2022 NFL Week 3: Packers vs. Buccaneers Preview & Prediction

 As we begin, let us acknowledge that the Packers did what they needed to do last weekend: beat Da Bearz at Lambeau Field in their home opener. Yay. As Elvis would say: TCB, baby! Takin' care of business!

Which leads us to today when the Pack takes on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the late afternoon heat and humidity of Florida. Ewww. Plus, that Tom Brady QB guy. Double ewww.

The Preview

This game is being hyped, as expected, as perhaps the last meeting between two future Hall of Fame quarterbacks in Brady and Aaron Rodgers. This is likely Brady's last season and as for Rodgers, who knows? But as much as fans are interested in this aspect of the game, this is a contest in which the defenses may have more of an impact than the offenses. Who'd ever imagine saying that in a Brady vs. Rodgers game? But here we are.

Packers QB Aaron Rodgers hoping to improve today on his record

vs. the Buccaneers against whom he is just 2-4, 1-3 in Tampa.

(Photo by Jason Behnken, AP)

Tampa's defense is arguably the best in the NFL right now. The Packers' defense was expected prior to the season to be a Top 5 defense. A bit of the air in that balloon went out in the opening loss to the ViQueens. Last weekend's game vs Chicago helped a bit, but still a lot of missed tackles. But, after all, it was Chicago so we can't read too much into that, can we?

The Bucs offense, despite being led by Brady, will be down a few receivers today: Mike Evans is suspended, Chris Godwin is out for the third straight week and Julio Jones is questionable. The running game also isn't quite at full strength, according to reports. Brady isn't as mobile as he once was and without his usual weapons, the Packers defense should have the upper hand. Should.

The Packers offense is still a work in progress. The O-line got RT Elgton Jenkins back last week. This week, word is that LT David Bakhtiari will play today. We'll see how well he is able to hold up against the Bucs defense in his first game back after his long ACL recovery. Rushing will be a challenge against this defense which, in normal times, one would look upon as a cue to rely on the pass. Except that the Pack is also down a few receivers right now. The team placed Sammy Watkins on the IR, a place where he has, unfortunately, spent a good portion of his once-promising career. This is a game where Rodgers may need to rely more on TE Robert Tonyan and work on building his trust with his rookie receivers, particularly Romeo Doubs and Christian Watson. And if the Pack can get RBs Aaron Jones and A.J. Dillon touches out of the backfield that can help open things up a bit, too.

The Pack will need to control the clock today, avoid turnovers and special teams mistakes, and — cliche as it is — make the plays they are supposed to make. Oh, and pressuring and getting at least one turnover against Brady and the Bucs' offense would help a great deal, as well.

The Prediction

This is projected by the oddsmakers as a relatively low-scoring game with the over-under set at 42. Tampa is favored by 1-1/2 points.

To us, this seems almost like a pick 'em type game. Both teams have question marks, both teams have great QBs, but the Bucs are at home. In the heat and humidity (it's supposed to feel like 101 degrees F right about time of kickoff...and that's not even the on-the-field heat), Tampa players should be more well adapted to the conditions. Not the frozen tundra, but rather the sweltering swamp.

As much as we hope the outcome is otherwise, we see this one going the way of Tampa Bay in a close one. (Please let us be wrong!)

We're calling it Buccaneers 20 - Packers 17.

Go Pack Go!!!

2022 NFL Week 1: Packers vs. Vikings Preview & Prediction

 At long last, the new NFL regular season finally gets underway with the Green Bay Packers meeting NFC North divisional rival the Minnesota Vikings ... otherwise known among many as the ViQueens. The game will take place in Minnesota.

As others have pointed out, most teams don't play many of their starters during the three preseason games so this first regular season game is essentially a continuation of the preseason...at least for those starters who sat out most or all of the preseason games. The Pack and the 'Queens will be working out kinks, especially on offense, for this game and likely a game or two beyond. Expect defenses to dominate. As it is anticipated that the Pack's defense will wind up being a Top 5 defense when all is said and done, this is something Packers fans should welcome.

Head coach, Matt LaFleur, is set to begin his fourth season at the helm of the Packers. Has achieved record-setting regular season win-loss records during his first three years, but significant playoff and Super Bowl wins have eluded him ...

so far.

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

The Preview

The Packers will be without LT David Bakhtiari today and probably at least through next week against Da Bearz, as well. RT Elgton Jenkins is questionable, and WR Allen Lazard is doubtful for today, the latter leaving an already questionable receiving corps even further shorthanded. But the Packers still have QB Aaron Rodgers commanding the offense. And head coach Matt LaFleur and his brain trust have had plenty of time to scheme a new offense sans Davante Adams. Even without the arguable number one receiver in Lazard, the Pack still has considerable weapons on offense, particularly in the form of the two-headed running back monster comprised of Aaron Jones and A.J. Dillon. The game should revolve a bit more around that phase of the game — both rushing and pass-catching — than we have seen in a while. But that doesn't mean that Rodgers will be limited. With veterans Randall Cobb and Sammy Watkins, along with rookie receivers Christian Watson and training camp darling Romeo Doubs, Rodgers will have targets downfield and across the middle. And don't forget the return of TE Robert Tonyan who was lost for most of last season. He gives Rodgers a great and reliable red zone target. The offense will put up points, perhaps just not in as much of a flurry as we are used to, at least not early in the season.

The defensive unit will be more high-powered this year than last, along the line, across the linebackers, and especially in the defensive backfield. The defense will be called upon early to keep the Packers in games...and perhaps even to win one or two early. Let's feel good about that.

As for the Packers special teams ... it can't be worse than last season. A new coach, new personnel — including some starters — and perhaps even new schemes should move the Pack up from the bottom of the pile where this squad has languished for far too long...and which has cost the Packers in the past. That has to change this season. Will see how things look today.

As for the ViQueens, the Packers defense will get a good test in this first outing taking on the likes of QB Kirk Cousins (not horrible), Adam Thielen, Dalvin Cook and Justin Jefferson. A definite test right out of the box for the Pack's D. On the flip side, former Packers linebacker Za'Darius Smith is out for revenge as he has been proclaiming how badly he was treated last season by his former team. So he'll have an extra little motor going today, no doubt.

Overall, the 'Queens have a new head coach, new schemes, etc. Will just have the same annoying horn and skol sounds as background noise.

The Prediction

Minnesota gets the home field advantage, shaved just a bit, as 2-point favorites at the time of this post. Basically, expect this to be a toss-up type game as they so often are. We just don't know what kind of team we have yet in any phase of the game. Wouldn't surprise us if the Pack came up just short. But also wouldn't surprise us if they pull out a close one.

We're calling it Packers 24 - ViQueens 20.

Go Pack Go!!!

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

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

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

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

The Season Prediction

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

QBs Aaron Rodgers and Kirk Cousins will meet

in the first game of the 2022 season.

(Photo by Associated Press)

1st Quarter of the Season

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

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

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

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

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

2nd Quarter of the Season

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

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

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

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

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

3rd Quarter of the Season

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

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

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

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

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

4th Quarter of the Season (+1)

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

Week 14: BYE - Sun 12/11

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

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

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

Week 18: Lions - Sun 1/8 - 12 PM CDT

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

Summary

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

As always, GO PACK GO!!!

2021 NFL Week 9: Packers vs. the Kansas City Chiefs Preview and Prediction

So, anything of consequence happen over the last week or so, Packers fans? Well, first, lest we forget, the Pack beat the unbeaten Arizona Cardinals in the desert on Thursday Night Football way back when it seems, prior to the mini-break that followed. This despite the projections by many that Green Bay just wouldn't have enough to get past QB Kyler Murray and his high-powered offense. Glad to say they, and we, were wrong. Going into today's game in Kansas City, then, the Packers sit atop the NFC Conference with a record of 7-1 by way of the tie-breaker over Arizona, let alone being far atop the NFC North Division where the nearest opponent — the ViQueens — has a 3-4 record.

So ... yay!

What else happened? Oh, QB Aaron Rodgers has Covid-19. Did you hear about that? Kind of flew under the radar. (Note: sarcasm.)

We'll leave aside the pro vs. con vaccination debate. (Although, in the interests of full disclosure, this writer will be getting his booster shot just prior to the start of today's game. Because, well, science > Joe Rogan. Enough said.) Instead, let us move on to what matters as a result of Rodgers, through his personal choices, leaving his team in the hands of his backup QB for this key game against KC.

And what matters is: how will the heir apparent to Rodgers — Jordan Love — perform in his first NFL start? Will he be up to the challenge after only really about a year into his pro development? (Drafted in 2020, Covid shut down much of what Love would have gained in that year.) We're about to find out if the Packers will be comfortable moving on from Rodgers after this season, if that's the case, or whether they will be begging Rodgers to stay.

Today's starting QB and heir apparent to Aaron Rodgers, Jordan Love,

gets ready to take a snap during mop-up duty in preseason.

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

The Preview

The preview begins and ends in large measure with how well Jordan Love will play. There is no doubt he has a strong arm or that he is athletic. He is also said to have a calm demeanor and to not get flustered easily, good qualities in a quarterback. But Love was also raw coming out of college, as most young QBs are, and needed a lot of work on his footwork and learning a greatly expanded playbook than what he was used to. Now, don't expect head coach Matt LaFleur to have him run every play available. The game plan had to be re-written on Wednesday when Rodgers became unavailable. While the coaches say Love has progressed by leaps and bounds, to expect him to do what Rodgers does is unrealistic.

Expect a reliance on the running game today to take the pressure off Love. Thankfully, the Packers have two great running backs in Aaron Jones and A.J. Dillon and a great offensive line, no matter who happens to be in at any given time. Davante Adams and Allen Lazard will also be available as receivers today. Losing TE Robert Tonyan for the season in the Cardinals game was a blow, but there are a couple young tight ends who can step up today.

LaFleur will basically fit the offense to what Love knows and is comfortable with. If he doesn't fumble or throw interceptions (both possibilities, of course), the offense — while likely not as dynamic as with Rodgers at the helm — can and will put up some points. Especially against a suspect Chiefs defense. Opportunities will be there and the Packers and Love will need to take advantage. One area where Love will have an advantage over Rodgers is with his legs. If protection breaks down and no receivers are available, expect Love to take off. Don't be surprised if there is even a designed play or two to take advantage of that.

The Packers defense, on the upswing week after week, it seems, will need to hold KC QB Patrick Mahomes in check the way they did when facing Kyler Murray. If they cover the receivers, and keep Mahomes from breaking contain, the Pack can keep this game close.

The Prediction

The Packers come in at 7-1 on a six-game winning streak. The Chiefs are 4-4, 2-2 at home. The Chiefs have put up more points (208) than the Packers (192), but have also give up more, 220, vs. 167 for the Pack. The Packers, overall, are a better team at this point than the Chiefs, statistically. But the oddsmakers have installed the Chiefs as 6-1/2 point favorites...obviously 3 points for the home field advantage — arguably the loudest stadium in the NFL which will make it difficult for the inexperienced Packers QB and the offense to hear calls — and 3-1/2 points for the lack of Aaron Rodgers.

If we were betting people — we're not — we'd take the Packers against that spread.

And, for some reason, the intuition today is telling us that the Packers are going to "upset" the Chiefs. Jordan Love is going to show us, over the course of the game, that he belongs.

We're calling this game Packers 27 - Chiefs 24.

Go Pack Go!!!

2021 NFL Week 8: Packers vs. the Arizona Cardinals Preview and Prediction

The Green Bay Packers come off a win at Lambeau Field on Sunday. It wasn't the romp that many expected, largely due to Washington's young QB (and Brett Favre and Packers fan as a youngster), Taylor Heinicke, using his legs to extend plays. But he also had a few major errors at the goal line that, had he converted even one, would have put this win for the Pack in significant jeopardy.

But while the Packers offense still wasn't firing on all cylinders, the defense once again came up big. In fact, so big that it did something it hadn't done all season: prevent the opposing offense from scoring a touchdown when in the red zone. Amazing. So, a good win if not necessarily an impressive one. Any win that puts you at 6-1 on the season and up 2-1/2 games in the NFC North Division is a good win.

Unfortunately, it's now followed up on a short week with a game tonight on the road against the 7-0 Arizona Cardinals and the uber-QB of the moment, Kyler Murray. How will things play out?

The Preview

Let's start with the fact that the Packers will be without wide receivers Davante Adams and Allen Lazard due to Covid-19 protocols and Marquez Valdes-Scantling with hamstring issues. That takes away QB Aaron Rodgers' top three wideouts. Not great when there will likely be a need to put up a lot of points throughout the game.

Still, these seem to be the types of games Rodgers thrives on, with challenges to be overcome. He'll have to rely on running backs Aaron Rodgers and A.J. Dillon to pick up some of the slack, along with Randall Cobb getting more grabs and the younger receivers stepping up when they have the opportunity to do so. TE Robert Tonyan should also feature more prominently in the mix.

Arizona doesn't seem to have a great D-line, and especially so now with DE J.J. Watt out for perhaps the rest of the season with a shoulder injury. So if the Packers can get its running game going and keep Murray off the field for long stretches that would be a real plus. Time of possession needs to be in Green Bay's favor tonight.

The Cardinals also don't have a particularly great O-line, so if the Packers defense can do what the 49ers did when they played Arizona — keep rush lanes solid and also prevent Murray from breaking the pocket and getting outside to either run or throw to his bevy of very fine receivers  — the Packers can certainly stay in the game. And did we mention that the Pack will be without its defensive coordinator for this game? He also tested positive for Covid.

Everyone was expecting a real shootout for this game before all the Covid viruses and injuries took its tool on Packers players availability. With Rodgers at the helm for the Packers, it's never a gimmee for the other team, regardless of the tools he has around him. It will be more of a challenge, certainly. But having said that, what's our prediction?

The Prediction

This is a tough one. It would take a lot of things to go right for the Packers tonight to come away with the win, and only a few things to go wrong to come away in defeat.

The Packers are 6-1/2 point underdogs at the time of this writing, with the over-under at 50-1/2 points.

Either the Packers win a squeaker late or the Cardinals win and beat the spread, perhaps rather easily. This is a toss-up game for us because of the circumstances.

We're calling this one Cardinals 34 - Packers 27. And hope we are wrong.

Looking back at our pre-season prediction, if the Pack does lose this evening they will be right where we thought they'd be, 6-2, through 8 games of the season. But we sure would prefer to see the team come home with a 7-1 record and an extra few days to get ready before taking on the Chiefs in Kansas City on November 7. It doesn't get any easier.

Go Pack Go!!!

2020 NFL Week 14: Packers vs. Lions Preview and Prediction

A quick review of last week's win at Lambeau Field over the Philadelphia Eagles ... the Green Bay Packers won, 30 -16.

But wait, there's more! The Packers defense actually played pretty well, getting some sacks and second-year D-back Darnell Savage picking up his third interception of the season. As usual, on offense QB Aaron Rodgers, WR Davante Adams and RB Aaron Jones had great games individually. Rodgers threw his 400th TD pass and was the fastest ever in NFL history to do so in terms of the fewest games needed (we know, fastest/fewest sounds a bit confusing, but it works here). Not surprisingly, Adams was the recipient and was aware enough not to toss it into the empty stands. Instead, he knelt down and presented it to Rodgers as A-Rod was then symbolically "crowned" by TE Robert Tonyan. A real keeper moment, that.

And Jones scampered off to an amazing 77-yard TD run, as well. Another great moment, made even more memorable by the fact that LT David Bakhtiari himself trundled all the way down to the end zone as part of the escort. Analysis by those with the tools to do so showed that the big man was trucking along at 16.75 mph (NextGenStats)! Holy Roadrunner, Batman! Good hustle from the now highest paid offensive lineman in NFL history. Shows leadership and commitment. Kudos, Mr. Bakhtiari!

Oh, not that anyone pays much attention, but we were again close on our prediction: we had it 31-20 Packers. That missed PAT from Mason Crosby and one also by the Philly kicker who returned the favor...go figure.

We should expect to see a lot of TD celebrations in Detroit.

(Photo from Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)

The Preview

What to expect today? Well, for Detroit, we know QB Matthew Stafford can have some big games against the Packers. He's thrown for more TDs against Green Bay than any other team during his career. He's coming off a 400-yard passing game. And the Lions still, even with a 5-7 record coming into the game, are only a game back in the Wild Card hunt. So they have something to play for, certainly.

Plus, after former head coach Matt Patricia was relieved of his duties (about time) and replaced by offensive coordinator and former Wisconsin Badgers QB, Rose Bowl winner, Packers QB coach Darrell Bevell (was that enough Badgers/Packers ties for you?) as interim head coach the Lions got a win last week. We love to see Bevell do well as he is genuinely a good guy. But not when he plays against the Pack. So no love here today, Darrell, sorry.

The other thing that might be expected based upon past history is that the Packers could very well fall behind early. As Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Packers reporter Tom Silverstein points out: "In the last seven games – four of them at Lambeau Field – the Packers have fallen behind. Going backward from the teams' first meeting this season on Sept. 20, the deficits were, in order: 14-3, 17-3, 13-0, 31-0, 24-0, 27-3 and 20-3. The Packers rallied to win the most recent three games but lost the four prior to that, so falling behind again could be a recipe for disaster against a team trying to stay in the playoff race."

So...there's that. For most of this season, the Pack has gotten off to a hot start. It would do well for them to do so once again today in Detroit or they may wind up feeding the Lions' new confidence level following last week's 34-30 win against Da Bearz in Chicago. The Lions have been putting up points, even in their losses and, with a few notable exceptions — including their 42-21 loss to the Packers in their first meeting of the year and the 20-0 loss to the Panthers — usually keep the game within a score or two.

For the Packers, unless last week was an aberration, the defense looks to finally be on an upward arc. They got at Carson Wentz last week, even forcing a QB change, because they had him so rattled. They've started to generate some turnovers. Folks on that side of the ball seem to be generally healthy. May it continue thusly!

On offense, the Pack has been averaging nearly 32 points per game, leading the NFL in that category, while giving up an average of about 25 points per game. We'll take that any game of the season, won't we, Packer fans?

With WR Davante Adams having what some are beginning to call an MVP season in his own right, a complement of other receivers that Rodgers has confidence in — particularly TE Robert Tonyan — and a backfield consisting of Jones and Jamaal Williams, and an offensive line that, even missing starting center Corey Linsley is arguably the best in the NFL, there's no indication that the Pack won't again be putting up at least their season average of points today. Plus throw in the entrance of new returner and WR Tavon Austin and that may help spark some special teams magic ... which, let's admit it, certainly needs some magic on its coverage units. If the coverage units continue to plays as they have, i.e., not well, and the game is close, giving up a long return and or return for touchdown could be just the thing that flips the game to the opponent's favor.

The Prediction

It seems as if, not matter how poorly the Lions play over the course of a season, they play the Packers tough. We would expect nothing less today.

The Packers are listed as 7-1/2 point favorites at the time of this writing. Seems as if that's fair.

We're calling it Packers 38 - Lions 27.

Go Pack Go!!!

------------------------------------

A late addition: My good friend, Billy Da Bearz Fan, after reading my prediction today, texted to say I'm living in fantasyland. Yeah, he really said that...and he being a Bearz fan! Anyway ... his prediction is 20-17 Lions. I know. But remember: he is a Bearz fan. Hasn't seen a good team in ages. So...be gentle with him. He's a nice guy. Really.

Divisional Playoff vs. Seahawks: Preview & Prediction

We've done our now infamous "twofers" for the entire season, Packers fans. The last being a review of week 16's win over Minnesota and a preview of week 17, which was the win over Detroit. Seems like forever ago, doesn't it? Amazing what a week off will do. So, rather than waste time on reviewing the Detroit game, let's move right along to this afternoon's Divisional Playoff game at Lambeau Field vs. the Seattle Seahawks (eeeewwwww!!!).

The Preview

The Seahawks make their way to Lambeau Field today by virtue of their win last weekend in Philadephia over the Eagles. Many didn't see that one coming, most of all the Eagles. Of course, losing their starting QB, Carson Wentz, after an obvious cheap shot helmet to helmet hit early in the game by DE Jadeveon Clowney (not penalized and also no fine...go figure!) didn't help. The Packers O-line better make sure Clowney doesn't get anywhere close to QB Aaron Rodgers today to make a play like that even possible...or the tide could and would turn quickly in favor of Seattle.

Still, it nearly goes without saying that any team with Russell Wilson at quarterback is a team to be feared. He is, in the estimation of many pundits, if not currently the best and most dangerous QB in the game right now one of the top two or three. While he'll be playing behind an offensive line that may feature several backup players (starting LT and LG may not play today), Wilson's legs can still rip off big gains when he breaks the pocket, which can happen at any time. He also has a legitimate deep threat receiving target in rookie wideout DK Metcalf. Wilson can throw one of the best deep balls in the game and the Packers secondary has been known to be susceptible to the deep ball most of the season. Throw in RB Marshawn Lynch now in his third week back at running back and it gives the Packers defense a lot to worry about. Despite being without their top three running backs, top two tight ends and starting center, Seattle can still put up points, and quickly, if you let them get rolling.

Prime objectives for the Packers defense: contain Wilson in the pocket, don't let Lynch regain his former glory, and don't let Metcalf get behind you deep. Simple, right? A big help in this effort will be Kenny Clark dominating in the middle, the "Smith Brothers" getting plenty of pressure on Wilson in the pocket without letting him break containment, the secondary covering receivers tightly, and everyone making sure tackles when they get their shots. Oh, and getting a turnover or two wouldn't hurt either; Wilson has had his problem throwing interceptions in his games at Lambeau...let's hope that problem continues today.

Defensively, the Seahawks will likely be in a Cover 3 defense most of the game. Nothing too fancy, but they are very solid at what they do. As a result, nothing for the Packers offense will be a gimme, especially in terms of the offense's general out-of-sync-ness most of the season, at least in terms of the passing game. We should expect a big dose of RBs Aaron Jones and Jamaal Williams today, with QB Aaron Rodgers making key throws to WRs Davante Adams and Allen Lazard, with TEs Jimmy Graham and Marcedes Lewis getting a few reception opportunities. WR Jake Kumerow could also pick up a big catch or two, along with TE Robert Tonyan. It will take a solid effort from the Pack's offense, with no turnovers, to come out on top today.

That's funny. I don't care who you are...that's funny!
Fan-sponsored billboards with this message appeared around Green Bay this week.

The Prediction

As the billboard above says, "The Gum Stops in Green Bay!", a reference to Seahawks coach Pete Carroll's infamous gum-chewing ways. An enterprising Packers fan had several of these electronic billboards put up this week around Green Bay. They express every Packer fan's wish for today: the gum-chewer's — and Seattle's — playoff run stop in Green Bay. Can I get an "Amen"?

The Packers are favored by 4-1/2 points coming into this game. The Seahawks haven't won at Lambeau Field since 1999, losing eight straight. Russell Wilson is 0-3 here. Those streaks should continue today.

We're calling it Packers 27 - Seahawks 24.

Go Pack Go!!!

NFL Week 5 Review of Packers win vs Cowboys, NFL Week 6 Preview vs Lions — Yes, Another twofer!

We've fallen into a thoroughly revolting pattern, Packers fans. No, not the Pack...they're doing pretty well, thanks. We refer to our now season-long trend of doing combined posts about the last game and the one coming up. Sorry. But it is time efficient, isn't it it, for both you — dear reader — and yours truly? Yes, yes it is. So without further ado...a very quick look back at the win in Dallas.

Packers Beat the 'boys in Big D

It's always a pleasure to beat the Cowboys, especially in Dallas. Something QB Aaron Rodgers has been pretty good at over time. Last weekend was no different. Racing off to a fast start, with RB Aaron Jones turning in his best game of the young season if not one of his best as a Packer, and the defense holding Ezekiel Elliot in check and generating turnovers. The 'boys made a late run and it got a bit concerning there for a while (admit it), until a late fourth quarter field goal attempt "doink" off the upright really put an end to Dallas' comeback dreams. Final score: 34-24. Sweet.

This was game we and many others thought the Packers would drop. So glad we were wrong as that win left the Pack at 4-1 and atop the NFC North Division.

QB Aaron Rodgers and head coach Matt LaFleur are still working on their
new relationship. But at 4-1, it seems to be working just fine.
(Photo JSOnline,com)

The Lions Visit Lambeau Tonight

Once upon a time, Detroit couldn't buy a win in Wisconsin. Was years...decades...centuries...something like that before they finally pulled one out. But the Lions have now won four straight (home and away) against Green Bay, including the two games last year by a combined score of 62-23. Now, to be fair, within this four-game streak Rodgers was injured and out of the game for either all or part of the game in two of them and in a third K Mason Crosby uncharacteristically missed 5 field goal attempts. Really, what are the odds of that?

The Lions are 2-1-1. Packers head coach Matt LaFleur says they are one of the scariest teams he's seen on tape. They are, to our view, hard to figure out. They tied the Cardinals in the first game of the season, barely beat the Chargers, just sneaked by the Eagles in Philly (the same Eagles, as you know, who handed the Packers their lone loss on home turf), and then narrowly lost to the very good Kansas City Chiefs. Now, factor in that the Lions have had 2 weeks to prepare for this game against Green Bay and this game is no gimmee, that's for sure.

Detroit has a defense-oriented head coach that concentrates on stopping the run. Expect that to be the formula again. With WR Davante Adams still sidelined with turf toe, other receivers are going to have to step up. Adams was out last week, too, and Rodgers only completed 4 passes to his wide receivers. Whether that was due to their failure to get open or good coverage...? Fortunately, Rodgers was able to work his tight ends and backs in the passing game. Not big yards, and not even a TD pass if memory serves, but effective. And if the Pack needs to do that again, so be it. As Rodgers said after the game, "It's about the Ws" not the stats. The Packers will be without one of their tight ends tonight, though. Robert Tonyan, who sustained a hip injury in last week's game, is out for tonight.

If the Packers can do what they've done so far this season, getting out to a fast start and a big lead, have the defense put pressure on Lions QB Matthew Stafford to generate a turnover or two, have JK Scott boom his field-position-changing punts, it all should be enough to carry the day. If.

The Prediction

The Packers are favored by 4 points in this game. There will be a Fall evening low of about 34 degrees. Good NFC North football weather. The Lions, unfortunately, have experienced recent success against the Packers which will make them a confident team coming in. The division lead is on the line.

We're calling this one Packers 31 - Lions 24.

Go Pack Go!!!