2021-22 NFL Divisional Playoffs: Packers vs. 49ers Preview and Prediction

Well, here we go, Packers fans: the Divisional Playoffs! After having the lone NFC bye week by virtue of their #1 seeding, the Pack meet up with the San Francisco 49ers this evening at storied Lambeau Field. We welcome the warm-weather visitors to Green Bay for a night game...in mid-January...where there could be a bit of snow in the air...the game time air temps in the low teens or single digits...and with the wind chill perhaps even dipping below 0 degrees. Have a nice visit!

The Preview

Not really sure how much of a preview to even bother with. The Pack last played in Detroit two weeks ago in a game that meant nothing in their standing, and resulted in a loss. Big whoop. Still finished with a tied-for-league-best 13-4 record.

Some players that had seen limited action this season will be available tonight, among them Za'Darius Smith and Whitney Mercilus who will boost the Pack's pass rush capability and QB sack potential. Also available will be offensive tackle Billy Turner and possibly CB Jaire Alexander, although the later is listed as questionable on the injury report, as is LT David Bakhtiari. The only player on the Packers' injury report listed as doubtful for the game is WR Marquez Valdes-Scantling. However, WR Randall Cobb was activated off IR, so QB Aaron Rodgers will have one of his most trusted receivers available to him, especially in the slot.

For the Niners, two of their top two defensive players, Nick Bosa and Fred Warner — both injured in last week's win over the Cowboys — are cleared for play. QB Jimmy Garoppolo will start once again despite his right thumb and shoulder issues; it will be interesting to see how well he holds up if the Packers can shut down the Niners running game and force him to have to pass to win. Would rookie backup QB Trey Lance see playing time tonight? Possibly. The Packers defense should have prepared for both this week, with Jimmy G the primary consideration at QB. 

But the Packers also have to be concerned about holding phenom WR/RB/Everything Deebo Samuel in check. He's going to get some yards, one way or another. But the Pack can't let him be the difference in the game.

If the Packers defense — line, linebackers and secondary — play to their capability, they should be able to generate a turnover or two. And when they have done that in the past, they typically come away with a win.

Still, we hope (and pray) the Packers special teams don't give the game away. With the special teams' overall league performance at the bottom of the barrel, we're at the time of the season where breakdowns and mistakes just can't happen. Because if they do, even one such instance can be the difference between a win and a loss.

While Packers QB Aaron Rodgers will be wearing the home green jersey,

he will still be signaling that the Packers are Number 1

after they beat the 49ers at Lambeau Field tonight.

(Photo by Mark J. Rebilas / USA Today Sports)

The Prediction

This game and how it concludes is all within the Packers grasp. They worked hard to get the number 1 seed, the bye week, and the home field advantage. They have the MVP leading not just the offense but the entire team. They have the winningest head coach in NFL history through his first three seasons. They have talent on both sides of the ball. Yes, the game still has to be played and the weather conditions will be brutal for both sides. But the Packers have something to prove this season after two consecutive losses in the NFC Championship Game. They need to come out fast — something they typically haven't done after bye weeks — and force the Niners to pass. Turnovers will come if they are able to do that.

My good friend Billy Da Bearz Fan even called earlier today to give me his prediction: 28-27. He wouldn't say who comes out on top because, as a Bearz fan, he would spontaneously combust if he said the Packers would win ... but I know what he meant: Packers. Of course.

My brother-in-law (and 49ers fan) texted me with his call: 28-20 Packers. Remember, this is from a Niners fan.

The Packers are favored by 5-1/2 points at the time of this writing. In a game such as this, not being a betting person, I don't care about whether the Packers cover the spread or not; I care that they win the game.

We're calling it Packers 27 - 49ers 24. Hope it's not that close but, again, just get that win. Get to the NFC Championship Game and make the third time (in a row) the charm.

Go Pack Go!!!

2021 NFL Week 5: Packers vs. Bengals Preview and Prediction

First things first: the Packers did what they needed to do last weekend vs. the Pittsburgh Steelers: win. The Pack finished the first quarter of the season with a 3-1 record, as we projected in our season preview. So we're on track so far. Yay.

But in the win last week there was also a huge loss: CB Jaire Alexander suffered a potentially severe shoulder injury while making a tackle. He's on the temporary IRL for at least the next three games...or for the season if he needs surgery. Not great. Especially with Za'Darius Smith out for the season, as well. That's two big impact players out for the defense today. Against a burgeoning offense on the part of the Cincinnati Bengals. So...time for the preview...

This is the image we hope to see at the end of today's game vs. the Bengals:

a smiling head coach Matt LaLleur and happy QB Aaron Rodgers.

(Photo by Tim Fuller/USA TODAY Sports)

The Preview

The Packers come into this game banged up on defense, as noted above, and also on offense where starting rookie center Josh Myers is out with a finger injury, all-purpose swingman Elgton Jenkins is out ... in total, three out of five of the usual starters are out overall. Not great against a good defensive line. Will they be able to protect Rodgers? Will they be able to open running lanes for Aaron Jones and A.J. Dillon? The approach needs to be balanced in order to keep the ball and at the same time keep Bengals QB Joe Burrows and his young but very talented receiving corps on the bench.

The Packers are favored by 2-1/2 points at the time of this writing.

Four out of the next five games are on the road for the Pack. Starting things off with a win in Cincinnati would certainly help in this tough stretch of games. But it's not going to be easy.

The Prediction

We — and many other prognosticators — see this as a game that could go either way. The Packers defense needs to get pressure on Burrows or it could be a long day for the secondary. The Packers duct-taped offensive line needs to protect Rogers, obviously, but also needs to open up running lanes to keep the Bengals defense from continual pressure on Rodgers.

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

Go Pack Go!!!

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

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

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

For now, what do things look like?

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

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

approach again today vs. the Steelers.

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

The Preview

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

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

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

The Prediction

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

We're calling it Packers 31 - Steelers 20.

Go Pack Go!!! 

2021 NFL Week 3: Packers vs. 49ers Preview and Prediction

The Green Bay Packers did what they needed to do last Monday evening: beat the Detroit Lions at Lambeau Field. Final score was 35-17. Our prediction was 34-24...so...close...somewhat.

But it's not about last week's game or prediction, it's all about tonight's battle on the West Coast, as the Pack meets the 49ers. Reminder, too, this is a "short" week for the Packers, plus the travel. For whatever reasons, the Packers haven't had what you'd call a great deal of success on these trips west. Reasons vary. But what about tonight's game?

The Preview

It's about player availability here as much as anything tonight. The Packers will be without LT Elgton Jenkins tonight on offense (not helpful) and Za'Darius Smith again on defense. Those are two key pieces for the Pack. We also just learned that DB Kevin King is out of tonight's game due to illness. This should give rookie Eric Stokes a chance to continue to show that he is the future at that spot; he had a great game against Detroit and, to our point of view, is a clear upgrade over King. So a blessing in disguise here, perhaps.

Conversely, the Niners will be down to about their sixth-string running back. They are hurting, too. Don't need to say any more about that. And expect San Fran to continue shuffling their veteran and rookie quarterbacks, which may present ongoing challenges for the Pack's defenders.

Having said that, we saw in last Monday's game that the Packers offense can, as expected, put up points...even with QB Aaron Rodgers overthrowing a couple long balls to Marquez Valdes-Scantling that would likely have been easy scores. But the Pack's defense continues to be a huge concern, particularly its lack of pass rush. New defensive coordinator Joe Barry's scheme hasn't come together. In apparently an emphasis to stop the run first, it has allowed the opposing quarterback to sit back in the pocket nearly untouched through the first two games. That has to end...soon.

Could special teams make a difference? Rookie running back / returner Kylin HIll has performed well in his returner role. Could he pop one today? Possible. But could the Packers special teams unit also give up a return? Yes. So we can't count on special teams to decide the game.

It will come down to Rodgers doing Rodgers-like things. More than once or twice. Perhaps even with the ball in his hands at the end of the game to determine the outcome. That would be a positive in our view.

The Prediction

The Niners are favored at the time of this writing by 3-1/2 points...a bit more than home field advantage. And given the Pack's historic performances in these contests, a bit surprised the spread isn't more than that.

In our season prediction, we had the Pack going 3-1 in the first four games. While we didn't make game-by-game picks at that time, instead looking at the overall opponents and schedule, this in actuality was the game we most expected the Packers to lose. While we thought the opener against the Saints would be a tough game, we never saw the team not getting off the plane to play.

While we hope we are wrong, we still see the Packers dropping this one, based off recent history as much as anything, plus the problems on defense.

We're calling this game 49ers 31 - Packers 27.

Still ... Go Pack Go!!!

2021 NFL Week 2: Packers vs. Lions Preview and Prediction

Guess what? We were right on the money with our call of 38 points in last week's season opener against the Saints in Jacksonville.

The only problem was it was New Orleans that racked up 38, not the Packers. The Pack got 3 points for writing their collective name on the test paper otherwise that game was a total toilet flush, know what we mean? I think you do.

So...let's move on to tonight's Monday Night Football extravaganza against the Lions at Lambeau Field. Yes, let's.

QB Aaron Rodgers needs to play like

Aaron Rodgers tonight vs. the Lions.

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

The Preview

The gist of it is that the Pack rarely has two bad games back to back. QB Aaron Rodgers usually comes out blazing after an embarrassing game the week before. The entire Packers team, offense and defense, sleepwalked through that season opener. They won't do that again tonight. Not at home. With fans in the stands for the first time in two seasons. Against a division opponent who always plays the Pack tough regardless of each team's record. And not on Monday Night Football.

Yes, the Packers will be without veteran Za'Darius Smith who is now on the temporary IRL for three weeks with an unspecified, but apparently lingering, back problem. Third-year OLB Rashan Gary will now have to step up. Gary has trended upwards each year with the team, so now is his chance to shine. Ditto for the entire defense in order to give some credibility to the new defensive scheme under coordinator Joe Barry. If they don't show significant improvement tonight after last week's poor showing, even more questions will arise as to why head coach Matt LaFleur hired him given Barry's lack of success in that area before coming to the Pack.

As for the offense, tonight it will all focus on establishing the running game. Look for a steady diet of Aaron Jones and A.J. Dillon to get the defense out of a strictly drop-and-defend approach as the Saints were able to do last weekend. The Packers need the running game to be credible so Rodgers and the play-action pass can be as effective as it was last season. Oh, and the wide receivers have to do a much better job getting open than in the last game, as well.

Everything that could go wrong last week, did. Tonight, it's time for the Packers to show us what they got, so to speak. They've been hyped all off-season. Now it's time to begin living up to that hype.

The Prediction

The Packers are favored by 11 (or 11-1/2) depending upon what oddsmakers you are looking at. The Lions had a good comeback effort fall just short against the 49ers in their opener; they were down by 28 points in the fourth quarter and lost by only eight. So the Lions won't quit, that's for sure. The Pack needs to get up early and not allow the Lions to hang close.

We're calling this Packers 34 - Lions 24.

Go Pack Go!!!

2020 NFL Week 17: Packers vs. Bears Preview and Prediction

Happy New Year, Packers fans! Welcome to 2021. May this year be better than the last. Hard to imagine it being worse. Let us pray...

The last game in 2020 saw the Pack trounce the Titans at a snowy Lambeau Field. Tennessee was supposedly the team that would be the toughest challenge for the the Packers until they (hopefully) reach the Super Bowl. RB Derrick Henry would reportedly run roughshod over a Packers defense that has been less than stellar for a long time against the run. Despite the weather, despite Henry (who was held to under 100 yards rushing), despite it all, the Pack triumphed 40-14. It was not the game we, or many expected. And for that we were grateful.

The game was a coming out party of sorts for rookie RB A.J. Dillon who rushed for 124 yards and his first 2 TDs of the season. QB and soon-to-be three-time MVP Aaron Rodgers threw for 4 TDs and 1 INT, while all-world receiver Davante Adams had 11 catches for 142 yards and 3 TDs. It was also a coming out party for a Packers defense that we hadn't seen in a while. As noted, they shut down arguably the top running back in the league and that left the offense in the hands of QB Ryan Tannehill, who had been having a pretty good season. But against the Pack he was picked off twice, only his sixth and seventh interceptions of the season, and wound up throwing for just 121 yards with a completion rate around 45 percent.

Game, set, match ... Packers.

Now, on to Chicago and our neighbors to the south, Da Bearz.

QB Aaron Rodgers will have to deal the rest of this season and likely

to mid-season next year without starting LT David Bakhtiari. Bakhtiari

suffered a season-ending freak ACL injury during practice on Thursday.

(Photo via Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)

The Preview

The first item of note is that starting LT David Bakhtiari is lost for the rest of this season and into the next as a result of a freak ACL injury that occurred during practice on Thursday. Not great. At all. But the Packers O-line has been dealing with injuries throughout the season and is used to shuffling players around. It's likely that Billy Turner will play LT, Rick Wagner will play RT and Lucas Patrick will play RG. Thankfully, starting center Corey Linsley returned last week to return stability to the middle of the line. Elgton Jenkins also give the Pack a lot of flexibility in case anyone else goes down on the line. Let's hope not.

Secondly, with RB Jamaal Williams returning today, head coach Matt LaFleur has indicated that he'd like to find ways to use all 3 running backs — Aaron Jones, A.J. Dillon and Williams — on the field at the same time. He even said he'd be challenged not to overdo that formation. So let's see if that happens today. We'd think it would give Chicago's defense fits, as all 3 cannot only run the ball aggressively but can catch the ball, as well. Then throw in the Packers corps of receivers. Can you imagine trying to defend that? Oh, and did we mention that Da Bearz will be without 2 of their starting defensive backs? (In best Seinfeld voice) That's a shame.

Chicago has a good running back of their own in David Montgomery who has already surpassed 1,000 yards on the season. In order for the Packers to enhance their chances for victory today the defense will need to shut down Montgomery the way they did Henry last week. That means  Za’Darius Smith, Preston Smith and Rashan Gary will need to once again protect the edge and funnel things inside as much as possible. That was a key to success last week and will be so again today. Oh, and lest we forget: the Packers signed NT Damon "Snacks" Harrison this week and he was able to practice. It will be interesting to see how much the Packers work him into defensive schemes today and how he plays. He should be a valuable pick up for the playoff run.

Back to Da Bearz. QB Mitchell Trubisky has been having a better end to the season than start. After being benched for Nick Foles, he's responded well to the challenge. But it's also been against so-so defenses, to say the least. The Packers defense has been getting better as the season has progressed. If Chicago's chances rest in his hands...good luck with that.

The Prediction

The Packers are 4-1/2 to 5 point favorites depending upon who's making that call. I consulted my good friend, Billy Da Bearz Fan, to get his take on the game. He told me that I'm not supposed to say that he really thinks the Pack will go up by 3 or 4 touchdowns early and then start resting players. Instead, he says since its in writing, I should say that he's calling it 28-27 Bearz.

So there's one point of view. Or two, if you're counting.

Here's a third. Despite the hard hit incurred with the loss of Bakhtiari, we think the Packers are on a roll right now and things are gelling at the right time. We expect Da Bearz to put up a spirited game — after all, they are playing for a potential playoff spot. But the Pack is playing for the #1 overall seed, a bye, and home field advantage throughout the playoffs. If they play for 4 quarters, they'll win with room to spare. If they let Chicago hang around, well, if it comes down to Rodgers or Trubisky making a play to win the game, c'mon.

We're calling it Packers 34 - Bearz 24.

Go Pack Go!!!

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 16 Review of Packers win vs. Minnesota, NFL Week 17 Preview vs. Detroit — The last of our regular season twofers!

Packers fans, the time has come. The time for the last of our season-long slacking and, hence, twofer-type posts.

But, you know, it has seemed to work. And while not being a superstitious sort (knock on wood, a-hem), given how well the Green Bay Packers have played while we have been following this pattern, we're reluctant to change now. So...deal with it.

The ViQueen Takedown

What can we say that hasn't already been said about the way the Packers overcame three uncharacteristic first half turnovers and still held Minnesota to just 10 points off those turnovers? Oh, and that wasn't just the first half point total allowed...that was for the entire game! While the Pack's offense put up 23 points (Mason Crosby's first missed PAT of the season on the last TD kept the points from being spot on again in terms of our point prediction for the Packers), it was the defense that was the collective star of the game. Za'Darius Smith, in particular, was a beast in terms of pressures, QB sacks and overall disruption to the Vikes game plan. Kenny Clark, Dean Lowry, Preston Smith, et al locked down the Minnesota offense in all phases of the game.

Granted, Minnesota was without its top running back, Dalvin Cook. But left to rely on QB Kirk Cousins, he lived up to his winless record on Monday Night Football, now 0-9. The Packers, in contrast, finally got their first win in four tries in the new Humpty Dump (whatever the new stadium is called, nothing will ever replace the Humpty Dump in the minds of many). And with the win, the Pack captured the NFC North Division title, sitting at 12-3 going into today's regular season finale.

With the Packers defense finally rounding out into what looks like championship-calibre form, and the offense being solid if not spectacular, a win today in Detroit against the 3-12 Lions will put the Pack in position to potentially grab the #1 seed for the NFC Playoffs, pending a 49ers loss this evening in Seattle. So let's now get onto the preview of today's game, shall we? Yes, we shall.

RB Aaron Jones has been a beneficiary of great Packers offensive line play
this season, on the verge of 1,000 yards rushing and 20 TDs. The linemen
will tell you that he inspires them to that level of play.
(Photo: Getty Images)

The Preview and Prediction

As noted above, the Packers seem to be starting to peak at the right time in all phases of the game, albeit with issues still remaining in the receiving game. But, the Pack goes into the game being healthy overall and playing for the possibility for home field advantage throughout the NFC playoffs. In most circles, that's what's known as "incentive."

Detroit, on the other hand, will be without QB Matthew Stafford, as they have for a good chunk of the season. There's been ongoing questions about second-year head coach Matt Patricia even going back to last season. The only thing the Lions truly have to play for today is draft position: if they lose they will have the 3rd overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, win and they will get the 5th overall pick. With as dreadful a season as the Lions have had, might as well get something for the effort...lose and grab that #3 pick, guys. Just a suggestion.

The Packers, on the other hand, need not to have a letdown after Monday's night emotional and impactful win over the ViQueens. They need to build on that momentum going into the playoffs. It would be wonderful if the Pack could get off to a fast start and take what few Lions fans will be in the stands today — yes, most fans will probably be Packers fans — out of the game. Some Detroit players will, of course, be playing today's game for work next year, if not in Detroit, somewhere else. But it's likely, as some other pundits have noted, that most players will be looking to clean out there lockers and hit I-75 out of town.

Some Packers pundits have called today's game as much a "must win" game as was the game against Minnesota. As noted earlier, with a win and 49ers loss the Pack gets the #1 seed, a first-round bye and and home field advantage throughout the playoffs. Huge. With a win and a 49ers win in Seattle, the Pack will have the #2 seed, and still have a first-round bye. With a loss and a 49ers win (and the Saints play into some of these combinations, too), the Pack will get the #3 see and a play a first-round game at home. Good, but surely not as good as grabbing a first-round bye.

The Prediction

We see the Packers continuing to work on their offensive "identity"...better late than never. RB Aaron Jones should have another big day. He's close to hitting the 1,000 yards rushing mark and scoring 20 TDs in a season...yowza! RB Jamaal Williams, at the time of this writing is listed as questionable for today's game, which means rookie Dexter Williams may get some playing time, as might versatile late season pick up RB Tyler Ervin. Hopefully, one or more receivers will step up their play and be a reliable counterpart to Davante Adams, not just today but throughout the playoffs. If the Packers just play their game, despite Detroit perhaps staying close for a quarter or maybe even the first half, Green Bay will come away with a win.

We're calling it Packers 34 - Lions 13.

Go Pack Go!!!

NFL Week 6 Review of Packers win vs Lions, NFL Week 7 Preview vs. Raiders — Again with the twofer!

It's sad, isn't it? Not that the Green Bay Packers keep winning, but that we can't seem to get out of this combo Review-Preview kick. Sorry about that, dear readers. But, as we heard so well from the White House this week, "Get over it!".

With that out of the way, let's take a quick look at the Pack's win over the Lions.

Wow. That. Was.Close.

The Packers beat the Lions 23-22 on a last second field goal by K Mason Crosby. It wasn't the prettiest of games. The Pack went down 13-0 early on a couple of big plays by the Lions. But that score begins to tell the tale of the game: a TD and 2 FGs...the first 2 of 5 by the Lions kicker. Yes, just 1 touchdown given up by the Packers defense. Extreme bending, but no breaking.

As for the Packers offense, down to back up receivers deep on the depth chart, a potential new target for QB Aaron Rodgers showed up big time: Allen Lazard. If not for some of his catches, including a spectacular over-the-shoulder TD catch, the Pack would not have won the game. There were 3 turnovers by the Packers that kept the Lions churning. And there were some questionable hands-to-the-face penalties against the Lions at crucial times that kept the Pack drives going, including the last game-winning drive. Being able to run out the clock with just under 7 minutes left on the clock? Oh, yeah, that was key as well. Part of that was RB Jamaal Williams having the presence of mind to go to the ground instead of going into the endzone to keep the clock running. Just so many moments, big and small, in this game that allowed for the Pack to get to 5-1 and increase their lead in the NFC North.

Packers OLB Za'Darius Smith (ground) celebrates a sack against the Lions.
Such celebrations may be curtained a bit in the future, but hopefully the sacks
will continue.
(Photo: Dan Powers/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wis)

The Raiders visit Lambeau Field

As you may recall, there was a preseason game between the Packers and Raiders this year. In Winnipeg. Remember that? There were problems with the field so some on-the-spot rules were made up to accommodate a shortened field. It was...odd, on many levels. So that game tells us nothing as no starters played.

The Packers, as noted earlier, are 5-1 coming off a short week (having played Monday night) with the Raiders at 3-2 and coming off a bye after their game and win against Da Bearz in London.

The Pack are injury-riddled at wide receiver and tight end. The team did add veteran WR Ryan Grant this week to boost weapons for Rodgers, but don't expect much of an impact at this point. He could, however, prove valuable as a much-needed slot receiver. The Raiders come in on three straight road games, winning against both the Colts and Da Bearz.

The Prediction

The Packers are favored by 5-1/2 points at the time of this writing. We have a sense this game could look a bit like the game against the Lions (hopefully without the turnovers), with the offense getting just enough production out of its running backs and receivers to stay on top. That's if the defense continues its winning ways. Which we expect they will. Although it would be nice to minimize those big plays over the top that have been the defense's real weak spot this season.

We're calling this game Packers 27 - Raiders 20.

Go Pack Go!!!