2025 NFL Week 8: Packers vs Steelers Preview & Prediction

Well, Packer fans, we were able to return from the desert of Arizona earlier this week with a 27-23 win over the Cardinals in a game that really went right down to the wire. We called it 30-24 in our prediction; once again, very close.

Will say here what I said to a Cardinals fan on the walk out of the stadium — which was filled with about two-thirds Packers fans as you could hear on the TV coverage I was told — that the Cardinals are so very close. They have now lost five games this season by a total of 13 points, if memory serves. They should also stick with backup QB Jacoby Brissett. He had a great command of the game and had big plays to his top receivers.

But enough about last week. We have some story lines to talk about in tonight's Sunday Night Football extravaganza, don't we? Let's get on with it then.

Packers WR Christian Watson is expected to make his return to the

playing field for the first time since last January after recovering from

an ACL tear. While he has been practicing for the last three weeks, fans

shouldn't expect to see perhaps more than 10-20 plays from him as the

Pack eases him back into playing form. Still, his ability to lengthen the

field and put pressure on the Steelers defense — even as a decoy —

shouldn't be underestimated.

(Photo by Mark Hoffman, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)

The Preview

There are so many ways to look at this game that space and time prevent reviewing each. So let's just note a few:

• The Packers last win in Pittsburgh against the Steelers was in 1970. 1970! With the legendary Bart Starr at quarterback, no less.

• Steelers QB (and, of course, former Packers QB) Aaron Charles Rodgers has beaten 31 of 32 NFL teams during his illustrious Hall of Fame career. The only team he hasn't beaten? The Packers, of course.

• WR Christian Watson will be making his 2025 NFL season debut today. As a down-field threat, he should give a boost to the Packers offense even if he is not targeted much. But we'd expect a few throws to go his way.

• High-priced Packers cornerback signing Nate Hobbs got exposed last week in Arizona. He had difficulty covering the Cardinals big-time receivers and gave up huge yardage. If Rodgers exposes him again it will be interesting to see what adjustments Jeff Hafley and his defense make during the game.

• The only Packers players ruled out for tonight's game are WR Dontayvion Wicks and DE Lukas Van Ness. Among other notables indicated as questionable on the injury report are K Brandon McManus and DT Devonte Wyatt.

• While McManus did practice this week after missing the last two games with a quadriceps injury to his kicking leg, the Packers released TE Ben Simms to make room for retaining K Lucas Havrisik who has been stellar in his appearances, making 100% of his field goals and PAT attempts ... including a franchise record 61-yard field goal to end the first half last week in Arizona. While it's unusual for teams to keep two kickers on the active roster it has been done before. The thinking here is that while McManus may be good to go, ya never know at this stage of his recovery. And releasing Havrisik risks the chance — especially after the way he has performed — that another team might sign him. Gotta hedge your bets. For a while at least.

• RB Josh Jacobs should be a bit fuller speed than last week where he was limited with a calf injury. That bodes well against a somewhat shakey Steelers defense.

• While both Steelers WR DK Metcalf and DE TJ Watt missed two days of practice this week, they both were also full participants on Friday which would lead one to assume both will play in today's game. Darn it!

• Packers DE Micah Parsons got the first three-sack game of his career last week ... and it should have been four if not for a first-time-this-season "hip drop" penalty ... which was also only called once all last season. Oy. Some of those sacks came late in the game when the Cardinals inexplicably decided to try to block him one-on-one. Let's hope the Steelers also try that tonight. And good luck with that!

• Jordan Love seems to love playing on Sunday night. As an article in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel states: "Love has started four Sunday night games in his career and is 3-0-1, the only blemish a Sept. 28 tie against the Dallas Cowboys. In those four games, Love has thrown 11 touchdowns and no interceptions. He has passer ratings of 118.6, 125.3, 123.8 and 118.1. Dating to 2023, his first year as a starter, Love leads the NFL with a passer rating of 121.1 in Sunday night games and is tied for No. 1 in passing touchdowns. Love’s 121.1 passer rating in Sunday night games is the second best since 2000 (100 pass attempts minimum) behind New Orleans’ Drew Brees (121.7)." Let us hope this kind of performance continues tonight.

We could go on with the bullet points. Lots of bits to look at. But, in the bigger scheme of things, whether this turns out to be "Rodgers Revenge" game against his old team, as some see it, or a confirmation of the changing of the guard for the Packers, this will be a full-on battle for four quarters.

The Prediction

At the time of this writing, the Packers are favored by 2-1/2 points, down from 3 earlier in the week; the odds always seem to adjust closer to game time, as you know. The over-under is set at 46-1/2 points.

We see this game, between two division leaders, as one where the last team to have the ball will likely win. Rodgers is Rodgers for a reason: he's seen everything a defense can throw at him. While his mobility is limited, he is getting passes out of his hand in less than 2-1/2 seconds ... remarkable. And unless the Packers defense can figure out a way to disrupt that rhythm and get pressure on him, it might be a long night for the D. Conversely, if the Packers offensive line can protect Love the way they have been — along with creating rushing lanes for Jacobs and Emanuel Wilson — the Pack will be in it to win it.

We're calling this one Packers 30 - Steelers 27.

Go Pack Go!!!

NFL 2025 Week 7: Packers vs. Cardinals Preview & Prediction

Happy Day in the Desert, Packer fans! Yes, we're talking about the Packers visiting the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday. And they aren't the only ones; we will be there, too! We'll do our best to  to bring you all a victory. More on that in a moment.

But first, a look back at last Sunday's game at Lambeau versus the Bengals. Our predicted score: 27-17. The final score? 27-18. We love it when we get it so close! But what made it that close was a Packers defense that couldn't get off the field (remember that roughly 10-minute possession by the Bengals to start the second half?), couldn't get to QB Joe Flacco, the human statue (for the second time in three weeks lest we forget), and couldn't cover Cincinnati's two top wide receivers. What went right for the Packers was that QB Jordan Love had a solid game (despite the redzone interception), RB Josh Jacobs got going in the second half and scored two TDs, rookie WR Matthew Golden had his best game so far in his young career, special teams didn't have any major breakdowns, and that a kicker signed over the weekend to replace the injured Brandon McManus was 100 percent on the money with his field goals and PATs. It was all good enough to put the Pack at 3-1-1 and atop the NFC North. Can you believe it? Yes, lots of work still to do in all phases of the game.

Rookie WR Matthew Golden had his best game so far in the win

vs. the Bengals. He and the Packers look to continue to excel this Sunday

vs. the Cardinals in Phoenix.

(Photo via the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)

And the ongoing lesson, of course, is not to take any team for granted. Especially not the 2-4 Cardinals. Let's take a look at this game in a bit more detail to see why.

The Preview

Let's consider that the Cardinals four losses have been by a combined total of 9 points including several last second losses on field goals and in their last game, a blown penalty non-call on the last play of the game in the end zone that would have given the Cardinals the win. QB Kyler Murray was out for that game and veteran Jacoby Brissett wound up getting the start and throwing for more than 300 yards. It could be argued that the Cardinals are one of the best 2-4 teams in the league. And that should make the Packers nervous whether Murray plays or not.

Now if the Packers play up to their own level of talent — and do so for a full 60 minutes — they should come away with the win. But given that it seems as if the Pack is still trying to figure out who they are...well, as we saw in Cleveland and Dallas, anything can happen.

It looks as if Packers K Brandon McManus will likely not again be available; that wasn't a factor with the on-the-mark replacement in the last game. He also got solid protection from the blocking unit and that will once again be needed to make that part of the game work...which could just be the difference in the game. Word also has it (on Saturday) that RB Josh Jacobs may not be able to go; perhaps a gametime decision. The Pack would miss his impact if he is unable to go, which could alter the outcome.

The Prediction

Thankfully, the stadium in Phoenix is enclosed as the temperature forecast for Sunday is about 90. Yowza. Hopefully, the Packers players will ignore the outdoor temps and focus on turning up the temperature on their opponent inside the stadium. Nothing is a given in this league this season. While the Packers are at the time of this writing 6-1/2 point favorites (down from 7 points earlier in the week), that spread also doesn't seem to give Arizona the credit they are due given the record.

Still, we think the Packers will finally start putting more of their game together than not. If so, we are calling this one Packers 30 - Cardinals 24.

Go Pack Go!!!

P.S. We have been spending the past few days in Arizona. We ran into two busloads of Packers fans — 110 we were told! — wearing all their Packers gear in Sedona, AZ on Friday. On Saturday, we ran into a bunch of individual Packer fans in Jerome, AZ...some of whom said they had also seen the horde of Packers fans in Sedona! Expect a lot of Packer fans at this game. And that may very well be part of the story on Sunday, too. Ya never know.

2025 NFL Week 6 Packers vs. Bengals: Preview & Prediction

A quick review, Packer fans ... Week 4 against the Cowboys in Dallas ... a wholly unsatisfying 40-40 tie (following the loss in Cleveland!) to put the Packers at 2-1-1 going into their Week 5 bye. Oy. A game the Pack was in control of during the first half that got away from them through the issues which also arose in the loss — LOSS! — at Cleveland, namely penalties, bad tackling and abhorrent special teams play that likely once again — as versus the Browns — cost the team the game.

Week 5 ... the bye week. A time when you figured that it might be a time for the Packers to get a bit healthier and regain the mojo they exhibited in the first two games of the season. Well, think again. Because it seems as if the Packers are as snack-bitten as any team early in the season with injuries. Even coming out of the bye week, questions arise in some critical areas. Key among them, at least according to a concerned head coach Matt LaFleur, is a right leg quad issue with kicker Brandon McManus. McManus sounds as if he'll be good to go; LaFleur is not so certain. In fact, the Packers brought in and activated another kicker, Lucas Havrisik, just in case McManus can't go today. In addition, OL Anthony Belton, DL Devonte Wyatt and OL Rasheed Walker all missed some practice this week, with Belton, Wyatt and WR Christian Watson listed as out for the game. Offensive linemen Zach Tom, Aaron Banks and Jacob Monk are all questionable as is DB Nate Hobbs.

Fans may or may not see reliable Packers Kicker Brandon McManus

against the Bengals today.

(Photo via the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)

Amazing. It's a good thing it's a home game today against the Bengals. Although after the debacle in Cleveland, it's clear we can't take any opponent for granted, not even one that just signed (from Cleveland) veteran QB Joe Flacco to try to at least be competitive in the absence of regular starter Joe Burrow.

The Preview

As noted above, the Packers will be seeing QB Joe Flacco for the second time in three weeks today. Signed just this past week to help a reeling Bengals team without their phenom starter Joe Burrow. So, Flacco knows the Pack and the Pack know him. As was the case when he was with the Browns, the Packers need to get pressure on him because he's a statue back there. Flacco had had time to prepare with his receivers in Cleveland and executed quick releases to keep the Packers defense from getting to him; he has not had that amount of time with his Bengals receivers, especially deep threats Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, or the offensive scheme, which will undoubtedly be simplified to put him in the best place to succeed.

Still, the Packers defense has to do what they are capable of doing: getting to the QB, covering downfield and making sure tackles. If the defense does that today, the Packers will emerge with the "W". DE Micah Parsons needs to continue to inspire this entire defense with his own play-making ability to elevate the level of play overall.

One element of the Pack's defense, among others that has been especially lacking so far has been the ability to create turnovers. If memory serves, there has been only a few interceptions through four games and no — zero — fumble recoveries. They need to start generating takeaways.

Now, the trick for the Packers offense, regardless of who is on the offensive line, is opening holes for running backs Josh Jacobs and Emanuel Wilson to set up the passing game for Jordan Love whom they also must protect. The Bengals defense, led by DE Trey Hendrickson, can present problems if the O-line doesn't handle business. The Packers have all the offensive weapons they need to beat any team. Bu they have to execute. And Coach LaFleur has to do a better job in play-calling and time management if push comes to shove (which, if you think about it, is pretty much what the entire game of football is about).

Packers special teams ... oy. They arguably have already lost one game and helped cause the tie in the other. Breakdowns on kick protection are inexcusable. As is lack of production on punt and kick returns, both in terms of coverage as well as returns themselves. Then today, toss in the unknown variable of McManus' availability and the possibility of the kicking team working with an entirely new kicker...the recipe for disaster once again rears its ugly head...not that it needed any help in that regard.

The Prediction

So here we are, Packer fans. Back at Lambeau Field for the first time in a month ... and won't be back at Lambeau for another month ... yes, really. What a weird schedule the league saddled the Packers with.

Anyway, the Packers are favored in this game by a lopsided 14-1/2 points as of the time of this writing. In our point of view, this is never a good thing. Unless you are a betting person, of course, and play the odds one way or another. Still, the oddsmakers are putting the game clearly in the Packers hands. Could they be upset again, as in Cleveland? You bet (pun intended). Could they mismanage the game again as in Dallas and get another tie? Extremely doubtful.

As the identity of this Packers squad is still not clear, and with the questions about player availability and special teams play, we're calling this game Packers 27 - Bengals 17.

Go Pack Go!!!

A Note About Week 7 at Arizona

It's a bit unclear to us at the moment whether we will have our regular Preview & Prediction for next Sunday's game in Phoenix. The reason being that we will actually be at that game, along with a couple of ol' (both literally and figuratively) buddies and wives (you know who you are!). Travels prior to the game may preclude our pondering and prognostication. Just so you know. If we can toss anything out ahead of time, we will. But just in case ... we'll call it now in favor of ... the Packers, of course!  :-)

2025 Week 4: Packers vs. Cowboys Preview & Prediction

OK, first things first, Packer fans: the Packers (and, by extension, yours truly) really laid an egg in Cleveland last weekend. Huge favorites, the Packers offense couldn't get anything going. RB Josh Jacobs couldn't find any running lanes and QB Jordan Love was under frequent pressure from the strident Browns defensive front, led by DE Myles Garrett. Both problems stemmed from the makeshift offensive line; three of the regulars were out ... RT Zach Tom going down one play into the game. The backups were not ready for prime time ... or even game time, for that matter.

As was the case with the first two games, winning efforts both, the Pack's defense played well enough to win; if a team gives up 13 points one expects an offense such as the Packers to score more than that. Apart from the uninspired and mediocre play of the offense, head coach Matt LaFleur's play-calling in this effort didn't put the team in the best position to win either. Odd. And an upset of epic proportions was the result. Embarrassing.

The best we can hope for is that lessons were learned by one and all. In this regard, perhaps former Packers center (12 years, 1973-1984) and longtime broadcaster Larry McCarren said it best in a Packers-Cowboys preview segment on YouTube: (paraphrasing) One of the best motivators for a player is self-redemption in the next game following a poor performance. Many players on that offensive line in particular, as well as Jordan Love, should be motivated to show that they are better than they played in Cleveland. Let's see how that might play out.

Packers DT Devonte Wyatt will be counted on to get after

Cowboys QB Dak Prescott in tonight's game in Dallas.

(Photo via the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)

The Preview

As Packers reporter Pete Dougherty writes in his pregame preview in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "The Packers have big injury issues on their offensive line, though, with Zach Tom (oblique) likely out, Aaron Banks (groin) very possibly out, and backup right tackle Anthony Belton (ankle) shaky to play." So, as noted in the earlier review of last week's game, this was not and is not a good situation for the Packers. But they have had all this week to prepare for it. Because the depth along the line is seriously lacking, the Pack actually elevated an O-lineman from the practice squad...just in case: center Lecitus Smith.

But as Dougherty also notes, he believes the Packers defense will rise to the occasion — especially with Micah Parsons' return to Jerry World — to do enough to hold down a challenged Dallas offense, who lost top WR CeeDee Lamb to injury last week. But they still have WR George Pickens and TE (and former Wisconsin Badger) Jake Ferguson, with Ferguson an early favorite this season for Prescott.

Yes, the buzz around this game has things set up as a revenge game between Parsons and Jerry Jones. No doubt, Parsons will have extra motivation in this game, which will raise the level of play of the entire Packers defense. Perhaps some of that mojo will carry over to the Pack's offense, which would certainly be nice side effect. On the flip side, DT Kenny Clark will similarly want to show his former Packer friends what they gave up by shipping him off to Dallas. There will be a lot of subtexts to this game, obviously.

With WR Jayden Reed out for the foreseeable future, and Christian Watson still not ready for return, this is a game that presents an opportunity for all the young wide receivers and tight ends to have a big day. That will depend on how well the running game goes. And both of those depend on whether the offensive line is able to create running and passing lanes for Jacobs and Love.

Let's hope that Larry McCarren's statement about personal redemption for players noted earlier really is at work tonight. As last week's game showed once again ... "On any given Sunday ...". We don't need two such games in a row ... especially going into the Week 5 bye week for the Pack.

The Prediction

The Packers are coming off a close and demoralizing loss to the Browns in which it could be argued they lost the game rather than Cleveland winning it (recall all the penalties and special teams snafus!), while the 'boys are coming off a blow-out loss to Da Bearz. Which is indicative of the true nature of each team? We think the latter.

That's why we are calling this game Packers 27 - Cowboys 17.

Go Pack Go!!!

2025 Week 3 Packers vs. Browns Preview & Prediction

After an extended layover from the Packers Week 2 win at Lambeau Field versus the Washington Commanders — oh, a winning effort at that to go 2-0! — the Pack have their first of two consecutive road games: Sunday in Cleveland against the 0-2 Browns, with the following game in Dallas.

A quick word about the win against Washington: for their second win in about five days, the Packers replicated a strong defensive performance and again had a balanced offensive attack. The defense had to scheme differently from the Week 1 win against Detroit. In that game, the defense faced an immobile albeit skilled quarterback in Jared Goff and got sufficient pressure on him in DE Micah Parson's limited debut with the Pack. In the game against the Commanders, the defense had to adjust 180 degrees against a young and extremely mobile QB in the form of Jayden Daniels. While the general idea in the first game was to make Goff move, the scheme in the second game was to contain Daniels and keep him from hurting you with his legs. Mission accomplished in both cases.

The Preview

We mention the above because the Packers defense will once again be facing an older immobile quarterback in the person of 40-year-old Joe Flacco. Admittedly, Flacco is still playing because he is a Super Bowl-winning quarterback. Yes, that was in 2013. But he has at this point in his career seen just about everything a defense can throw at him. So, given time, he could potentially do some damage.

But ... can we expect that the Packers defense will not reprise its level of play from the first two games? We don't think so. We think Parsons and the rest of the defense will wreak havoc on the Browns offensive line. Advantage Packers.

Now, let's not forget that arguably the other great defender in the NFL that can wreak roughly the same amount of damage as Parsons is the Browns' own Myles Garrett. The Packers will have to account for Garrett on every play. Like those attempting to defend against Parsons, Garrett will have to be double-teamed ... a lot.

Expect Packers QB Jordan Love to use play action to keep Garrett off-balance as much as possible and to get the ball out quickly on drop backs. It's still a bit unclear who the Packers will start at right tackle Sunday. But whomever it is, they will have their hands full. Let's pray Zach Tom can go.

Packers WR Christian Watson is still a few weeks away from returning to play.

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

Ditto for TE Tucker Kraft who, like Tom, is listed as questionable going into the game. Add him to the still-out Christian Watson and the newly-added-to-the-IR-list Jayden Reed and the possible receivers for Love has taken an early hit. Luckily, the receiving and TE groups are deep. Next man up. Plus add in RB Josh Jacobs and the list of weapons for Love and head coach Matt LaFleur is still better than most teams in the league.

Bottom line: as far as who has the better offense, again, advantage Packers.

The Prediction

The odds at the time of this writing have the Packers winning by 7-1/2 points with the over-under set at 41-1/2 points.

We see this as a game that the Browns could keep close ... for a while ... unless the Packers get up early and keep the pedal to the metal and run away with the game start to finish.

We're calling it Packers 30 - Browns 17.

Go Pack Go!!!

2025 NFL Week 2: Packers vs. Commanders Preview & Prediction

First, let’s state the obvious: the Packers appeared indomitable in their season opener against the Lions. Yay!

Secondly, we wish to apologize for both the brevity and/or the appearance of this particular post. The writer is currently traveling and without access to the usual tools of the trade. Mea culpa.

So…the preview…

The key for the Packers tonight will be containing young phenom QB Jayden Daniels. If the defense can play with the same passion and aggressiveness as they did in the opener, things should go well. A few more days of Micah Parsons integrating into the defensive scheme sure won’t hurt.

Of course we cannot forget the Packers offense. It is loaded with playmakers and can look to replicate its game against Detroit minus the third quarter lull. Even head coach Matt LaFleur noted as much in his post-game comments. He also noted that was partially on him and his play calling. Agreed.

The Prediction…

We’re seeing this as another tough game, but one which should see the Pack notch win number two on the season.

We happened to watch an entire Madden 2025 simulation of this game a few days ago on YouTube. The end score: Packers 27 - Commanders 20. Sounds about right.

Go Packers Go!!!.

2025 NFL Week 1: Packers vs. Lions Preview & Prediction

Here we go, Packer fans...the first game in what some are speculating good very well be a Super Bowl year for the Green 'n' Gold.

While we are all on board with that speculation, we also have to remind ourselves it is the first game. A lot of games left. And a team doesn't win or lose the Super Bowl in this game. Still, it can help get you there. Beating a NFC North Division team today would equal the total wins the Packers had within the division all of last season (sorry for the reminder...eeewwww). And beating Detroit would really be a great thing — especially at Lambeau Field — as the Lions have had the Packers number for a few years running now...not great. Time to change that up. What is the likelihood of that? Let's take a closer, albeit brief, look.

For the first time in more than 2 decades, the Packers drafted a wide

receiver — Matthew Golden — in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft

held in Green Bay. While holding the first round jersey #1 here,

Golden will now be wearing #0 —  the first ever player to wear

that number as a Packer — after wearing #22 during the preseason.

(Photo via Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)

The Preview

Other than the lost of their offensive and defensive coordinators during the offseason (not insignifcant), the Lions coaching staff still has head coach Dan Campbell at the helm. That counts for a great deal as Campbell totally changed the Lions culture when he became head coach. He instilled a smash-mouth approach. Any team playing the Lions better be ready to play a full 60 minutes and match the physicality of Detroit.

The offensive and defensive units retain many of their key players, although the offensive line is a big question mark because of the new folks they have occupying the interior, particularly. Now, QB Jared Goff is a top quarterback...given time in the pocket. He is not mobile. His quarterback rating when under pressure is significantly lower than when given time. He has plenty of weapons, both with his running backs and receivers. So if the Packers don't get frequent pressure on Goff, it could be yet another long day for the Packers defense.

But...this is one of the many reasons the Packers traded for Micah Parsons; they needed to get more pressure on opposing QBs than was the case in recent years. Now, Parsons is not yet in full game shape due to sitting out the preseason and arriving in Green Bay after the trade with a back issue. Still, it would be hard to imagine the Packers sitting Parsons on such a big day. He probably will see a lot of work on third downs, especially. The key to getting to third downs for the Packers defense will be to find a way to replace the traded Kenny Clark in the middle of the D-line so they can stop the run.

Get to Goff, early and often, and the Packers have a great chance to win this game.

As for the Packers, they will need to open some spaces for RB Josh Jacobs so the passing game under QB Jordan Love has a chance to show what it can do. It will be interesting to see what kind of chemistry Love and rookie WR Matthew Golden are able to establish in this and other games going forward. This connection will be a key to the season, we believe. The other question about the receivers, of course, is whether they can actually hang on to the ball; dropped passes were a killer last year. Look for more use of two tight end sets as both Tucker Kraft and a healthy Luke Musgrave can also do damage as receivers, as well as help the running game.

The Prediction

At the time of this writing, the Packers are favored by 1.5 to 2.5 points. The over/under is set at 47.5 to 48.5 points. So, to no one's surprise, it is expected to be a close game. And it could very well be that the team with the ball last wins.

If it comes down to a field goal, we have to like K Brandon McManus who was automatic in training camp and preseason. Special teams typically don't get enough attention especially for the opener, but a play here or there could be the difference. Keep an eye on things here, too.

We're calling it Packers 27 - Lions 24.

Go Pack Go!!!

2025 NFL Season Preview & Prediction

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

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

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

First Quarter

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

Packers go 4-0 through these first games.

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

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

Commanders.

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

Second Quarter

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

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

Third Quarter

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

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

Fourth Quarter (the 5-game section)

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

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

Final Tally

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

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

May it be so.

Go Pack Go!!!

2024 NFL Season Wildcard Weekend: Packers vs. Eagles Preview & Prediction

Before we get into a look at Sunday's Wildcard Playoff game vs. Philadelphia, a brief look at last weekend's game vs. Da Bearz.

We had a prediction of a not-at-all-close win for the Pack. Well, a funny thing happened. Or a not-funny thing, actually. Chicago won. On a last-second field goal. No double-doink here. As my good friend, Billy Da Bearz Fan, texted after the game: "This was my Super Bowl." Yup. The Packers, for the second straight game, came out flat, did not get a fast start, looked disjointed still on offense, and failed to make rookie QB Caleb Williams uncomfortable in the pocket. And when the Packers D needed to get a stop at the end — where we have seen this before? — they couldn't do so, setting up Da Bearz for a game-winning field goal with 2-seconds on the clock. Oh, let's also not forget the entire punt coverage team of the Packers got faked out by a decoy returner — on the opposite side of the field from where the punter told his teammates he would be directing his punt — only to see that punt returned for approximately a 96-yard punt return. You can't make that stuff up. The difference (one of several) leading to the loss. Oy.

Packers QB Jordan Love needs to have a big game today vs. the Eagles for the Packers season to continue.

(Photo via the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)

The Preview

All in all, losing to Da Bearz in the season finale was not the way we hoped the Pack would go into the playoffs. Worse, losing two consecutive games to end the season to finish 11-6 (which, by the way, was exactly where we saw the Pack winding up in our preseason preview) and still not playing a complete game in all three phases of the game, doesn't build confidence looking ahead.

Plus, the Packers lost deep threat WR Christian Watson not only for the playoffs but for a good chunk of next season, as well, after a non-contact injury, torn ACL. QB Jordan Love left the game with an elbow injury on his throwing arm. He's been practicing this week so it is expected that he will be good to go against Philly. Backup QB Malik Willis also injured his throwing hand during the game and lost feeling in his time replacing Love. But he says he's good to go, too. Of course, CB Jaire Alexander is done for the season, as we know all too well. But other players are stepping up, including rookie LB Edgerrin Cooper, from whom the Packers will need a big game today along with the rest of the defense.

While the Packers are obviously one of the top teams in the NFL as evidenced by both their record and playoff spot, they also have been an enigma this season. They have a record that would have won several divisions outright, yet finished third in the strongest division, the NFC North, because they couldn't beat either the Lions or the ViQueens once each let alone twice. They were 11-6, as noted, with 5 of those losses against the Lions and ViQueens (2 each), Da Bearz (once) and ... the Eagles in the opener in Brazil. The combined points on those losses? Not much. They've been in each of those games, just couldn't close them out. Slow starts, dropped balls and missed throws, turnovers, time management. If the Packers hope to come away with the upset win today, they can't have any of those occur, separately much less together.

The Packers will need a balanced attack offensively, relying on RB Josh Jacobs and the offensive line to pound and open up the Eagles defense for Jordan Love and his receivers to move the ball in chunks. The latter will not be easily accomplished as Philly has the number one-rated pass defense. Not ideal. But if the Pack can consistently move the ball and keep QB Jalen Hurts and RB Saquon Barkley on the sidelines than on the playing field, that will increase the Pack's chances for an upset.

Now, a reminder that the Eagles are one of the top teams in the NFC and NFL and rank ahead of the Packers in most statistical categories. Today, the Packers defense will try to contain a rested Barkley, who sat out last week's finale. Fresh legs. Oy. They will also need to get pressure on Hurts, who was removed from the league's concussion protocol on Friday. He did get a practice or two in, but he may be rusty coming into the game today and the Pack needs to take advantage of that and perhaps generate a turnover early, especially.

That's a theme that came through on many pundits previews of this game: the Packers need to get a fast start. Some even noted that the game may very well be determined in the first quarter. Where the Packers have been able to get up early, they usually won; where they have not, the opposite was true.

Going against a team the likes of Philly, the Packers really need to play their best game of the year. Put the stumbles of the last two straight losses behind them and see this as an entirely new season. Be physical. Be fast. Be precise. They need to be the Green Bay Packers team that fans have believed them to be all season. The talent is there in all three phases of the game. Time for the players to put up or head to an early offseason.

The Prediction

Most pundits have the Eagles winning this game. They do have the home field advantage, of course. Philly is a tough place to play so the Pack will be playing not only the Eagles but the Eagles fans, as well. You know, the Philly folks who go to the airport to boo landings, as the great Mr. Baseball, Bob Uecker, is known to say.

Oddsmakers have installed the Eagles as 4-1/2 point favorites at the time of this writing, down from 5-1/2 just a day ago. The over-under, depending on who you may be looking at, has that set at between 45 and 48; have seen both numbers tossed about.

While we are hopeful the Packers will finally put together a complete, four quarters game and pull off the upset, we really haven't seen them yet this season beat a team that's ahead of them in the win-loss record. And in the season finale, they couldn't even beat Da Bearz. So we are not optimistic.

It goes against our Green 'n' Gold-colored instincts to pick against the Packers. But looking at everything ...

We're calling it Eagles 30 - Packers 24. Hope we are wrong. Very wrong.

Go Pack Go!!!

2024 NFL Week 18: Packers vs Bears Preview & Prediction

Here we are,  Packer fans: the final game of the 2024 regular season. (Boy, it went fast, didn't it?!) And this game comes against the Pack's longest-standing rival, Da Bearz! What could be better? OK, OK, perhaps a Chicago team that's actually competitive once again. But let's be careful what we ask for, right?

On Sunday, there is a chance to continue to dominate a currently woeful Chicago franchise. That's always a good thing. Packers head coach Matt LaFleur is 11-0 heading into this match up with the team from south of the (Wisconsin) border. When the game is finished, that personal coaching record will go to 12-0 and take the Pack to 12-5 on the season overall. More on that in a bit.

But first, a quick return to last weekend's loss vs. the Minnesota ViQueens. Turns out, we were spot on with our score prediction, 27-25. How 'bout that? But ... we just had the teams reversed. Dang it!

Yes, the Pack came up short — again — against Minnesota, just as was the case twice versus Detroit this season. And once against the Eagles. Darn it. One of the keys to victory that we noted in our Minnesota preview was getting to QB Sam Darnold so he wouldn't pick apart the Packers defense. Weeeelllll ... that didn't quite happen the way we hoped. And the Packers offense misfired just enough to let the Vikes take the game. That early fumble on the first drive by Josh Jacobs ... how many times do things such as this seem to be an early indicator of how the rest of the game will go? QB Jordan Love was not as sharp as he needed to be, either. Just too much. And a 2-point loss. (Sigh...)

OK, let's get on to this game against Chicago, shall we?

Packers RB Josh Jacobs scoring vs. Da Bearz. While it is hoped that Jacobs doesn't have to play the entire game on Sunday, we do hope to see him once again entering the end zone a time or two on the way to a Packers win.

(Photo by Mark Hoffman/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)

The Preview

The Packers, sitting at 11-5 currently and in third place in the NFC North, have already locked up a wildcard playoff spot. The only things undetermined are whether it will be the sixth or seventh spot and the resulting first round opponent. For Da Bearz, at 4-12 and on a 10-game losing streak after a 4-2 start, they have already locked up last place in the NFC North and a fast trip to the offseason following the conclusion of the game.

While Chicago has some weapons on offense, particularly at wide receiver, their offensive line has been a sieve, leading to rookie QB Caleb Williams not having exactly the kind of season management had hoped for when he was drafted with the number one overall pick. He's been under pressure and sacked a ton. Combine that with coaching firings during the season and one might speculate that Williams will find himself in the same spot a few years down the road as a few other recent high Chicago QB picks that have fallen by the wayside. Much will depend upon who the McCaskey family decides to hand the head coaching job to in the coming season. Fans at Soldier Field during the game vs. Seattle were chanting "Sell the team" ... so ... things there are not good on just about any front.

That's enough space talking about Da Bearz.

As for the Pack, it should be a matter of getting out to a fast start and putting up points early and often. This has been the key to the Packers success this season, and the key to its five losses when they haven't been able to do so. Pro Bowl RB Josh Jacobs will be important in that effort. Given the amount of work he has taken on this season, it will be most helpful if he can hit the bench early and get some rest going into the playoffs. Coach LaFleur has said he's not going to rest any of the starters going into the game. But he obviously would be in favor of giving as much rest to these players as possible and that means having a comfortable lead at some point in the second half.

The Packers will have all their regular offensive weapons on display. WR Christian Watson should be available, too, and TE Luke Musgrave might also see a bit more action than last week where they eased him back into things. There were hints from the coaching staff that they felt Musgrave could finally be one of those receiving threats they had anticipated when drafting him — in addition to all the others — that could really open up the offense even more during the playoffs.

Defensively, the Packers received the news this week that CB Jaire Alexander underwent surgery for the PCL injury that has been bothering him a good portion of the season. With hindsight, instead of trying to get back on the field, someone in the Packers organization should have pulled the plug on him early, put him on IR, made an additional roster spot available, and now would likely have him back for the playoff run. Instead, the earliest he might be available would reportedly be the Super Bowl. Which raises the question, as we have noted before, as to whether Alexander will even be back with the Packers at all next season despite his contract given his limited availability for the past two years in particular. But that decision is down the road.

Besides Alexander, the other inactives for the Pack include linebackers Quay Walker and Zane Anderson, S Evan Williams and OT Andre Dillard.

One big highlight in recent weeks for the Packers has been the emergence of LB Edgerrin Cooper. Expect more good things ahead from "Super Cooper". He should have a big day versus Da Bearz.

Now, Seattle had a field day last weekend vs. Chicago, getting to Williams with their blitz schemes. Still, they only won in a snorer, 6-3. The Packers do not and will not blitz anywhere near as much as the Seahawks so they will need to get pressure on Williams with their front four and occasional blitz packages. They can and must do so.

The Prediction

At the time of this writing, the Packers are favored by 10 points. Surprised it isn't more than that. This is a game the Packers should — and will — win. Even with the noon CT kickoff weather conditions in Green Bay those of a typical early January affair, i.e., about 17 degrees at game time and with blustery winds of up to perhaps 23 mph, there is no snow in the forecast at the time of this writing. So the game should favor the running attack and short to medium range passes. Both of which, along with the defensive play, favors the Packers. But, as noted earlier, the Pack need to get up early on Da Bearz. Don't let them hang around. Put them away and don't let up.

We're calling this one Packers 34 - Da Bearz 10.

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 15: Packers vs. Seahawks Preview & Prediction

Before getting into a look at tonight's game in Seattle, a quick reflection on the Week 14 Thursday night game in Detroit: dang it!

Admittedly, it was a great game to watch, for sure, between two of the NFL's heavyweights. It definitely had the feel of a "Whoever has the ball last..." type game, didn't it? And that's how it went. Close. But the "W", regrettably, went to the Lions. They just keep finding ways to win...a mark of a very good team. Kudos to them. We would note, however, that we were nearly spot on on our final score prediction, albeit with the teams reversed. Again, close. But not good enough.

Anyway, the Packers have had an extended mini-bye to prepare for this road game against the Seahawks. Let's have a closer look.

A blast from the past: The "Fail Mary" at the end of the Packers-Seahawks game on Sept. 24, 2012.* Note the contradictory signs from the two officials standing right on top of the play. For more details, please see the notes following the Prediction section of this post.

(Photo by Rick Wood / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)

The Preview

Seattle has been the site of some horrible memories for the Packers and their fans over the years (see above photo and related notes below for just one such occasion). The stadium is one of the loudest in football, the fans are rabid, and, for whatever reason, Seattle has at times seemed to be a black hole for Packers' Super Bowl aspirations. Hopefully, not tonight.

But the Seahawks are coming in on a roll having won their last four games and sit atop, barely, the rather so-so NFC West at 8-5. QB Geno Smith has been a successful reclamation project with an excellent running game to support him and some outstanding receivers to which to throw. But, Seattle's top back — Kenneth Walker III — is listed as doubtful for this game, which would certainly be to the Packers advantage. He did not practice all week after sitting out Seattle's win at Arizona with a calf injury. If Walker doesn't play, second-year player Zach Charbonnet, coming off his best game, will get the start. And like every team at this point in the season, the Seahawks have some other players with various injuries, but Walker is the biggest name to keep an eye on at game time.

Seattle's defense? More than capable. What more to say?

For the Packers, the team will yet once again be without CB Jaire Alexander who, after practicing fully on Wednesday and Thursday did not practice on Friday. A theme for the season in regard to Alexander. TE Luke Musgrave will also once again not be on the field. S Javon Bullard is also listed as out. The good news is that WR Romeo Doubs has cleared concussion protocol and will be available, giving QB Jordan Love another one of his favorite receivers.

As has been the case throughout the season, especially as head coach Matt LaFleur has been able to see what he's got offensively, and after Love is now seemingly fully recovered from his early-season lower body injuries, the Packers will need to run first and throw second. They will need to get RB Josh Jacobs going early and often to allow Love to exploit the air game with his plethora of more-than-capable receivers, including TE Tucker Kraft, of course.

We also assume that the Packers are able to get some pressure on Smith tonight. QB pressure has been hit or miss for the Packers defense all season and it's about time that things get more consistent. We think you'll agree. Case in point: Smith completed 80% of his passes in his last game against the Cardinals, if memory serves (and if not, sorry). Given time, Smith, as the season has gone on, can be as good as anyone. The Pack can't let him sit back in the pocket and nickel-and-dime things down the field.

And some way, somehow, the Packers need to do a far better job getting coverage over the middle than they have done in recent weeks. That element of the pass defense has been abysmal, let's be honest. Yes, missing Alexander has been a part of that. But someone — anyone! — needs to step up...either on the defensive line to generate pressure or over the middle to upset routes and not let receivers run wide open. Aaargghhh! 

Combine what we expect to be another solid offensive game plan from LaFleur with a hopefully amped up Packers pass rush and this all works toward bringing a "W" back to Green Bay on the red eye flight tonight.

The Prediction

It seem as if we may have tipped our hand in the preceding sentence. Ah, well. The Packers are favored by 2-1/2 points at the time of this writing. The over-under is currently set at 46-1/2 points.

This is one of those games which could go either way...but not in the same sense as we felt about the last game vs. Detroit. This is a game where the Seahawks are playing for their playoff lives at home and to stay atop their division. The Packers are playing for playoff seeding position, currently sitting at the sixth seed. Picking up a win here, with the Saints coming to Green Bay next weekend, followed by a trip to take on the ViQueens, and finally closing out the regular season at home against Da Bearz, would put the Pack in very good stead for the playoff scenario and, dare we say, perhaps with a 12-5 record. (We should note that in our preseason preview and prediction, we had the Packers at 8-5 at this stage of this season, so the actual current record of 9-4 allows a bit of a margin of error...although we hope it's not needed!)

We're calling this game Packers 34 - Seahawks 24.

Go Pack Go!!!

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* Notes on the "Fail Mary" game referenced in the earlier photo, courtesy of Wikipedia...

"The Fail Mary, also known as the Inaccurate Reception or the Intertouchdownception, was a play in the National Football League (NFL) game played between the Green Bay Packers and Seattle Seahawks on September 24, 2012, at CenturyLink Field in Seattle, Washington. In a nationally televised game on ESPN's Monday Night Football, the Seahawks defeated the Packers, 14–12, in controversial fashion.

On the final play of the tightly contested game, Seattle rookie quarterback Russell Wilson threw a Hail Mary pass into the end zone intended for wide receiver Golden Tate. Both Tate and Packers defender M.D. Jennings got their hands on the ball while both players were still in the air and attempting to gain possession. The two officials near the play initially gave separate signals of touchdown and touchback, before ruling the players had simultaneous possession, resulting in a Seahawks game-winning touchdown. Prior to the catch, Tate shoved Packers cornerback Sam Shields with both hands, which the NFL later acknowledged should have drawn an offensive pass interference penalty that would have negated the touchdown and resulted in a Packers victory. The lack of a pass interference penalty and the ruling of a touchdown via simultaneous catch were widely questioned in the aftermath of the game, drawing comments from the game's announcers, NFL players, and the media. The NFL subsequently released a statement defending the touchdown ruling, while conceding that offensive pass interference did occur, which would have resulted in a Packers win.

The controversial ending followed weeks of criticism regarding the quality of officiating by replacement officials employed by the NFL during the 2012 NFL referee lockout. Two days after the game, the NFL and the NFL Referees Association (NFLRA) announced that they had reached an agreement to end the lockout. NFL commissioner Roger Goodell acknowledged that the negative attention the game drew to the referee situation was an impetus for ending the labor dispute."

2024 NFL Week 14: Packers vs. Lions Preview & Prediction

Happy football Thursday once again, Packer fans! Yes, a bit of an oddity to be doing back-to-back Thursday game previews and predictions (last time was 2015). But here we are. Last week was the Thanksgiving evening game, of course, at Lambeau Field vs. the Miami Dolphins. Seems so long ago now, doesn't it? It was a great way to cap off our Turkey Day (plus whomping the Sunday before our heretofore kryptonite by the largest margin ever in the long-standing series against the Niners: 28 points! Holy California roll, Batman!) The post-game six-legged turducken feast, prepared by none other than Packers and NFL Hall of Famer, LeRoy Butler, was presented to QB Jordan Love, RB Josh Jacobs, and LB Isaiah McDuffie. Love received 2 of the legs as Butler reminded the viewing audience that Love was inexplicably stiffed on that front after last year's win at Detroit. It was a beautiful moment, indeed.

Anyway, and not coincidentally, the Packers find themselves back in Detroit tonight to play the Lions at Ford Field. Which leads us to our preview. Let's begin ...

The 2024 Packers will need to replicate the power and passion of the 1964 Green Bay team, epitomized by FB Jim Taylor (airborne!) and QB Bart Starr shown here against the Lions, in order to bring a win over the Lions back to Green Bay tonight.

(Photo via Milwaukee Journal Sentinel archive)

The Preview

In terms of a broad overview, the 9-3 Packers are ascending, the 11-1 Lions — despite the record — seem to be descending a bit. That's a qualified "descending", by the way, in case anyone misunderstands. As the saying goes, sometimes it's not who you play, it's when you play them. For the Packers, they are catching the Lions at the best possible time from their perspective: Detroit is banged up and missing starters, particularly on defense. That's the "descending" part right now. 

Detroit's offense — the highest scoring offense in the league — is mostly in tact ... and must be accounted for, particularly their running backs and receivers. If the Packers defense allow Detroit's running game to take charge, it will likely be a long night. QB Jared Goff is having another great season, and he has great receivers to throw to. When given protection, he is one of the best pocket-passers in the league today. But rattle him and get him out of the pocket, advantage Packers ... that has to be part of the Pack's defensive objectives for this game. Summing up: contain Detroit's running game, cover the receivers (especially over the middle, a-hem), and get pressure on Goff.

The Packers come in probably as healthy as they have been all season, albeit with CB Jaire Alexander (knee), WR Romeo Doubs (concussion), LB Edgerrin Cooper (hamstring), and CB Corey Ballentine (knee) all ruled out for tonight's game. The Packers have seemingly been playing more games without Alexander this season than with him, so the defense has been able to adapt. Better with him than without him, but availability is what it is. And no doubt head coach Matt LaFleur would prefer to be able to game plan with Doubs available in the passing game, but ... not. Thankfully, the Pack's corps of wide receivers is not only deep but good.

The key for the Pack's offense, as it has been increasingly as the season has progressed, is the success of the running game, particularly having RB Josh Jacobs dominate. If he's able to do what he's done over several weeks — say, carrying the ball 20-25 times and rushing for 100 yards or more — that will go a long way to seeing the Pack come away on top tonight. QB Jordan Love will also need time to find his receivers or make quick decisions and take off with the ball if pressured; better the latter than trying to force a throw and generate a turnover. Having no turnovers tonight, and getting a takeaway or two by the defense or special teams, can help secure the win.

The question for the Packers, as it has been most of the season, is what defense will show up tonight. The D has been playing really well, of late, and that trend has to continue tonight. Now, it's well known that Detroit is a physical team. The Packers will need to match that physicality on both sides of the ball. Let Detroit get rolling and it's then probably going to be a shootout type game ... perhaps even one of those last possession type games.

The Prediction

The Lions are 3-1/2 point favorites at the time of this writing with the over-under currently sitting at 51-1/2 points; so the oddsmakers are looking for a lot of offense tonight. The Packers lost the first outing at Lambeau Field, but they are now a more complete team than they were then. The game is indoors, so weather is not a factor. The Lions are wounded, the Packers relatively healthy. The Packers need this win to stay in the hunt for the NFC North title and are looking for revenge for that earlier loss.

It's not who you play, it's when you play them. Yup.

We're calling this game Packers 34 - Lions 30.

Go Pack Go!!!

2024 NFL Week 13: Packers vs. Dolphins Thanksgiving Day Preview & Prediction

Happy Thanksgiving, Packer fans! Yes, we have much to be thankful for this day. And always. For starters, we have our breath. That's huge, right? After that, family, friends, being fans (and perhaps being owner-shareholders) of the most legendary franchise in the NFL: our Green Bay Packers. Amen.

Looking back to just a few days ago, we can also be thankful that the Pack finally did to the 49ers what the Niners have typically done to the Packers: beat them. And they did so in style, winning 38-10, with the largest margin of victory — 28 points! — in the long history of the match-up. Yay!

The Pack rode RB Josh Jacobs and his three TDs to the victory ... which may have even been put away before halftime had WR Christian Watson not dropped a 50+-yard surefire TD pass from QB Jordan Love. Watson! Frustrating. He can make some extraordinary catches, flashing inherent talent as he did the week prior against Da Bearz. And then he has these inexcusable drops. Still, among the remarkable receivers on this Packers squad, he remains really the only one that can stretch the field as quickly as he does. So have to keep going to him. No surprise there. Anyway ...

Packers QB Jordan Love launches a long ball in the game last Sunday vs. the 49ers. Can we expect a few more long balls tonight vs. the Dolphins? Stay tuned ...

(Photo via the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)

The Preview

As a result of the win this past Sunday, the Packers are now 8-3 going into this evening's Turkey Day game vs. the 5-6 Miami Dolphins at a reasonably cold (by Wisconsin standards ... or extremely cold by Miami standards) Lambeau Field. Which, in most divisions in the NFL would put the Pack in first place. But this season, the Pack still finds themselves behind the Lions and the ViQueens in the NFC North. Just have to keep on winning and the rest will take care of itself, i.e., playoff seeding. More on that as the season moves along to its final six games.

As for tonight's game, the temperature will be about 26 degrees at kickoff. Miami is 0-12, including playoffs, when the temperature is below 40 degrees. That should obviously play in the Packers favor. But as a few pundits have pointed out, that would typically be the case ... except for the fact that the Dolphins have a hot young QB by the name of Tua Tagovailoa. After yet again returning following what seems like his 100th concussion, Miami has gone 3-2, winning their last three games. On Sunday vs. the Patriots, Tua was 29 for 40 for 317 yards including four touchdowns; he was named AFC Offensive Player of the Week for his performance.

Tua has averaged between 28 and 40 pass attempts in each of his games back. Yeah, he wants to throw the ball. A lot. Will the cold affect his passing? Have to wait to see. Believe we saw somewhere that his hand size is actually pretty close to that of Aaron Rodgers which, if the case, means he should not have a problem hanging on to the ball. Although, as most cold-weather folks know, below-freezing cold can make the ol' pigskin slick. And if one is not used to that there can be issues both throwing and hanging on to the ball.

Of course, another reason he likes to throw a lot is that he has great targets to throw to: Odell Beckham Jr., Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle and Malik Washington. Miami is averaging 29 points per game with Tua at QB; the Packers are averaging 26.2 points this season.

Both teams will be missing a few key pieces. For the Dolphins, they will be without CB Kendall Fuller and LB Anthony Walker Jr. The Packers, unfortunately, will be without CB Jaire Alexander (once again), LB Edgerrin Cooper and WR Romeo Doubs. The Packers seem to know how to cover these gaps.

This will be an interesting game to see how the Packers attack the Miami defense and how the Green Bay defense defends against a dangerous passing QB. Can the Pack generate a consistent pass rush? (Tua doesn't run often, so getting to him in the pocket will be key to a win.) Can the defense cover some very good receivers on what projects to be a slick field at times? Can they get some takeaways on this cold evening? With a so-so rushing attack, can Miami do enough to keep the Packers defense guessing? Many questions, with the answers to play out soon.

The Prediction

This is a game that should go the Packers way: at home, on a cold evening, with most of the team's weapons on hand and both the offense and defense seemingly starting to click and play complementary football. But as we have seen all season long — and not just watching the Packers — there really are very few gimmee type games in the NFL this season.

The Packers are favored by 3-1/2 points at the time of this writing, with the over-under set at 47-1/2. Most pundits are seen the game as a close one and going with the "under".

We see the Packers winning this one. They dominated a beat-up San Francisco team four days ago. While not exactly facing the same swarm of injuries as the Niners, we are hoping the conditions tonight play out in the Packers favor and against Miami as has historically been the case.

We're calling it Packers 31 - Dolphins 20.

GO PACK GO!!!

Gobble gobble ....