NFL Week 18: Packers vs. Vikings Preview & Prediction

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

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

Which brings us to our preview...

The Preview

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

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

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

finale against the ViQueens: backup QB Clayton Tune.

(Photo via Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)

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

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

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

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

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

The Prediction

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

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

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

Go Pack Go!!!

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

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

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

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

Unfortunately, Packers RB Josh Jacobs is

not available for  today's game against Minnesota.

(Photo via Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)

The Preview

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

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

We don't see that happening today.

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

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

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

The Prediction

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

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

Go Pack Go!!!

2024 NFL Week 17: Packers vs. Vikings Preview & Prediction

Here we are, Packer fans: the penultimate game of the 2024 NFL season is upon us; facing our purple opponent that has had quite a season, let's be honest. The ViQueens are sitting in second place in the best division in the NFL, the NFC North, behind the Lions and just ahead of the Packers who may go down in NFL history as the best third place division team ever. But first things first. Take care of business in Minnesota and then return home to Lambeau Field for the final game of the regular season against the lowly Chicago Bears. Then wait to find out whether the Packers are the fifth, or sixth or seventh seed in the playoffs after that game. To be clear, whether the Packers win or lose today, it likely won't have a great deal of impact on things. The Pack is in the playoffs and from there anything can happen.

Still, we'd prefer a win today, wouldn't we?

After pitching a shutout on Monday night against the New Orleans Saints — the first and only shutout of the season anywhere in the NFL — the Packers are rolling on offense and defense and looking for retribution for the earlier 2-point loss vs Minnesota at Lambeau. Let's have a look at what to expect, shall we?

A blast from the past: Minnesota's QB Fran Tarkenton is sacked by DE Lionel Aldridge (82) with LB Ray Nitschke & DT Ron Kostelnik (77) on the hunt, on Dec. 5, 1965. The Packers won 24-19 in Green Bay.

(Photo by S. Niels Lauritzen/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)

The Preview

Today's game — flexed to the late afternoon as the de facto game of the day by the league for a national audience — is being played in Minnesota. Indoors Minnesota. So the upper Midwest late December weather will not be a factor. Which, in the historical scheme of things, is a shame, really. So much for our editorial opinion on that matter. The playing field will be fast, which seems to amount to a push, so to speak. The volume will be loud, which definitely favors the home team, of course.

As to other advantages and disadvantages for the two teams ... hmmm ...

For the ViQueens, they are riding an eight-game winning streak heading into the game and sit at 13-2. And, as the football world knows, Minnesota QB Sam Darnold has resurrected his career this season. He's been playing lights out and with a cast around him that makes that all possible: former Packers fave RB Aaron Jones, wide receivers Justin Jefferson (arguably one of the top receivers in the NFL) and Jordan Addison, and head coach Kevin O’Connell and his coaching staff. Darnold has just one turnover in the last six games.

Plus, the ViQueens defense presents one of the best rushing defenses in the league. The additions of veteran edge rushers Jonathan Greenard and former Wisconsin Badger (Go Badgers!) Andrew Van Ginkel along with LB Blake Cashman has helped remake the defense and taken it to a new level under defensive coordinator Brian Flores who is in his second season with Minnesota. Consider: 30 takeaways. Thirty. They get after opposing quarterbacks, ball carriers and receivers. (To be fair, the Packers have 28 takeaways to this point in the season. Not bad either.)

Minnesota's defense also likes to blitz: according to NexGen Stats, the 'Queens blitz more than any other team in the league (39.1%). They have especially done so in the last few games against the Packers. QB Jordan Love noted that the way Minnesota blitzed changed from game to game and in his view, “I think they're a better defense than they were last year.” But you can be sure Matt LaFleur will be prepared to exploit those blitzes whenever they come. Because the Packers are pretty good, too, when it comes to making adjustments.

Enough about the ViQueens. What can the Packers bring to the field? Well ...

For starters, the Packers have a quarterback in far better shape than the one Minnesota saw in the first go 'round. In that game, which the Pack lost 31-29 after going down early 28-0, Jordan Love was just coming off a couple weeks of injury recovery. He was rusty. And it showed. Now, he's been humming along. A big part of that, of course, is being healthy. Another huge part is that a lot the offense now runs not entirely through him but through RB Josh Jacobs who has been lighting up defenses with his hard running and also receiving abilities. Plus, the plethora of receiving talent available for head coach Matt LaFleur to make use of in so many different ways...it can cause headaches for opposing defenses. Granted, the defense today, as noted earlier, is a good one, especially against the run. So yards may be hard to come by for Jacobs. But no doubt LaFleur will test that out early and as often as seems appropriate to the game situation. The Pack needs to at least keep that defensive front honest to mitigate the blitzes that are bound to occur.

The Packers defense will once again be without the services of CB Jaire Alexander. No surprise there. Alexander has been a no-go, either entirely or partially, for really most of the season. It's reached the point where head coach Matt LaFleur is seemingly getting annoyed with reporters asking questions about the status of Alexander. It's also reached the point where some pundits are beginning to speculate that Alexander may be in his last season with the Packers, contract details aside. A player ultimately is only as good as his availability and for much of the past two seasons Alexander has not been available. Through no fault of his own, he just can't seem to stay on the field.

So ... defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley and his crew have found ways to cover that absence this season and haven't seemed to be hurt by it, generally speaking. Today may be a different story, however. Having Alexander available to cover Jefferson would have been a big plus for the defense. But ... not to be. Which means the Pack's own defensive front seven will need to find ways to keep RB Aaron Jones in check and get pressure on Darnold; if Darnold is given time he will once again be able to find his receivers and it could be a long afternoon for the Pack in Minnesota.

Remember that the only teams the Packers have lost to are the Eagles in the opener in Brazil, Detroit (twice, the last a nail-biter) and Minnesota in what turned out to be a squeaker in the first meeting. All are teams that sit ahead of the Pack in the NFC standings. Green Bay has taken care of business against equal or lesser foes and a reason they are sitting at 11-4. But they need to knock off one or all of these opponents if they wish to have any hope of reaching the Super Bowl. That needs to start today to continue the momentum they have and take that into the playoffs.

In addition to Alexander, LB Quay Walker, S Evan Williams and OL Andre Dillard will not play today. The good news is that, at the time of this writing, S Javon Bullard, WR Christian Watson and LB Ty’Ron Hopper are listed as questionable. For the ViQueens, they are getting a few players back (darn it!). CB Fabian Moreau is listed as out and LB Ivan Pace Jr. is listed as questionable.

These are two Top 10 teams on both sides of the ball. Which means it will probably come down to the little things: penalties, turnovers, special teams, time management. Because this is a game that could turn into one where the team with the ball last wins. Hate those games.

The Prediction

At the time of this writing, the Packers are favored by 1 point and the over-under is listed as 49 points. Crikey.

The Pack needs to come out hot, on both sides of the ball, whether taking the ball first or not. They need to play complimentary football in all three phases of the game, and play all four quarters.

It's that time of year. Need to bring everything you've got.

According to Sports Illustrated, "...the Packers now rank second in the NFL in Net Yards per Play. The Vikings, while continuing to win, have fallen to 11th in that stat and 21st over their last three games. The underlying numbers show that despite both teams continuing to stack up wins, the Packers have been playing better football of late."

May it continue thusly.

We're calling it Packers 27 - ViQueens 25.

Go Pack Go!!!

2024 NFL Week 4: Packers vs Vikings Preview & Prediction

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

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

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

(Photo by Mark Hoffman/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)

The Preview

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Prediction

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

We're calling it Packers 24 - ViQueens 23.

Go Pack Go!!!

Packers vs Eagles Game Review & Season Prediction Adjustment

Dear Packer fans ...

We knew that the Week 1 Friday night game of the 2024 NFL season would likely be a toss-up, and it was really. The Eagles were favored by 3 and won by 5. We had predicted the Packers to win by a score of 27-24. Close, but not a win and not close enough.

The field was problematic for both teams, with a lot of slipping going on. The game itself was a sloppy performance overall by both teams, as well. But the Eagles did a better job of overcoming their problems on that front, with some assistance by the Packers. The Pack had way too many penalties (cue OL Rasheed Walker for more than his share!), too many missed tackles, an inability to score TDs in the redzone (after 2 early takeaways in these cases BTW, that could have likely put Philly away early), and a deja vu feel for the defense despite the change in defensive coordinator and scheme change from 3-4 to 4-3. Not being able to get a stop when needed ... where we have seen that before???

Packers QB Jordan Love being assisted off the playing field in Brazil at the end of the game vs. the Eagles.

(Photo by Kirby Lee-Imagn Images)

But the big news coming out of the night, as the entire sports world now knows, was the knee injury QB Jordan Love sustained with about 6 seconds left in the game. Trying to keep a play alive as his protection broke down, Love was sandwiched between 2 Philly defenders and twisted both his left ankle and knee; he went down immediately in pain and after moments on the ground had to be assisted off the field.

Initially, the thought from the replay video was that it was his ankle. Turns out, not. Instead, we have now learned that Love likely sustained a MCL sprain of the grade 2 variety. Translation — still subject to revision after further testing — is that Love will likely be out at least 3 to 6 weeks according to current reports. On the one hand, we can be thankful that it wasn't an ACL tear which would have been season-ending. On the other hand, the Packers will now have to figure out a way to get through anywhere from the next 3 to 6 games without their hundreds-of-millions-of-dollars quarterback.

Oy.

Options? Not great.

What are the options? We refer you to an excellent overview in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel on this topic. Right now, in summary, the Packers can either go with the recently-acquired Malik Willis, bring up 2nd-year backup Sean Clifford from the practice squad, or sign another QB and hope to get that person up to speed in time for the next game vs. the Colts on Sept. 15 and then ongoing until Love's return. Actually, Willis and Clifford would also need to gear up for a bit of an extended run, too.

Who are the opponents over the next 3 to 6 weeks? The next 3 weeks have the Colts coming to Lambeau Field, then at Tennessee, then back home against the ViQueens. Our initial season prediction — looking at these games plus the opener as the 1st quarter of the season — had the Pack going 3-1, although noting that they could also lose 2 of the first 4 games ... and that was with Love as QB. Without him? Hmmm. The Packers have already lost 1. Likely will lose at least 1 of the next 3 without the star QB at the helm. Perhaps two. Or all three. So from going 3-1 in this first stretch of games to going 0-4 becomes as likely a possibility as not. Not great.

Looking ahead to games 5 and 6, the Pack plays the Rams in LA and then the Cardinals back in Green Bay. Assuming Love can be back for 1 or both of these games, the Rams still remains a tough game. If Love is not yet back behind center? Advantage Rams, and the Cardinals game would probably be considered a toss-up.

Of course, all this also assumes the Packers defense remains as lackluster throughout these games as it played in the opener. That's a bit of an assumption given the caliber of the players on that unit and the reputation of Jeff Hadley as defensive coordinator. The expectation is that things will get straightened out and that could help cover up any offensive issues for a time...perhaps the D and special teams could even win a game or 2. That would be nice.

The bottom line is that things are very much up in the air. Not how the team or fans thought we would start this season out. But at least there is the likelihood that Love returns and can hopefully regain at some point the characteristics we saw on display in the second half of last season. Because, let's also be honest, he was not locked in that way in this opening game vs. Philly. He wasn't horrible, but wasn't as sharp as we would have hoped either.

Season Prediction Adjustment?

Our initial season prediction saw the Pack finishing at 11-6. That was with Love at QB for all 17 games. Now? Oy. I think at least 1 game has to switch from the win to the loss column during the next 3 weeks. And if Love is out 6 weeks? I think another win turns to a loss. So we could now, barring some miracle or series of miracles, see the Packers finishing at 9-8. That's definitely on the playoff bubble...not a place anyone expected to be given the team's consensus Super Bowl contender preseason status.

The road has become much more uncertain, Packer fans. Let's offer up some "thoughts and prayers" for our favorite QB, Jordan Love, for a fast and effective return. For not only his well-being, but for the team's season prognosis, as well.

Go Pack Go!!!

P.S. 

Can we also agree that the Packers should NEVER agree to play another international NFL game? Cases in point: the Packers played, and lost in London, and then-QB Aaron Rodgers broke his thumb; in the team's second international appearance, the Packers played, and lost in Brazil, and starting QB Jordan Love was injured at the end of the game and will be lost 3 to 6 weeks with a sprained MCL.

Let the NFL send its bottom-of-barrel teams out of country. Too much at stake for the top-level teams. Too much. If that sounds elitist, sorry. But there are differences and matters of degree across the franchises. We understand the international draw of the Packers as one of the top teams in the NFL, but the risk to the Packers — despite the dollar rewards to the NFL — is not worth it. (So ends the editorial portion of this post.)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

today to overcome expected lapses by the Packers defense.

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

The Prediction

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

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

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

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

GO PACK GO!!!

2023 NFL Week 15: Packers vs. Buccaneers Preview & Prediction

 Oh...so...close.

The Packers had it...then didn't.

How many times have we said this over the course of the 2023 season? More than we'd like.

And it was the case yet again last Monday night against the Giants. Snatched defeat from the jaws of victory. In a game where the opposing offense was starting a third-string quarterback and with a line that had given up 69 (?!) sacks going into the game, the Packers defense didn't get one sack. Not one. And it allowed a QB that still lives at home with his parents to beat them with his legs throughout the game and hit a few throws down the stretch that allowed for a winning field goal. C'mon, say it with me: "Thank you, Joe Barry. Once again." SMH

Of course, the offense and special teams performances left much to be desired, as well. QB Jordan Love was off his game, turning the ball over twice with one fumble on an ill-advised run and one interception...his throws were off most of the night because, as he admitted after the game, his footwork and mechanics were not the same as they had been during his hot streak. And head coach Matt LaFleur's play-calling was not the best. How many times do you run a wide receiver (i.e. Jayden Reed) end-around before the defense knows exactly what you are doing? Oh, and Keisean Nixon, you're great. But when you muff a punt, get on it and stay down. A horrible decision to try to advance the ball after the muff. And you knew it immediately. But by then...well, only a few plays later...the damage was done in the form of 7 points going to the Giants. An early Christmas gift. Oy.

Anyway...time to turn the page. The Packers are back home at Lambeau Field for a noon  (CT) game Sunday vs. Tampa Bay. Is it yet again the Battle of the Bay of Pigs? No. At least, we don't think so. But let's have a look, shall we?

This is a look from QB Jordan Love that we hope not to see

after the game vs. the Buccaneers.

(Photo by Seth Wenig, Associated Press)

The Preview

This comes across as a pick-em game. The Packers are sitting at 6-7, as are the Buccaneers. The catch is that in the train wreck that is the NFC South, Tampa is basically in a 3-way tie for first while the Pack — with the same record — is in 3rd place in the NFC North.

Bottom line, though, is both are playing for playoff spots. Tampa currently sits in 4th place while the Packers are in the 7th and final spot for a wildcard. According to the latest projections, if the Packers beat the Bucs Sunday, they have a 71% chance (in some models) to make the playoffs; lose and that goes below 30%. With the Vikings loss Saturday to the Bengals in an epic 4th quarter collapse, they are sitting at 7-7. The Packers need to win this game to keep apace.

Both teams come into Sunday's game without key personnel. The Pack will likely be without one if not both of their starting running backs. Aaron Jones may be back — or not. A.J. Dillon, we learned after the Giants game, has a broken thumb on the hand with which he carries the football. Not ideal. In a game where the rushing attack is key to helping take the pressure off QB Jordan Love and open up the passing game, the Packers may be down to their back-up backs. So it goes. WR Christian Watson will also likely not be available. Again. On the flips side, the Buccaneers will be without some of their top defenders which should help a short-handed Packers offense.

That only matters if the Packers offensive line does a better job protecting Love than they did in the Meadowlands. And if the Packers defensive front can get to Tampa QB Baker Mayfield, who has been known to toss a few INTs in his 2 prior visits to Lambeau. Oh, and Packers special teams need to be special.

The Prediction

The Packers are favored in this game by 3-1/2 points at the time of this writing. If they play the way did in their wins against the Lions and the Chiefs, they can beat anybody. If they play the way they did vs. the Giants (and others) they can keep things close but still wind up losing.

We're putting the green-n-gold colored glasses back on and hoping the Pack have worked out at least some of the issues — in all 3 phases of the game — that led to their defeat on Monday.

We're calling it Packers 24 - Buccaneers 20.

Go Pack Go!!!

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

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

THE PREDICTION

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

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

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

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

Very much hope we’re wrong.

GO PACK GO!!!

2022 NFL Week 18: Packers vs. Lions Preview & Prediction

The Packers took care of division opponent Minnesota at Lambeau Field last weekend to keep their slim — but increasing! —playoff hopes alive. And they did so in fine fashion: a kickoff return (a kickoff return!) and a pick-6 interception return. Getting 14 points from special teams and defense always comes in handy, doesn't it?

Anyway, it set things up for tonight's regular season finale at Lambeau vs. the surging Detroit Lions. While both teams are sitting at a traditionally mediocre 8-8, the league decided the implications of this game were so good — and ... Packers! — that it decided to flex the game to the last slot on the weekend schedule. Let's take a look, shall we?

The Packers will be looking, as usual, for QB Aaron Rodgers to help

lead the team to the NFC Playoffs with a win over the Lions tonight

at Lambeau Field.

(Photo by Lon Horwedel, USA Today Sports)

The Preview

Why would the league put this game between two 8-8 teams in primetime? Because — Packers! — it's possibly a win-and-in game for Detroit, if the lowly Rams can somehow beat Seattle earlier today AND the Lions can beat the Pack, as they did in Detroit earlier in the season at Green Bay's low point. And because, regardless of how the Rams vs. Seahawks game turns out, if the Pack can beat the Lions Green Bay will secure the final wild card spot for the playoffs. In short, there's a lot on the line for both teams. Especially for the Packers. And, sorry Lions fans, this primetime coverage is happening precisely for that reason. You're along for the ride.

Given where the Packers were sitting just a bit ago, 4-8 and on life support, to having control in their own hands for making the playoffs ... wow. Nothing short of remarkable.

Since hitting rock bottom at Detroit, the Packers have gotten their offense more in sync with a balanced run-pass game and trending upward in average points-per-game since they began their winning streak. QB Aaron Rodgers has more confidence in his young receivers, rookie WR Christian Watson has provided the ability to stretch the field and open up other aspects of the game, and returner Keisean Nixon has become the league's leading returner and a legitimate threat to take it to the house every time he touches the ball. Defensive coordinator Joe Barry's defense has, astoundingly, rounded into shape, becoming more physical and covering receivers so at least they are in the same zip code together, thereby creating turnovers. Unimaginable a month or so ago.

But let's not forget that Detroit is bringing a lot to tonight's party, too, having won 7 of their last 9 games. The team has taken up head coach Dan Campbell's toughness. QB Jared Goff can cause problems if given time to throw (his last INT was against the Pack, by the way). And Packer fans recall all too well what RB Jamal Williams can do if given room to run. While Detroit boats the number 4 offense in the league, they do not score as well on the road as at home in a controlled environment, i.e., dome. Tonight, that offense will have to perform on the road, in 23-degree weather (at kickoff), on a slick turf to which they are not accustomed. Advantage Packers.

A Packers defense that was seen as a liability has been getting key stops and takeaways that have changed the outcome of games. Advantage, too, in that the Packers defense has been a turnover machine during the current four-game winning streak. If the defense can generate one or, better, two key turnovers this evening that bodes well for the final outcome. And special teams, aside from a minor hiccup or two (blocked punt/FG, etc.), with Nixon's emergence as a returner, has become a real strength of this team ... something we haven't seen arguably in decades.

The Prediction

The Packers are getting hot at the right time. Detroit has been on a roll, as well, no denying that. But with the playoffs so close — and all they've had to overcome to get in this position — it's hard to see the Pack laying an egg tonight. The oddsmakers apparently feel the same way, installing the Pack as 5-point favorites at the time of this posting.

We're calling this one Packers 31 - Lions 20.

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!!!

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

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

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

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

Packers QB Aaron Rodgers will once again lead his team

at Lambeau Field tonight against the Minnesota Vikings.

(Photo by Mark Hoffman/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)

The Preview

A couple things play into the game tonight.

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

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

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

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

The Prediction

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

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

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

Go Pack Go!!!

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

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

Next.

The Preview

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

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

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

on today to handle a major Rams pass rush.

(Photo by Mark Hoffman / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)

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

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

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

The Prediction

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

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

Go Pack Go!!!

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

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

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

We look forward to seeing the Packers defense

pressuring Vikes QB Kirk Cousins today.

(Photo by Dan Powers/USA TODAYNETWORK-Wis)

Preview

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

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

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

The Prediction

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

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

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

Go Pack Go!!!