on the road. With the three final games against NFC North Division opponents, this is where the season could be made or broken in terms of division championship prospects or even a playoff appearance. We'll say the Pack will be firing on all cylinders at this point of the season and will take three out of the four to go 3-1 to close out the regular season.

So, in review, we have the Packers going 11-5 for the season which should put them in contention for the NFC North championship and at least a spot in the playoffs.

Packers vs. Bears Preview

We'll make it brief. The Packers have done very well in recent years against Chicago, even in enemy territory itself. QB Aaron Rodgers typically makes those infamous plays that ultimately put a dagger in the heart of Da Bearz. Chicago had the best defense in the NFL last season and that front seven is perhaps as good as they've had since the 1985 season...or so it's said. No one has really seen what the starting Packers offense or defense can bring to the field under the new head coach and staff. But the Packers have a better quarterback than Chicago and a better place kicker. Games are typically close and decided late.

If that holds true tonight, under perfect weather conditions, we have to go with the Packers, of course. But as my dear friend, Billy Da Bearz Fan points out, when don't I pick the Pack? Well, I don't, sometimes. But this isn't one of those times. Sorry, Bill. I also consulted with another dear friend, Jim the Roofer (in the interest of full disclosure, also a Packers fan), and we agreed.

We're calling it 27-24 Packers over Da Bearz.

Go Pack Go!!!

P.S. We know we're a bit behind with some updates here on the site, but we hope to get to them soon. At least before the end of the season.   :-)