Tag: 5 things to watch

Packers vs. Bears: 5 things to watch and a prediction for Week 11

Five things to watch and a prediction for the Packers’ Week 11 showdown with the Bears.

The Green Bay Packers (6-3) are making the short trip south to Chicago to take on the Bears (4-5) coming out of the bye on Sunday at Soldier Field.

The Packers have won 10 straight games in the series and are preparing to play a Bears team that has lost three straight games after a 4-2 start. Can the Packers continue the win streak and keep the Bears reeling?

Here are five things to watch and a prediction for Week 11:

First-year vs. first overall

Sunday will be the first of potentially many matchups between Packers defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley and Bears quarterback Caleb Williams. The rookie has struggled over the last month and is now dealing with a mid-week playcaller change. Can Hafley find ways of disrupting Williams — an improvisor who is struggling to find completions and running himself into sacks — or will the first overall pick embrace the move away from Shane Waldron and show signs of life in his first taste of the Packers-Bears rivalry? Don’t be surprised if Hafley sends athletic linebackers Quay Walker and Edgerrin Cooper after Williams in obvious passing situations.

Red zone spotlight

The Packers spent the bye week trying to figure out what has gone wrong in the red zone. Their first test coming out of the bye? The Bears’ No. 1 ranked red zone defense. Chicago has allowed only 10 red-zone touchdowns this season. It will be interesting to see if Jordan Love — who was a full participant at practice this week — can move around better and create a big moment or two in the red zone this week. Extending plays inside the 20 is usually important for creating touchdowns in condensed areas. The Packers must avoid the self-inflicted errors — think penalties and drops — in the red zone on Sunday.

Protecting the football

Much has been made of Jordan Love’s 10 interceptions in seven starts before the bye. It’s a multi-faceted problem, but one that needs to be corrected over the second half of the season. The Bears — with eight interceptions and 16 total takeaways this season — should provide a decent test of Love’s ability to protect the football. And he needs to pass the test for the Packers to get out of Soldier Field with a win — all four of Chicago’s victories this season came when the defense produced at least two takeaways. Playing a clean game has to be one of the keys to victory for LaFleur’s team on Sunday.

Run game vs. Bears front

The Bears will be without massive run-stuffing defensive tackle Andrew Billings, and edge rusher Montez Sweat is dealing with an ankle injury. Teams are averaging 4.8 yards per rush against the Bears defense this season, so expect to see Matt LaFleur throw the kitchen sink at Chicago in the run game on Sunday. While Jordan Love caught fire down the stretch last season, don’t forget how important the run game was to the offense’s hot streak. In the season finale win over the Bears in January, Aaron Jones rushed for 111 yards This could be a heavy Josh Jacobs game on Sunday.

Passing game

The easiest way for the Packers to go from good to great down the stretch is improvement in the passing game. Will Jordan Love be more accurate and more mobile with knee and groin injuries behind him? Will the Packers start catching passes at a higher percentage? Can the play-action passing game take off? Can Dontayvion Wicks rebound and become a reliable weapon again? Will Christian Watson get more involved? Little improvements in all these areas would create the type of big progression that could turn the Packers into a powerhouse. The first chance for on-field progression coming out of the bye is Sunday.

Prediction: Packers 22, Bears 13 (4-5)

Like the past 10 games in this series, I’m going with the Packers to win straight up and cover the spread. Matt LaFleur’s team has the look of a contender and is mostly healthy coming out of the bye, while the Bears are making big, desperate changes to revive what could be a dead first season under a rookie quarterback. This is a game the Packers need to take control of early and finish off late. I won’t be surprised if it’s a grind, considering the strength of the Bears passing and red zone defense, but the Packers should be able to run the football and pressure the rookie quarterback into a few sacks or mistakes. The guess here is the Packers move the ball consistently but have to settle for a few short field goals, keeping the Bears in the game. And it wouldn’t be a Packers-Bears game if a late interception didn’t seal the deal.

Packers vs. Jaguars: 5 things to watch and a prediction for Week 8

Five things to watch and a prediction for the Packers’ Week 8 showdown with the Jaguars.

The Green Bay Packers (5-2) will attempt to run the win streak to four games when Matt LaFleur’s team takes on the Jacksonville Jaguars (2-5) on Sunday at EverBank Stadium.

The Jaguars have won two of the last three games and are returning home after a two-week stay in London. Leading a talented but inconsistent offense is quarterback Trevor Lawrence, the first overall pick in the 2021 draft. Leading a talented but drastically underperforming defense are top picks Travon Walker and Josh Hines-Allen.

Can the Packers go down to Florida and get a road win after an emotional home win last week?

Here are five things to watch and a prediction for Week 8:

Former Packers

Expect to see a couple of former Packers draft picks on the field for Jacksonville. Tight end Josiah Deguara rarely plays on offense but is a core special teamer, while defensive back Darnell Savage has played both deep safety and in the slot for Jacksonville’s secondary. The Jaguars also have offensive lineman Cole Van Lanen, another Packers draft pick, on the roster. Sunday will be a reunion for a few Packers specialists, too. Long snapper Matt Orzech (2019) and Brandon McManus (2023) both previously played for the Jaguars. Of course, Jaguars head coach Doug Pederson was a long-time backup behind Brett Favre in Green Bay.

Follow up performance

Last week, the Packers defense smothered C.J. Stroud, one of the NFL’s top young quarterbacks. Does Jeff Hafley’s group have an encore in store for Trevor Lawrence? A devastating pass rush combined with coverage downfield to hold Stroud — who was without Nico Collins — to only 86 passing yards. The challenge might be more difficult against a healthy Jaguars offense featuring impressive rookie Brian Thomas Jr. and several veteran weapons. The Packers defense continues to ascend, and no one in Green Bay wants to see a letdown performance. Protecting against the deep ball will be important.

Interception spotlight

Much has been made about Jordan Love’s eight interceptions. Some have been bad luck. Others have been the result of over-aggressiveness. Sunday’s trip to Jacksonville is an interesting matchup of an aggressive quarterback against a struggling defense that has just one pick all season. Opposing quarterbacks have thrown 16 touchdown passes and are averaging 8.0 yards per attempt against the Jaguars this season. Can Love take advantage against one of the NFL’s worst passing defenses?

Pass protection conundrum

The Jaguars have two talented edge rushers in Travon Walker and Josh Hines-Allen, which has led defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen to be blitz-avoidant this season. The Jaguars rank last in blitz percentage, but there’s a problem: Jacksonville is also pressuring quarterbacks at a below average rate. Will Nielsen send extra rushers against Jordan Love, who has struggled against the blitz at times this season? Regardless of blitz rate, Sunday’s matchup is another good test for offensive tackles Rasheed Walker and Zach Tom. The Packers also listed center Josh Myers as questionable to play with a wrist injury, so a shuffle could be coming up front.

Another RB test

The Packers have allowed 90 or more rushing yards to Saquon Barkley (109 yards), Jonathan Taylor (103), Aaron Jones (93), Kyren Williams (102) and Joe Mixon (115) during the first seven weeks. It’s been a gauntlet of running backs facing the Packers, and Sunday brings another big test in the form of Tank Bigsby, who rushed for 126 yards last week and is averaging 6.1 yards per carry this season. He’s been a tackle-breaking machine in 2024. The Packers might not have Quay Walker, who is working through the concussion protocol. Can the Packers keep Bigsby from controlling the game on the ground? Mixon nearly willed the Texans’ struggling offense to a win last week in Green Bay.

Prediction: Packers 30, Jaguars 20 (3-4)

In many ways, the Jaguars look more talented on paper than the AFC South-leading Texans, especially considering all the injuries Houston was dealing with during the trip to Green Bay last week. The Packers say they aren’t taking this trip to Jacksonville lightly, but they have to prove it Sunday. This is an important test for a young but maturing team — can you go on the road and take care of business against what appears to be an inferior opponent, especially after an emotional home win last Sunday? Games against the Giants and Panthers late last year were disappointing but also immature performances. The difference in 2024? Jeff Hafley’s aggressive style on defense, and the blossoming confidence of Jordan Love and the offense. I think the Packers show why they are a different level of contender with a commanding performance on the road.

Packers vs. Texans: 5 things to watch and a prediction for Week 7

Five things to watch and a prediction for the Packers’ Week 7 showdown with the Texans.

Lambeau Field will be the setting for Sunday’s highly anticipated showdown between the Green Bay Packers (4-2) and Houston Texans (5-1). The two trendy Super Bowl picks entering the 2024 season are hitting cruising altitude — the Packers have won back-to-back games, while the AFC South-leading Texans are riding a three-game win streak.

Can Matt LaFleur’s team score a signature early season win against one of the ascending AFC teams?

Here are five things to watch and a prediction for Week 7:

Another new kicker

After six weeks of the Brayden Narveson experiment, the Packers pulled the plug. But instead of rolling the dice with another rookie at kicker, the Packers brought aboard veteran Brandon McManus, who brings 10 years of kicking experience to Green Bay. Both general manager Brian Gutekunst and special teams coordinator Rich Bisaccia like that McManus has been “through the fire” as a kicker, both in terms of pressure kicks and kicks in various climates. McManus will get his first chance to kick for the Packers on Sunday in a big-time game against the Texans. While only an 81.8 percent kicker for his career, McManus has been excellent from inside 50 yards. Everyone in Green Bay is hoping he can stop the kicking carousel for at least the rest of the 2024 season.

Big-time battle on the edges

Keep a close eye on the edges of the offensive line when the Packers have the football because a battle will play out that could decide the contest. Ascending pass-blockers Rasheed Walker and Zach Tom will face their biggest test of the season in Will Anderson Jr. (third overall pick in 2023) and Danielle Hunter (four-time Pro Bowler). The edge rusher duo has 50 total pressures. The Texans need Anderson and Hunter to be game-wreckers because the backend of the defense is going to be missing four of more starters, including two linebackers (Azeez Al-Shaair, Henry To’oTo’o) and two players in the secondary (safety Jimmie Ward, cornerback Kamari Lassiter). If Walker and Tom keep the pair blocked up, Jordan Love and the Packers passing game could pick apart what’s left behind them.

Josh Jacobs and PA passes

Don’t be surprised if the Packers use a heavy dose of Josh Jacobs and the play-action passing game in their attempt to unlock a stingy but injury-plagued defense on Sunday. The Texans have one defensive tackle suspended (Mario Edwards Jr.), another defensive tackle questionable to play (Folorunso Fatukasi), two linebackers who won’t play (Al-Shaair, To’oTo’o) and two excellent run defenders who won’t play (Ward, Lassiter). Matt LaFleur should make the patched together Texans defense prove they can stop the run early and often. And the play-action passing game built off the run could provide a few decisive plays. Consider this: the Texans have allowed five touchdown passes and a passer rating of 126.4 against play-action passes this season, while Jordan Love has four touchdown passes (including one last week) and a passer rating of 132.1 when using play-action in 2024, per Next Gen Stats. Add it all up, and expect 20 or more carries for Jacobs and a few shot plays down the field from Love.

Pressuring Stroud

Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud is the rare quarterback who can thrive under pressure. In fact, he’s completing 61 percent of passes and averaging 9.4 yards per attempt under pressure this season — insane numbers for a quarterback. Stroud is excellent at creating an extra half-second to throw inside a disrupted pocket, and he’ll still attack down the field when pressured. Maybe the Packers can force him into a poor decision or two. Just keep in mind: Stroud has thrown only nine career interceptions on over 700 career attempts. Getting takeaways isn’t going to be easy against Stroud on Sunday.

Elite QB showdown

Elite quarterback play should be expected at Lambeau Field on Sunday. Jordan Love leads all players in touchdown passes since the start of the 2023 season, while Stroud ranks fourth in passer rating. Love threw four touchdown passes against the Cardinals and is heating up in a big way following an early season knee injury. Stroud is down his top target (Nico Collins, injured reserve) but has been consistently accurate (all six games above 63 percent completions) and efficient (five games with passer rating over 90.0.). In big games, quarterback play usually makes the difference. Sunday at Lambeau Field should be no different.

Prediction: Packers 27, Texans 24 (2-4)

The Texans have a top quarterback (C.J. Stroud), a productive and versatile running back (Joe Mixon), a Packers-killing receiver (Stefon Diggs), a veteran and cohesive offensive line, two dominant edge rushers (Will Anderson Jr., Danielle Hunter), a legit top cornerback (Derek Stingley Jr.) and a reliable special teams group. So while DeMeco Ryans’ team is banged up, especially on the defensive side, there’s no taking lightly the challenge of facing the Texans — who have won nine of their last 12 regular season games — on Sunday. Still, it’s hard not to like the Packers in this matchup. Jordan Love’s offense is healthy and starting to catch fire, and they have the playmakers to challenge where the Texans are hurting defensively. And not facing Nico Collins is a big help for Jeff Hafley’s group. I expect a back and forth showdown, but I’d also expect the Texans’ absences to show up in a couple of big spots down the stretch. Packers by a field goal (maybe a game winner from the new kicker?) over the Texans at Lambeau.

Packers vs. Cardinals: 5 things to watch and a prediction for Week 6

Five things to watch and a prediction for the Packers’ Week 6 showdown with the Cardinals.

The Green Bay Packers (3-2) are back at home and set to host the Arizona Cardinals (2-3) on Sunday at Lambeau Field.

One of these two teams will exit Week 6 with a two-game winning streak. The Packers took down the Rams in Los Angeles last week, while the Cardinals came from the behind to beat the 49ers in San Francisco.

Can Matt LaFleur’s team find consistency and create some much-needed momentum entering a key stretch of the season?

Here are five things to watch and a prediction for Week 6:

All eyes on the pass rush

The Packers’ inconsistent pass-rush will be in the spotlight against Kyler Murray, a dynamic playmaker who can extend plays and create off-schedule. The challenge will be keeping him in the pocket and preventing the improvisational moments that create so many explosive plays for the Cardinals offense. Condensing the pocket without getting too far up field or allowing escape routes will be key. The Packers have to walk the fine line between disrupting the quarterback and inviting off-schedule plays. With past experience against Jalen Hurts and Anthony Richardson, the Packers know how to rush an athletic quarterback and limit running opportunities.

Love to Wicks

The Packers offense needs to cut down on penalties, but another key to unlocking the potential of the passing game is the connection between Jordan Love and Dontayvion Wicks. Both players are too talented for this current level of disconnect to continue. Love needs to be more accurate, and Wicks must finish more plays. Could this be the week it happens? Wicks is a master separator, and the Cardinals defense ranks 31st in separation allowed per target in 2024, per Next Gen Stats. A breakout game from Love and Wicks could power a breakout game from the passing game overall.

Can the takeaways continue?

The Packers have multiple takeaways in all five games and rank first in the NFL with 14 total takeaways entering Week 6. Can the takeaway party continue a team that has generally protected the football this season? Kyler Murray has thrown only two interceptions, and he ranks ninth best in turnover-worthy play percentage this season. At some point this season, the Packers defense will need to get stops consistently without relying on takeaways. Maybe Sunday’s visit from Murray and the Cardinals is an opportunity to prove capable.

All-Pro vs. top pick

The potential return of Jaire Alexander could provide an excellent 1-on-1 matchup when the Cardinals have the football. Alexander, a two-time All-Pro, would see plenty of first-round pick Marvin Harrison Jr., who leads the Cardinals in targets, receiving yards and receiving touchdowns. The rookie receiver is big, understands leverage within routes and has big-time ability in contested catch situation. Returning Alexander on Sunday could help the Packers take away one of Kyler Murray’s top targets in the passing game.

Packers pass pro

The Cardinals are coming into Week 6 ranked 31st in pressure rate, per Next Gen Stats. Arizona’s defensive front lacks a game-changer and is struggling to affect the quarterback. The Packers added left tackle Rasheed Walker to the injury report with a knee injury, potentially creating an issue. But Sunday’s matchup should be an opportunity for the Packers to keep Jordan Love well protected in the passing game. In fact, Matt LaFleur’s team should probably dominate the line of scrimmage when the Packers have the ball.

Prediction: Packers 31, Cardinals 24 (1-4)

The Cardinals are battle-tested after facing the Bills, Lions and 49ers in the first five weeks, and you can bet Jonathan Gannon’s team is flying high after a dominant second half powered a comeback win in San Francisco last week. Add in the play of Kyler Murray, who can create through chaos, and the Cardinals are a pesky team that can’t be overlooked. I expect a back-and-forth game, but I also expect the Packers passing game to start breaking out. The Cardinals are one of the worst pass-rushing teams in football, and there are weaknesses all over the secondary. Jordan Love should play from comfortable pockets. Romeo Doubs and Christian Watson could both return. It’s time for the Packers to realize potential. The breakout game is coming, and I won’t be surprised if it arrives Sunday.

Packers vs. Rams: 5 things to watch and a prediction for Week 5

Five things to watch and a prediction for the Packers’ Week 5 showdown with the Rams.

The up and down Green Bay Packers will attempt to find the start of some stability out west when Matt LaFleur’s team goes to Los Angeles to play the struggling Rams at SoFi Stadium on Sunday.

The Packers are 2-2, with wins over two AFC South foes and a pair of losses to NFC contenders. A rocky start to the year — highlighted by Jordan Love’s knee injury — needs to smooth out entering this stretch. The Rams, while quarterbacked by Matthew Stafford and coached by Sean McVay, are 1-3, and the team’s one win required an unlikely comeback.

No team — especially with championship pedigree like the Rams — can be overlooked. But this is a game the Packers need to win on the road.

Here are five things to watch and a prediction for Week 5:

Receiver situation

Jayden Reed looks like a star. Christian Watson has an ankle injury and likely won’t play. Dontayvion Wicks is an elite separator but struggling to finish catches. Romeo Doubs missed practices on Thursday and Friday due to a mysterious off-the-field situation. There are a lot of moving parts at wide receiver for Jordan Love and the Packers. With Watson and Doubs both doubtful to play, the Packers will need more from Wicks, Bo Melton and Malik Heath on Sunday. Melton stepped up as a pass-catcher to end last season and has legitimate speed, and Heath could be an important blocker for a run-based offensive plan. Will the Doubs situation be a distraction for the Packers passing game?

Walker vs. Verse

A matchup of young, ascending players at premium positions to watch Sunday: Packers left tackle Rasheed Walker against Rams edge rusher Jared Verse. Walker, while penalty prone early on, has been excellent as a pass protector (5th in pass block win rate, per ESPN). Verse, a first-round pick, is arguably the top rookie pass-rusher. He has 17 pressures and a high pass-rush win rate (8th in pass rush win rate) through four games. They’ll be facing off on most passing snaps on Sunday. Can Walker keep Verse out of the pocket? If protected, opportunities to attack a shaky Rams secondary is possible for Jordan Love down the field. The Rams front is probably underrated — Verse, Kobie Turner, Byron Young and Braden Fiske are a young and disruptive front four.

Rushing battle

Without Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua available, the Rams’ top offensive weapon is running back Kyren Williams, who leads the NFL in rushing touchdowns and has a rushing success rate over 50 percent entering Week 5. The Rams offensive line is still settling in, but they rank third in run block win rate. Can the Packers stop Williams and the run game on early downs, forcing Matthew Stafford into obvious passing situations? On offense, don’t be surprised if this is a heavy Josh Jacobs/Emanuel Wilson gameplan. The Rams have allowed 130 or more rushing yards in all four games this season, and Rams opponents are averaging 5.0 yards per rush. Even the Bears were able to run the ball on the Rams. The Packers could lean on the Rams front and drain the life from the opponent’s pass-rushing potential on Sunday.

Love’s encore

The Packers turned the ball over four times last week, including three via Jordan Love interceptions. In his first game back, Love looked a little rusty early, and it certainly wasn’t easy facing Brian Flores’ heavy blitz and disguise scheme after missing two weeks with a knee injury. Expect Love to bounce back on Sunday. The Rams have only three total takeaways in 2024, including just one interception. In fact, opposing quarterbacks have thrown eight touchdown passes and only one pick in four games against the Rams this season. This matchup should be a good opportunity for Love to play his most efficient and mistake-free game of the year. The Rams rank last in passing yards allowed per attempt (9.1) and second to last in passer rating allowed (122.7) in 2024.

Explosive plays

The Packers lead the NFL in explosive plays through four games. While somewhat inconsistent down to down and even penalty-prone at times, the Packers have created scoring opportunities time and time again with explosive plays, both in the run and pass game. Can the Rams’ struggling defense keep the Packers from adding more explosive plays to their league-leading total? One other factor to consider: the Rams are bottom half of the league in the red zone on defense. Is this the week the Packers pair explosive plays with finish in the red zone?

Prediction: Packers 30, Rams 20 (0-4)

My weekly predictions have been the equivalent of falling behind 28-0 in the first half. Like the Packers last week, I desperately need a layup to get back on track. Can the Rams provide something resembling a muffed punt inside the 10-yard line? In many ways, the Rams look like an ideal opponent — Sean McVay’s team is struggling to protect the passer, the team’s top two receivers are out, and the Rams rank 31st in scoring defense thanks to a struggling run defense and iffy secondary. Can the Packers take advantage? Love’s passing game looks ready to explode, even with a few question marks at receiver to end the week, and you can bet the pass-rush will want to bounce back after a slow start. Add in the environment at SoFi Stadium, which could be majority Packers fans, and Matt LaFleur’s team should get a win. The only caveat is the potential distraction of Romeo Doubs’ absences. The Packers can’t let whatever is going on there to spill into Sunday’s performance overall.

Packers vs. Vikings: 5 things to watch and a prediction for Week 4

Five things to watch and a prediction for the Packers’ Week 4 showdown with the Vikings.

Lambeau Field will be the setting for a key early season showdown in the NFC North. In Week 4, the Green Bay Packers — who have won back-to-back games — are hosting the undefeated Minnesota Vikings in the first divisional matchup for both teams.

Both of these teams are surprising in a good way to start the season. The Packers have won back-to-back games with backup Malik Willis under center, while the Vikings have two of the best wins of the season over the San Francisco 49ers and Houston Texans.

The winner of Sunday’s battle will get an important early advantage in the race to be the champion of the NFC North, which looks like one of the NFL’s best divisions in 2024.

Here are five things to watch and a prediction for Week 4:

Return of 33

This storyline has been beaten to death, but it’s still an important one. Aaron Jones coming back to Green Bay isn’t just the return of some over-the-hill former star. In three games with the Vikings, Jones has 325 total yards, two games with 100 or more total yards and two touchdowns for an offense that ranks third in scoring. He looks explosive, both as a runner (5.4 yards per carry) and receiver. Can the Packers contain his slashing style? The Vikings split reps and touches at running back between Jones and Ty Chandler, but you can bet Minnesota will give the Packers former running back a few extra touches on Sunday. Dating back to last season and including the postseason, Jones has seven games with 100 or more total yards in his last eight. As Matt LaFleur said, he is a “problem.”

Pressuring Darnold

Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold has been one of the NFL’s best passers under pressure in 2024. Despite being under pressure on roughly 40 percent of his dropbacks, Darnold has thrown an NFL-high four touchdown passes without a turnover-worthy play under pressure this season. The Packers must keep Darnold disrupted in the pocket and hope regression to the mean arrives. Pressured quarterbacks are the most inconsistent and turnover-prone quarterbacks, and no one should expect Darnold to be this good against pressure all season. The Vikings have two excellent offensive tackles, but there are big issues on the inside, particularly at center (Garrett Bradbury, 10 pressures allowed) and right guard (Ed Ingram, 10 pressures allowed). Devonte Wyatt and Kenny Clark need to be disruptive.

Testing a top run defense

The Vikings are allowing only 3.6 yards per attempt against the run to start this season, but it’s worth noting that Brian Flores’ defense has faced the Giants (no Saquon Barkley), 49ers (no Christian McCaffrey) and Texans (no Joe Mixon) to start the season. The Packers are the No. 1 rushing offense in football and Josh Jacobs is healthy and rolling. In response to losing Jordan Love to injury, Matt LaFleur has devised a deep, complex run game that features a good mix of misdirection and power. Expect him to lean on the run regardless of who is playing quarterback Sunday. The Packers must stay on schedule on early downs and avoid the obvious passing situations that Flores loves. A heavy dose of Jacobs, Emanuel Wilson and even Jayden Reed and other receivers in the run game is likely.

Takeaways

The Packers have generated three takeaways in three straight games to start 2024 and rank first in the NFL with nine total takeaways. The Vikings have generated two takeaways in three straight games to start 2024 and rank third in the NFL with six total takeaways. Winning the ball is a priority every week, and when two teams are so good at taking away the ball, the turnover margin becomes the biggest winning factor. Can Jordan Love or Malik Willis keep the ball protected against a Vikings defense that has confused Brock Purdy and C.J. Stroud the last two weeks? And can Jeff Hafley’s defense force Sam Darnold into a bad decision or two? No one should be surprised if a turnover ends up being the game’s biggest play on Sunday.

Facing J.J.

The much-anticipated matchup of Jaire Alexander vs. Justin Jefferson might not happen. Alexander has a pair of lower-body injuries and is questionable to play. Even if Alexander isn’t available, the Packers must find ways of keeping Jefferson from taking over the game. The challenge is amplified by the Packers’ injury situation at cornerback (Carrington Valentine is doubtful to play) and the return of 2023 first-round pick Jordan Addison. Sam Darnold has distributed the football to a variety of targets without forcing it to Jefferson, so the Packers can’t over-focus on Jefferson and let others go wild. Finding the right mix is the big challenge for first-year defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley.

Prediction: Packers 24, Vikings 23 (0-3)

After two weeks of doubting the Malik Willis-Matt LaFleur magic, we’re back on win-predicting train — regardless of who is playing quarterback on Sunday. The Packers have proven capable of four key winning factors: creating explosive plays, generating turnovers, protecting the quarterback and disrupting the opponent’s quarterback. LaFleur’s team probably needs to do all four to take down the unbeaten Vikings. Protecting the quarterback against Brian Flores’ defense will be a challenge, but if the Packers can handle business pre-snap and at the line of scrimmage, explosive plays could be abundant. And there are good matchups for the Packers defensive front against the Vikings offensive line. One takeaway or explosive play provides the difference for the Packers late in a one-point win.

Packers vs. Titans: 5 things to watch and a prediction for Week 3

Five things to watch and a prediction for the Packers’ Week 3 showdown with the Titans.

The Green Bay Packers (1-1) are headed to Nashville to take on the winless Tennessee Titans (0-2) on Sunday at Nissan Stadium.

Once again, the big pre-game story line is the quarterback: Will it be Jordan Love or Malik Willis under center against a tough, stingy Titans defense? The answer could determine whether the Packers head home Sunday at 2-1 or 1-2.

The Titans might be winless, but it took an unbelievable collapse in Chicago in the opener and some late dramatics from the Jets last Sunday to beat Tennessee during the first two weeks. Brian Callahan’s team has talent around the quarterback position and an experienced defense at every level.

Here are five things to watch and a prediction for Week 3:

Gary’s turn to feast?

Arguably no right tackle in football is having a harder time protecting the passer than Nicholas Petit-Frere of the Titans. Per Next Gen Stats, Petit-Frere allowed 13 total pressures last week against the Jets. His matchup for most of Sunday? Rashan Gary. The Packers did well to contain athletic quarterbacks Jalen Hurts and Anthony Richardson over the first two weeks, but it’s attack time on Sunday. Will the Titans give Petit-Frere extra help against Gary? If they don’t, Gary could have a breakout performance. If they do, it wouldn’t be surprising if interior rushers — like Kenny Clark and Devonte Wyatt — are game-wreckers. Pro Football Focus ranks the Titans worst in the NFL in pass-blocking efficiency entering Week 3, so the defensive front must dominate the action.

Working for every yard

Regardless of who is playing quarterback, the Packers will have to grind for every yard on Sunday. Entering Week 3, the Titans rank first in the NFL in yards allowed, first in yards per play, second in net yards per passing attempt, first downs allowed and yards allowed per drive, and tied for ninth in rushing yards allowed per carry. This is a stout defense that has been hurt — at least in the points category — by a blocked punt returned for a touchdown, an interception returned for a touchdown and a blocked punt setting up a field goal. The Bears had only two legitimate drives for points (both field goals), but the Jets managed three touchdown drives of 70 or more yards. Can the Packers sustain drives against a good defense on the road on Sunday?

Deep shots

Wm. Glasheen/USA TODAY Network via Imagn Images

Another week of protecting against the deep ball for the Packers defense. Through two weeks, Will Levis (9) ranks behind only Trevor Lawrence and Anthony Richardson (11) in attempts of 20 or more yards. Last season, Levis attempted passes of 20 or more yards on 22.4 percent of his passing attempts, the highest rate in the NFL. Despite shaky protection, Levis wants to hunt the big play — similar to Richardson last week. He’s thrown two touchdown passes and two interceptions on nine attempts over 20 yards this season. The Packers might give up a big play or two on Sunday, especially considering the Titans talent at receiver, but Levis’ willingness to push the ball downfield might give Xavier McKinney and the secondary another opportunity to get a takeaway or two.

Containing Tony Pollard

Through two weeks, Pollard — the former Cowboy — is tied for fourth in missed tackles forced (9), tied for seventh in runs of 10+ yards (5) and tied for fifth in catches (8) among running backs. He looks more like the 2021-22 version of Pollard, which makes sense considering he’s now a full year and a half removed from a broken leg suffered in the 2022 playoffs. The Packers have allowed over 100 rushing yards and several explosive runs to Saquon Barkley and Jonathan Taylor in back-to-back weeks to start the season, so keeping a better lid on Pollard’s impact will be important Sunday, especially if the Titans are struggling to protect Will Levis in obvious passing situations. Tennessee has run 33 times on first down at a clip of 4.7 yards per carry — as opposed to just 18 passing attempts on first downs — so stopping the run on early downs will be a priority.

Josh and Jayden

The engines of the Packers offense, whether Malik Willis starts again or Jordan Love returns from a knee injury, figure to be Josh Jacobs and Jayden Reed. Together, the two have combined for 472 of the Packers’ 806 yards from scrimmage and 15 total explosive plays in two games. Expect Jacobs — who is working through a back injury — to carry the load in the run game, with Reed — who is working through a calf injury — sprinkled in on gadget plays. The Packers need to protect the quarterback position regardless of who starts Sunday. We’ll see if Matt LaFleur can find ways of unlocking the speed and playmaking ability of Christian Watson (three touches, 13 yards) and Luke Musgrave (one touch, six yards) on Sunday.

Prediction: Packers 23, Titans 17 (0-2)

The guess here is that Jordan Love needs to play for the Packers to leave Nashville with a win. As opposed to last week, the Packers can’t expect to run the ball at the same rate or effectiveness level against a stingy Titans front, putting more pressure on the quarterback to create plays in big spots. Defensively, however, this looks like a plus matchup. Will Levis is Jay Cutler-level reckless and plays behind one of the shakiest pass-blocking offensive lines in football. Sack and turnover opportunities could be plentiful. Still, I think this game comes down to the quarterback. If Love plays, Packers by six. If Malik Willis is the starter, Titans by six.

Packers vs. Colts: 5 things to watch and a prediction for Week 2

Five things to watch and a prediction for the Packers’ Week 2 showdown with the Colts.

The Green Bay Packers will welcome the Indianapolis Colts to Lambeau Field for the home opener on Sunday. Like the Packers, the Colts are coming off a season-opening loss to a contender and hoping to avoid an 0-2 start in Week 2.

Unlike the Colts, the Packers have a big question mark at quarterback. Jordan Love is questionable to play, and Malik Willis — the backup — has only three NFL starts in his career and less than three weeks of experience in Matt LaFleur’s scheme.

Will Love play? And if he doesn’t, can the Packers find a way to steal a game at home?

Here are five things to watch and a prediction for Week 2:

Who plays quarterback?

The mystery remains after the Packers listed Jordan Love, who didn’t practice all week, as questionable. Most still assume Love won’t play, leaving Malik Willis to start. How will the Packers adjust if Willis is under center? It’s hard to say, given his inexperience in the NFL and inexperience in Matt LaFleur’s scheme. The run game will be vital, but so will the play-action passing game and the screen game, and you can bet LaFleur will dial up a few gadget plays. Throw in any designed runs for Willis, who is a terrific athlete, and potentially a few deep shots, and the Packers will have a shot. The offense is talented around Willis; LaFleur must push the right buttons at the right time, helping making life easier on the quarterback. Dusty Evely has more on what we could expect from the Packers with Willis at quarterback.

Defensive rebound?

Defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley admitted the coaching and execution from the defense wasn’t good enough in Week 1, but he was also happy with much of the performance overall and confident the Packers would begin to improve starting Sunday. It will be interesting to compare the performances given how similar the Colts are to the Eagles. The Colts have a talented and dynamic quarterback (Anthony Richardson), a do-it-all running back with elite ability (Jonathan Taylor), a legitimate No. 1 receiver (Michael Pittman Jr.) and a big-play complementary weapon (Alec Pierce), plus a big, experienced and physical offensive line. The Packers defense needs to bounce back, especially if Jordan Love isn’t available.

Winning the line of scrimmage

Running the football and protecting the passer will be vital regardless of whether Willis or Love starts. The Colts gave up over 200 rushing yards but also sacked Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud four times in the opener. In the run game, can the Packers get Josh Jacobs going against a front that got gashed by Joe Mixon and might be without DeForest Buckner, who is questionable with a back injury? The biggest question mark might be Willis in the passing game. Historically, he’s been a quarterback who will hold the ball and invite pressure. Willis was sacked five times in the preseason. The Packers offensive line is strong in the passing game, but Matt LaFleur has to get Willis to play on time to avoid a bunch of negative plays on Sunday.

Big plays

The Packers got touchdowns of 70 yards and 33 yards from Jayden Reed in the opener, while the Colts got touchdown passes of 60 yards and 54 yards from Anthony Richardson in the opener. Willis isn’t likely to lead long, methodical drives. Richardson completed only nine passes but finished with over 200 passing yards in Week 1. The team that delivers more explosive plays is the likely winner on Sunday. He might be inexperienced, but Richardson’s legs and impressive arm present a lot of potential problems. The same can be said about Willis, even if he doesn’t have the highlight reel of Richardson yet. Which quarterback can hit the 1-2 big plays that will change the game on Sunday?

Rookie defenders

The Packers said linebacker Edgerrin Cooper and safety Evan Williams are in for bigger roles in Week 2. Cooper showed explosive playmaking ability in the opener but was on the field for only 11 snaps. He could double his playing time Sunday, and he’ll be vital in stopping Jonathan Taylor and Anthony Richardson as runners. Williams didn’t see much of the field in Week 1, but Jeff Hafley wants to get him on the field. That might mean some packages with Javon Bullard, another rookie, in the slot and Williams deep next to Xavier McKinney. Bullard and Williams will both play big roles in preventing the big plays so often hunted by Richardson as a passer.

Prediction: Colts 24, Packers 16 (0-1)

While there is a chance Jordan Love plays, confidence is low in the Packers’ ability to win a game with Malik Willis under center. He might be talented, but Willis is an inconsistent thrower of the football who takes too many sacks and lacks experience in Matt LaFleur’s scheme. Jayden Reed is also dealing with a new injury, potentially limiting a key player for Willis on offense. While Anthony Richardson is sporadic, he’s the better bet to create a few big plays on Sunday. In what could be an erratic game overall, the guess here is the Packers struggle offensively and aren’t able to generate enough points to pull off the upset with a backup quarterback. Flip these scores if Love plays.

Packers vs. Ravens: 5 things to watch in preseason finale

Five things to watch when the Packers finish up the preseason on Saturday against the Ravens at Lambeau Field.

The Green Bay Packers will finish up the team’s three-game preseason schedule on Saturday afternoon against the Baltimore Ravens at Lambeau Field. Kickoff from Green Bay is scheduled for noon CT.

Matt LaFleur’s team opened the preseason with a convincing win over the Cleveland but then got pummeled in Denver, but no one is particularly worried about results. Saturday is one last opportunity for the Packers to evaluate players and determine how the first 53-man roster and practice squad will shape up before flying to Brazil to play the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 1.

While unclear if Jordan Love and other starters will play against the Ravens, especially given the volume and quality of the work from Thursday’s joint practice, it’s a good bet most veterans and starters won’t play on Saturday. But LaFleur wasn’t ready to answer on playing time before Thursday’s practice, and Love didn’t know the plan post-practice.

Here are five things to watch in Saturday’s preseason finale:

Starting competitions

There might be only a handful of true starting competitions left to sort out heading into the preseason finale. On offense, who starts at right guard? First-round pick Jordan Morgan was the favorite, but he still hasn’t returned to 11-on-11 work after injuring his shoulder. Sean Rhyan, who is also getting extensive snaps at center, is the other top candidate. The defensive depth chart looks mostly settled, even if impressive rookies Javon Bullard and Evan Williams may split time next to Xavier McKinney at safety. What about kicker? Anders Carlson has taken the late and possibly decisive lead. It would be comforting for everyone to see him knock a couple of kicks through the uprights at Lambeau Field on Saturday.

QB2 battle

The Packers have one preseason game left to decide who will back up Jordan Love. Sean Clifford had a bounce-back performance during Thursday’s joint practice and must be considered the heavy favorite, but he also split some situational second-team reps with rookie Michael Pratt and is coming off a troubling showing in Denver. Both quarterbacks could use a steady performance after an up-and-down summer. Also, if Clifford does win the job, do the Packers keep Pratt on the 53-man roster or risk him to waivers? Plenty yet to decide at quarterback entering Saturday.

Special teams

In many cases, the winner of a toss-up competition at a position will be determined by special teams. This is especially true at positions like receiver, tight end, linebacker and cornerback, where the Packers have 53-man roster competitions playing out. Can Grant DuBose or Malik Heath make a big block on a return or successfully cover a kick? Will Joel Wilson show up in the third phase and push Tyler Davis for a roster spot? If Kristian Welch keeps making plays and handling a variety of roles on special teams, will the Packers keep six linebackers? Will Robert Rochell’s value on special teams overrule Kalen King’s potential? While not the most entertaining of plays, all the kickoffs and punts on Saturday could be tiebreaker snaps on the fringes of the Packers roster.

Emerging defensive end

Second-year defensive end Brenton Cox Jr. is one of the NFL’s preseason leaders in pressure with eight in two games. Last week, he produced a sack and a handful of other pressures. In the preseason finale, Cox Jr. can all but guarantee his roster spot as the fifth defensive end with another solid outing. His overall game might not be fully realized, but Cox Jr. has natural and impressive pass-rushing talent. Don’t be surprised if No. 57 is in the backfield and making life difficult on Ravens quarterbacks on Saturday. And don’t forget about No. 53 — Arron Mosby has also had a nice summer as a disruptor off the edge.

Rookie spotlight

It’s unclear if Jordan Morgan will play, and MarShawn Lloyd is still dealing with a hamstring injury, but the rookie class is always worth watching in preseason games. Saturday might be our first chance to see dynamic rookies Edgerrin Cooper and Ty’Ron Hopper play next to each other at linebacker. The three rookie safeties have completely transformed the position this summer — Javon Bullard and Evan Williams will be Week 1 contributors, while Kitan Oladapo looked like an enforcing and physical presence in his defensive debut last week. Jacob Monk, a classic Packers draft pick along the offensive line, is getting a ton of reps at center and guard and could be positioned to be an important interior backup. Pratt and King, two seventh-round picks, are fighting for 53-man roster spots at key positions. The Packers might not have an undrafted free agent rookie make the team this year. but the first-year class is once again loaded with talent and the potential for immediate impact.

Packers vs. Broncos: 5 things to watch in preseason clash

Five things to watch when the Packers take on the Broncos in the preseason on Sunday night.

After Friday’s joint practice, the Green Bay Packers and Denver Broncos will face off in a preseason game at EmPower Field at Mile High on Sunday night.

With live reps banked during a competitive practice, coach Matt LaFleur is expecting to sit most starters and veterans against the Broncos, although it’s unclear if that plan has changed after a mostly underwhelming performance on Friday.

Even if Jordan Love and other starters sit, plenty can be learned about Brian Gutekunst’s roster in Denver. The obvious position to watch will be quarterback, where Sean Clifford and Michael Pratt will handle all the snaps if Love sits. Both Clifford and Pratt are coming off solid preseason debuts, and the Packers need one to separate in the competition to be Love’s backup. It’s possible both quarterbacks will get a half of work on Sunday night.

Here are five other things to watch in the Packers’ mile-high preseason clash:

Kicking battle

A disappointing week in the Packers’ kicking competition will end with a preseason game in Denver’s high altitude, providing an excellent setting for Anders Carlson and Greg Joseph — two big-legged kickers. But distance hasn’t been an issue. Consistency has been elusive, especially this week, and now both kickers are hovering below 85 percent for training camp. One of these kickers needs to get hot — starting Sunday night — or the Packers might have to consider the possibility that the Week 1 kicker isn’t currently on the roster.

Right guard battle

It’s unclear if rookie first-round pick Jordan Morgan will make his NFL debut, but the right guard position is one to watch regardless. Morgan and Sean Rhyan are competing to be the starter — they are listed as co-starters on the unofficial depth chart — and now rookie Jacob Monk has entered the discussion. An uneventful preseason debut for Morgan and plenty of reps for both Rhyan and Monk would represent a best-case scenario for Sunday night. This is one of the only unsettled starting spots on the roster.

Rookie debuts

Morgan might not be the only rookie making their NFL debut in Denver. Linebacker Ty’Ron Hopper returned to 11-on-11 work on Friday, so he should be good to go for Sunday night. Hopper, a third-round pick, has had flashes of highly disruptive play both as a blitzer and against the run during training camp. With Edgerrin Cooper still out, Hopper should get plenty of snaps in Denver. At safety, the Packers are expecting to return fifth-round pick Kitan Oladapo. He’s a big, physical defensive back who excelled against the run at Oregon State, but Oladapo is well behind fellow rookies Javon Bullard and Evan Williams on the depth chart after missing all of the offseason with a toe injury. Undrafted rookie Donovan Jennings should also get his first NFL snaps. He entered camp with a decent chance to make the roster as a backup guard, but injuries have kept him out of action.

Grant DuBose’s encore

DuBose was the star of the preseason opener after catching five passes — including a clutch reception on fourth down and a toe-dragging 23-yarder along the sideline — and making several key blocks. The second-year receiver is now well on his way to making the 53-man roster. In fact, he caught a pass from Jordan Love with the No. 1 offense during Friday’s joint practice. What does DuBose have in store for an encore Sunday? Expect him to be a top target in the first half. It’ll also be worth watching Bo Melton, who must rebound after a disappointing preseason opener, and Malik Heath, who is battling DuBose for a roster spot.

King’s quest

The Packers are deep in veterans at cornerback, and the top four — Jaire Alexander, Eric Stokes, Keisean Nixon and Carrington Valentine — looks locked in place. It’s possible only one or two roster spots are up for grabs at corner, and rookie Kalen King is one of the top competitors entering Sunday. Matt LaFleur was complimentary of King’s work earlier this week. The seventh-round pick should get plenty of opportunities to make more plays against the Broncos. He’s proven to be resilient and physical and always around the football, and the Packers like his potential in the slot, but King is battling the likes of Corey Ballentine and Robert Rochell and needs to stand out again on Sunday night.