The Green Bay Packers (10-3) will welcome the Carolina Panthers (4-9) to Lambeau Field for a rare Saturday night primetime matchup.
Here’s how the staff at Packers Wire believes the Week 15 matchup with the Panthers will go down:
Zach Kruse (9-4): Packers 34, Panthers 23
There’s a lot to like about Carolina’s receiver group, and Teddy Bridgewater has played well in some big games this season. Also, the Panthers have lost six games by a touchdown or less, so this is a competitive football team. Unfortunately for Matt Rhule’s team, the Packers are rolling, and there’s little reason to believe Carolina has the horses on defense to slow Aaron Rodgers and the top scoring offense. Like so many previous weeks, the Packers’ opponent will likely score, but not nearly enough. The guess here is that the Packers go over 30 points for the fifth straight week and win a December game at Lambeau Field comfortably.
Jack Wepfer (10-3): Packers 31, Panthers 21
31-21, to me, seems the 2020 version of the old reliable 21–17 guesstimate. The Packers just seem to find a way to get to that 30-point mark. Carolina has some players on their roster, but they’re missing their most explosive offensive weapon. Additionally, they boast a decent but limited roster. Teddy Bridgewater, true to his name, is likely Carolina’s bridge quarterback as the team decides on a long-term direction. He’s reliable and makes few mistakes, but he’s unlikely to light it up. His high floor and low ceiling suggest the Packers won’t have a walk in the park, but they defense should be strong enough to keep the game in control through four quarters.
Marty Kauffman (10-3): Packers 34, Panthers 21
As most of the season I expect the Packers offense to put up 30 plus points, while the defense will give up some scores but make the necessary stops in the end to clinch the win. Aaron Rodgers will continue to play at an MVP level and in December, he and the Packers offense could feast on the young Panthers defense in the cold.
Anthony Nash (10-3): Packers 31, Panthers 27
Despite the Packers likely coming into this game as big favorites, the fact that Green Bay hasn’t been able to stop the run for most of the season means that Carolina has a chance to do some damage. If the Packers can limit Mike Davis (or Christian McCaffrey) then they’ll be in a great spot to come away with a win, so it should be a major priority heading into the game. On the offensive side, the Packers should be able to put up points, and with Aaron Jones having a lackluster game against Detroit, look for him to bounce back.
Nolan Stracke (12-1): Packers 31, Panthers 20
The Panthers are running into the Packers at the wrong time this season: three-game winning streak, clicking offense, and December weather at Lambeau Field. It’s looking like Carolina will be without some key starters, including running back Christian McCaffrey. It’d take a Christmas miracle for the Panthers to pull off a win on Saturday night. Let’s just hope the Packers can keep their foot on the gas after securing the NFC North last week in Detroit.
Joe Kipp (11-2): Packers 35, Panthers 21
The Packers have been a lock for 30+ points all season, averaging the most points per game (31.5) across the NFL. Not much should change here against a suspect Panthers defense that ranks 20th in points allowed. Green Bay’s offense alone should carry them in this game. Aaron Rodgers said earlier this week that winning his third MVP would “mean a lot.” You can bet that he’s going to be motivated to show he’s worthy of the award. Expect another masterful performance from Rodgers and the offense, which should outpace the Carolina offense when it’s all said and done.
Brandon Carwile (6-3): Packers 27, Panthers 16
The only chance Carolina has is to run the ball right at this Green Bay defense. The Panthers won’t have Christian McCaffrey this week, so it will be up to Mike Davis. Davis is a having a great season as far as backups are concerned. If that’s the case, the Packers really need better play out of their linebackers this week. Teddy Bridgewater is super efficient and will look to pick on whoever gives him the best matchup. On offense, Aaron Jones and Jamaal Williams both had strong games against Carolina last year, but their run defense is a lot better. With Aaron Rodgers gunning for his third MVP and his only other Saturday game was a 347-yard, four touchdown performance, I see Green Bay winning this one by double digits.
| Writer | Prediction | Score | Record |
| Zach Kruse | Win | 34-23 | 9-4 |
| Jack Wepfer | Win | 31-21 | 10-3 |
| Marty Kauffman | Win | 34-21 | 10-3 |
| Anthony Nash | Win | 31-27 | 10-3 |
| Nolan Stracke | Win | 31-20 | 12-1 |
| Joe Kipp | Win | 35-21 | 11-2 |
| Brandon Carwile | Win | 27-16 | 6-3 |
[listicle id=54088]