The Green Bay Packers (7-2) have a difficult road test on Sunday against the AFC South-leading Indianapolis Colts (6-3) at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Here’s how the staff at Packers Wire believes the Week 11 matchup with the Colts will go down:
Zach Kruse (5-4): Colts 23, Packers 21
I’ve waffled on this pick all week, mostly because the Packers have played well indoors, the Colts offense isn’t all that threatening and there’s a chance the Colts defense could be a tinge overrated at this point. Still, this is the type of matchup the Packers have really struggled with in the LaFleur era. The Colts are well-rounded and physical, with a bunch of good players along the line of scrimmage on both sides of the football, a smart, veteran quarterback, fast, three-down linebackers, a strong secondary that limits big plays and game-changing special teams. This is a big test for LaFleur and the Packers. Can they match the Colts in the trenches, keep Rivers guessing and score enough points to win? The guess here is that the Packers can’t do all three, and they end up losing their first game by three or fewer points since hiring LaFleur in 2019.
Jack Wepfer (6-3): Colts 24, Packers 21
I’m not digging the matchup for the Packers. Philip Rivers hasn’t looked great for Indy based on what I’ve watched this year, but it was only a year ago when he dismantled the Packers defense. I’m also worried the Packers will be able to do enough to contain the run. On top of that, the Colts one feature of the NFL’s best defenses, complete with an elite second-level defender in Darius Leonard. If the Colts can neutralize Aaron Jones, it could be a long day for Green Bag.
Marty Kauffman (7-2): Packers 27, Colts 21
The Packers enter as underdogs but they are going in potentially gaining three key players. Jaire Alexander and Kevin King return in the secondary and wideout Allen Lazard could potentially return for the first time since September. I believe playing indoors on turf will provide a boost to the Packers offense that we haven’t seen in the previous two home games where they struggled to keep a rhythm. If the defense can force a turnover or two, Green Bay should pull out the road win
Anthony Nash (7-2): Packers 24, Colts 17
After coming out slow and barely surviving against an awful Jacksonville Jaguars team, the Packers will need to be much more energetic against a Colts team that boasts one of the best defenses in the league, and some of the best running backs to boot. Thankfully, Green Bay should be getting some key pieces back in Jaire Alexander and Kevin King, and the defense has been playing well enough that they might be able to slow down Philip Rivers. If the Packers want to win this, though, they’ll need to be sharp on offense and be willing to take some shots against the Colts defense.
Nolan Stracke (8-1): Colts 30, Packers 26
The Colts are arguably the best team the Packers have faced since their loss in Tampa. Indianapolis is much more balanced than the Packers as they are formidable on both sides of the ball. The Colt’s gameplan will revolve around feeding the ball to rookie Jonathan Taylor while keeping Aaron Rodgers off the field for long periods of time. When he’s on the field, Matt Eberflus will likely use looks that the Buccanneers and Vikings used to stymie the offense. Linebacker Darius Leonard has already made that a goal for this week. The pressure will be on the Packers’ defense to do some heavy lifting, and they haven’t shown they can do that on a consistent basis. I don’t have a hard time seeing the Colts imposing their will over Mike Pettine’s group and ultimately winning this game.
Joe Kipp (7-2): Colts 27, Packers 20
This Colts defense might be the best unit the Packers will face all season. Indy ranks first in the NFL in both yards allowed per game (290.4) and average opponent passer rating (78.9). Meanwhile, Green Bay’s defense has shown to be porous against the run, allowing 4.6 yards per carry this season. The Colts’ game plan will be to pound the rock and get the ball out of Philip Rivers’ hands as fast as possible to mitigate the Packers’ pass-rush. Packers lose by a touchdown to fall to 7-3.
Grant Matheny (6-3): Colts 24, Packers 20
I think that Green Bay will drop this one 24-20. This Colts defense is the real deal and we all know how the Packers run defense struggles. I believe that the Colts will be able to come up with some big plays on both sides of the ball. Philip Rivers plays well enough for Indy to sneak out the hard-fought victory.
Brandon Carwile (3-2): Packers 20, Colts 17
The Packers will be at near full strength for the first time since the beginning of the season. Jaire Alexander and Kevin King will be back, and Allen Lazard was recently activated off of injured reserve. Having Davante Adams will be huge as well after missing a couple practices. However, there’s a reason Indianapolis is favored, they are a well-rounded team and well-coached. Philip Rivers gives the Packers defense fits and their backfield consists of three viable weapons. Pair that with the number one defense in the league and the Colts are a true test. Green Bay needs a signature win and they squeak this one out with a late field goal from Mason Crosby.
| Writer | Prediction | Score | Record |
| Zach Kruse | Loss | 23-21 | 5-4 |
| Jack Wepfer | Loss | 24-21 | 6-3 |
| Marty Kauffman | Win | 27-21 | 7-2 |
| Anthony Nash | Win | 24-17 | 7-2 |
| Nolan Stracke | Loss | 30-26 | 8-1 |
| Joe Kipp | Loss | 27-20 | 7-2 |
| Grant Matheny | Loss | 24-20 | 6-3 |
| Brandon Carwile | Win | 20-17 | 3-2 |
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