Tag: staff predictions

Packers Wire staff predictions: Week 11 vs. Bears

Predictions from the Packers Wire staff on the Packers’ Week 11.showdown with the Bears.

The Green Bay Packers will go to Chicago on Sunday to play the team’s first road division game of the 2024 season at Soldier Field. Matt LaFleur’s team is 0-2 against the NFC North but has a chance to both solidify a playoff spot and send the rival Bears to a fourth straight defeat.

Can the Packers come out of the bye with a big win at Soldier Field?

Here’s how the staff at Packers Wire believes the Week 11 showdown with the Bears will go down:

Zach Kruse: 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.

Brandon Carwile: Packers 31, Bears 14 (7-2)

The Bears are limping into Week 11 like a wounded animal, and the Packers can deliver the kill shot. On a three-game skid, Chicago is desperate to save their season, deciding to part ways with their offensive coordinator earlier in the week. However, that is unlikely to impact the play of their offensive line, which has been a mess. Green Bay could make it a very tough day for rookie Caleb Williams, who has been sacked more than any other quarterback. In addition to the pass rush having an advantageous matchup, the offense should start to find its groove now that Jordan Love is off the injury report. I’m predicting a big outing for Love and company to the tune of three passing touchdowns and a long day for a Bears offense that will have little success against Jeff Hafley’s defense.

Brennen Rupp: Packers 27, Bears 7 (8-1)

The Bears have looked lifeless on offense the past two games and I don’t think a change at offensive coordinator is going to fix much, if anything. The bye week allowed Green Bay to get some players healthier and I expect them to continue their dominance against their division rival. As a rookie Lukas Van Ness recorded six pressures and two sacks against the Bears. Last year’s first round pick is stepping into an expanded role with the trade of Preston Smith and his breakout could start on Sunday. Give me the Packers winning comfortably in Chicago.

Writer Prediction Score Record
Zach Kruse Win 22-13 4-5
Brandon Carwile Win 31-14 7-2
Brennen Rupp Win 27-7 8-1

 

Packers Wire staff predictions: Week 9 vs. Lions

Predictions from the Packers Wire staff on the Packers’ Week 9.showdown with the Lions.

The Green Bay Packers (6-2) and Detroit Lions (6-1) will do battle on Sunday at Lambeau Field with first place in the NFC North on the line. Can Matt LaFleur’s team extend the win streak to five games entering the bye week, or will the surging Lions send the Packers to an 0-2 start inside the division?

Quarterback Jordan Love (groin) is listed as questionable, but he practiced on Thursday and Friday and is trending towards being available for Sunday.

Here’s how the staff at Packers Wire believes the Week 9 showdown with the Lions will go down:

Zach Kruse: Packers 23, Lions 20 (4-4)

The Lions are a freight train, but the expected weather conditions in Green Bay for Sunday give the Packers — who are dealing with several key injuries — a real chance to pull off the upset. The Lions are headed outside for the first time this season, and Jared Goff isn’t nearly the same quarterback outdoors, which could lower some of the ridiculous offensive efficiency the Lions have created this season. Still, this is a tough matchup. The Lions are an elite rushing offense, and playmakers on the backend (Kerby Joseph, Brian Branch) create turnover concerns for Jordan Love, who is likely to be at less than 100 percent. Can the Packers get a takeaway or two and consistently win along the line of scrimmage? Matt LaFleur’s team has won in so many different ways this season, and I think the experience dealing with so much adversity pays off Sunday. In a sloppy showdown at a rainy Lambeau Field, the Packers escape with a huge division win going into the bye.

Brandon Carwile: Lions 28, Packers 23 (6-2)

For starters, I think the game will be close regardless of whether Jordan Love plays or not. However, it may not change the result. Detroit is one of the best teams in the NFL and has won four of the last five games against Green Bay. And while the Packers’ defense has been a pleasant surprise this season, the dual backfield of Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery will be a significant challenge. It’ll undoubtedly be the best one-two punch Green Bay has faced this season and Jared Goff is also playing some of the best ball of his career. Offensively, if Love plays, he won’t be at 100 percent. To keep up with the Lions’ top-scoring offense, Josh Jacobs would need to have a huge game but that won’t be easy facing a top five run defense. I think the Packers are good enough to beat Detroit, but they are a little too banged up on both sides of the ball to pull out a win this week.

Brennen Rupp: Lions 23, Packers 20 (7-1)

Detroit is playing like the best team in the NFC right now. Over their last four games they’ve averaged 43 points per game and scored over 42 points in three of those four games. The Packers will have to limit the mistakes in this game if they’re going to stand a chance and through eight games, there is little evidence to suggest they’ll be able to do that. There are no moral victories at 1265 Lombardi Avenue, but if Jeff Hafley’s squad is able to slow down Detroit’s offense (which I think they will), that will have to have Green Bay feeling confident that they may finally have a defense that can help them win games in December and January.

Writer Prediction Score Record
Zach Kruse Win 23-20 4-4
Brandon Carwile Loss 28-23 6-2
Brennen Rupp Loss 23-20 7-1

 

Packers Wire staff predictions: Week 8 vs. Jaguars

Predictions from the Packers Wire staff on the Packers’ Week 8 showdown with Jaguars.

The Green Bay Packers will go to Jacksonville in Week 8 to face the Jaguars, who have won two of the last three games and are returning home after a two-week stay in London. Matt LaFleur’s team, meanwhile, has won three straight and five of the last six and are looking to get to 6-2 overall before next week’s big matchup with the Detroit Lions.

Here’s how the staff at Packers Wire believes the Week 8 showdown with the Jaguars will go down:

Zach Kruse: 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.

Brandon Carwile: Packers 31, Jaguars 17 (5-2)

After a two-week stint overseas, Jacksonville will be welcomed back to the States by a red-hot Green Bay team. The Packers are coming off a signature win over the Houston Texans, in which they overcame three first-half turnovers and completely shut down quarterback CJ Stroud. Jordan Love has thrown a pick in every game he’s played this season, but fortunately, the Jaguars have intercepted only one pass as a team all season. Love very well could have a big day against their 31st-ranked passing defense as long as the offensive line can hold up against Travon Walker and Josh Allen. Defensively, Green Bay has to be ready to stop a Jacksonville offense loaded with talented pass catchers, but that shouldn’t be an issue with how well the secondary is playing. I’m predicting a comfortable win day for the Packers, led by their passing attack and multiple turnovers created by a defense that still leads the league in takeaways.

Brennen Rupp: Packers 42, Jaguars 14 (6-1)

Greg Williams: Prediction coming soon! (5-2)

Writer Prediction Score Record
Zach Kruse Win 30-20 3-4
Brandon Carwile Win 31-17 5-2
Brennen Rupp Win 42-14 6-1
Greg Williams 5-2

 

Packers Wire staff predictions: Week 7 vs. Texans

Predictions from the Packers Wire staff on the Packers’ Week 7 showdown with the Texans.

The Green Bay Packers and Houston Texans will face off Sunday at Lambeau Field in what looks like one of the best matchups of the Week 7 slate. The showdown won’t be in primetime, but it will feature the Packers wearing their “Winter Warning” all-white helmets/uniforms and a battle between two of the best coaches and two of the best young quarterbacks in the NFL.

Here’s how the staff at Packers Wire believes the Week 7 showdown with the Texans will go down:

Zach Kruse: 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.

Brandon Carwile: Packers 28, Texans 24 (4-2)

Houston has picked up where they left off last season when they made a lot of noise winning the AFC South to reach the playoffs with a rookie quarterback. CJ Stroud has been as good as any quarterback through the first six weeks, but losing wide receiver Nico Collins is a huge blow. The Texans have the 14th-ranked rushing offense while the Packers have a top 10 run defense. If Green Bay can make Houston one-dimensional without their top receiver, that could play right into their hands. Offensively, the Packers appear to be turning the corner. Jordan Love had a great day through the air in last week’s win over the Arizona Cardinals, but this game could come down to the rushing of Josh Jacobs against a vulnerable Texans run defense. Ultimately, this game should have plenty of offense and a lot of points. I think Green Bay will pull it out with a late touchdown to capture their first signature win of 2024.

Brennen Rupp: Packers 34, Texans 21 (5-1)

Greg Williams: Packers 31, Texans 30 (4-2)

First off, can’t believe this game isn’t in a primetime spot. You have two young and great quarterbacks, two exciting teams, and two coaches that have done well for their teams. Plus, this game is gonna be closed and it’s hard to pick a true winner in this game. The Texans have a loaded squad and it’s hard to pick against them with the talent they have. However, the Packers are playing good football right now and everything seems to be clicking on offense and defense. Who knows, maybe there’s kickings woes have been answered with their new kicker Brandon McManus. Expect a lot of points in this game. Not saying in the defenses are going to struggle, but it’s just both offenses are very dynamic and explosive pain. Regardless of who wins, it will be a signature when on the season. Ultimately, the Packers have to come away with this, especially with the game being at home, and for personal matters, a win would be nice on my wedding day.

Writer Prediction Score Record
Zach Kruse Win 27-24 2-4
Brandon Carwile Win 28-24 4-2
Brennen Rupp Win 34-21 5-1
Greg Williams Win 31-30 4-2

 

Packers Wire staff predictions: Week 6 vs. Cardinals

Predictions from the Packers Wire staff on the Packers’ Week 6 showdown with the Cardinals.

Can the Green Bay Packers beat an NFC West opponent for the second consecutive week and improve their record to 4-2 when the Arizona Cardinals arrive at Lambeau Field on Sunday?

Kyler Murray and the Cardinals went on the road and stunned the San Francisco 49ers last week. The Packers are favored to win on Sunday, but Matt LaFleur’s team must be consistent for four quarters to avoid a similar fate.

Here’s how the staff at Packers Wire believes the Week 6 showdown with the Cardinals will go down:

Zach Kruse: 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.

Brandon Carwile: Packers 24, Cardinals 16 (3-2)

The Packers enter this matchup with a commanding 46-26-4 lead in the all-time series against the Cardinals. Their last meeting in 2021 ended dramatically, with Rasul Douglas picking off Kyler Murray in the end zone to seal a three-point win for Green Bay. Fast forward three years, and Murray remains the centerpiece of Arizona’s offense, posing a dual-threat challenge both in the air and on the ground. Green Bay’s defense is off to a hot start this season with turnovers but must find a way to contain Murray. The Cardinals are currently the 14th-ranked offense in yards per game thanks to healthy contributions from veteran running back James Conner and exciting rookie receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. Meanwhile, the Packers are top-10 in terms of yards and points per game but still haven’t played a complete game. I’m expecting a close one but look for Josh Jacobs to exploit Arizona’s vulnerable run defense and help carry Green Bay to a narrow victory. (edited)

Brennen Rupp: Packers 38, Cardinals 16 (4-1)

Greg Williams: Packers 34, Cardinals (3-2)

The Packers are the more talented team and the more balanced team. Defensively, they’ve allowed just 21.6 points per game while generating 16 sacks and forcing eight turnovers, with Xavier McKinney leading the way with five interceptions. Their run defense, which ranks 11th in the league, should match up well against Arizona’s ground game. On offense, Green Bay’s rushing attack has been a standout, averaging 164.8 yards per game, ranking 3rd in the league. Jordan Love has been effective, throwing for 873 yards and eight touchdowns, helping the Packers score an average of 25.6 points per game. With their defense forcing turnovers and their offense controlling the game on the ground, I expect Green Bay to have the edge in this contest; however, the Cardinals aren’t a team to be taken lightly and could give the Packers a scare at some point in the game.

Writer Prediction Score Record
Zach Kruse Win 31-24 1-4
Brandon Carwile Win 24-16 3-2
Brennen Rupp Win 38-16 4-1
Greg Williams Win 34-27 3-2

 

Packers Wire staff predictions: Week 5 vs. Rams

Predictions from the Packers Wire staff on the Packers’ Week 5 showdown with the Rams.

The Green Bay Packers will attempt to bounce back from last week’s home loss to the Minnesota Vikings when Matt LaFleur’s team heads to Los Angeles to play the 1-3 Rams on Sunday.

The Packers are 2-2 and coming off a week of unexpected adversity. Romeo Doubs was suspended for conduct detrimental to the team, and nine other players have playing status designations on the final injury report.

Can the Packers overcome distraction and get the job done on the road on Sunday at SoFi Stadium?

Here’s how the staff at Packers Wire believes the Week 5 showdown with the Rams will go down:

Zach Kruse: 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’ suspension. The Packers can’t let whatever is going on there to spill into Sunday’s performance overall.

Brandon Carwile: Packers 28, Rams 20 (2-2)

Coming soon!

Brennen Rupp: Packers 30, Rams 13 (3-1)

Greg Williams: Packers 34, Rams 17 (2-2)

The Packers face off this week in what seems like a pivotal game for both teams. Green Bay has shown flashes of strong defensive play, forcing a league-leading 12 turnovers and the offense getting going with Jordan Love in the second half of their loss to the Minnesota Vikings last week. The key matchup to watch will be the Packers defensive front getting pass rush on the Rams. The Rams have given up the 13 sacks this season, which is tied for 8th, while the Packers have forced 13 sacks, which is also tied for 8th. The Rams will still be without Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua, so the Packers secondary will have less to worry about in the passing game and more with Kyren Williams in the running game. On offense, if Packers can establish a more consistent running game, their balanced offense could control the pace of the game. The Rams’ defense, ranked near the bottom in several key metrics, will need a strong performance to hold off Green Bay’s attack. Given the Packers’ defensive playmaking and the Rams’ offensive inconsistency, the edge goes to Green Bay.

Writer Prediction Score Record
Zach Kruse Win 30-20 0-4
Brandon Carwile Win 28-20 2-2
Brennen Rupp Win 30-13 3-1
Greg Williams Win 34-17 2-2

 

Packers Wire staff predictions: Week 4 vs. Vikings

Predictions from the Packers Wire staff on the Packers’ Week 4 showdown with the Vikings.

The Green Bay Packers can run their win streak to three games by taking down the undefeated Minnesota Vikings at Lambeau Field on Sunday.

It remains unclear if Jordan Love, who is questionable to play, or Malik Willis will be under center for the Packers, but Matt LaFleur’s team is flying high after beating the Indianapolis Colts and Tennessee Titans with Willis under center the last two weeks.

Can the Packers start the NFC North schedule with a big win over the visiting Vikings?

Here’s how the staff at Packers Wire believes the Week 4 showdown with the Vikings will go down:

Zach Kruse: 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.

Brandon Carwile: Packers 24, Vikings 23 (2-1)

After practicing the last two weeks without any setbacks, it appears that Jordan Love will make his return in Week 4. Love should provide a boost to the offense, but it’s worth noting that Malik Willis stepped up admirably, showcasing his mobility and poise under pressure. His success kept the Packers’ offense afloat, and Love will look to build on that momentum. The Packers lead the league in rushing, while the Vikings have the second-ranked run defense. Love’s ability to stretch the field and challenge the Vikings’ secondary could be the X-factor, especially if he creates some chunk plays for Christian Watson and Jayden Reed. Meanwhile, Sunday will also mark the return of Aaron Jones, who signed with Minnesota in the offseason after seven seasons in Green Bay. Quarterback Sam Darnold has the Vikings are off to an impressive 3-0 for the first time in eight years. Darnold and his supporting cast have been efficient for Minnesota’s offense this season, though they will now face a dictating Packers defense unlike any they have faced in recent memory. Darnold could struggle against Green Bay’s opportunistic pass defense and a relentless pass rush. The Packers hand the Vikings their first loss of 2024 on Sunday, with Love delivering in crunch time to secure the win.

Brennen Rupp: Packers 20, Vikings 17 (3-0)

Sam Darnold is off to a great start and Kevin O’Connell is pressing all the right buttons as the Vikings have stormed out to an impressive 3-0 start. They were in control the entire game during their win against the San Francisco 49ers and ran the Houston Texans out of US Bank Stadium. The key for Jeff Hafley is getting Darnold uncomfortable. Something I think Green Bay’s defense will be able to accomplish. Hafley’s unit is coming off a game in which they sacked Tennesse’s Will Levis eight times and added 20 pressures (via PFF). Minnesota’s offensive line is better built than Tennesses’s however if they have a weakness on the team it’s the interior of their offensive line. I expect Kenny Clark and Devonte Wyatt to spend plenty of time in the backfield Sunday afternoon as they force Darnold into a few mistakes. With Jordan Love expected to make his return to the lineup, the Packers will make enough explosive plays against Brian Flores’ defense to hand Minnesota their first loss of the season.

Greg Williams: Packers 30, Vikings 20 (2-1)

This Sunday’s Packers-Vikings matchup promises to be a competitive NFC North game. Green Bay enters the game with the No. 1 rushing offense in the league, but they’ll face Minnesota’s formidable No. 2-ranked run defense. The Packers’ defense has also been outstanding, forcing a league-leading seven turnovers so far, with Xavier McKinney leading the way with an interception in every game. Minnesota has shown big-play potential, but their offensive line has struggled and could be exposed by Green Bay’s pass rush. Jordan Love should make his return and should be a nice boost for the offense but if Malik Willis starts again for the Packers, expect them to lean on their ground game and a conservative passing attack to keep the Vikings off balance. Vikings Sam Darnold is off to a fantastic start but how long will this last? Darnold has a great support cast around him with Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, Aaron Jones, and a few others but defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley has got the Packers defense playing at a lever we haven’t seen for a quite a while. Now, it was against the Tennessee Titans and Indianapolis Colts, but I do like the matchup for the Packers for their defensive unit.

Writer Prediction Score Record
Zach Kruse Win 24-23 0-3
Brandon Carwile Win 24-23 2-1
Brennen Rupp Win 20-17 3-0
Greg Williams Win 30-20 2-1

 

Packers Wire staff predictions: Week 3 vs. Titans

Predictions from the Packers Wire staff on the Packers’ Week 3 showdown with the Titans.

The Green Bay Packers are in Nashville to play the winless Tennessee Titans on Sunday at Nissan Stadium. After beating the Indianapolis Colts in the home opener, the Packers will attempt to steal another game without quarterback Jordan Love available.

According to multiple reports, the Packers are expected to start former Titans quarterback Malik Willis on Sunday. The Titans traded Willis — a 2022 third-round pick — to the Packers at final cuts.

Can Willis win in his homecoming to Nashville? He’ll need another dominant performance from the run game and defense around him.

Here’s how the staff at Packers Wire believes the Week 3 showdown with the Titans will go down:

Zach Kruse: Titans 23, Packers 17 (0-2)

My initial prediction was Packers by six if Jordan Love played, and Titans by six if Malik Willis played. Reports on Saturday night point to Willis getting the start on Sunday, so we’re switching the prediction. Willis played well against the Colts last Sunday — no doubt about it. Can he repeat the feat against a much better defense, and a team that knows him well? The Packers probably won’t be able to run the ball at will, and Willis will need to make big-time throws in obvious passing situations. It’s a tall task. The Will Levis chaos factor gives the Packers a real chance to steal another one, but the Titans are going to be a desperate team playing at home in hot conditions. Going 1-1 without Love wouldn’t be the end of the world.

Brandon Carwile: Packers 24, Colts 10 (1-1)

This is a game the Packers should win. The Titans’ offense has been in disarray through the first two games, hindered by poor pass blocking and a quarterback who can’t seem to get out of his own way. Will Levis has already turned the ball over five times (three interceptions, two fumbles). That bodes well for Green Bay’s defense, which leads the league in takeaways. Earlier this week, Tennessee defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons proclaimed nobody runs on their defense. Meanwhile, the Packers are coming off a 261-yard rushing performance sans their starting quarterback. If Jordan Love can’t suit up again on Sunday, expect Green Bay to test Simmons’ theory by pounding the rock. Regardless, the Packers come out of this game 2-1 by winning the turnover battle and executing another solid offensive game plan.

Brennen Rupp: Packers 20, Colts 10 (2-0)

The Titans have given up the fewest yards in the league through two weeks. Granted, that number is slightly skewed due to the fact that they played the Chicago Bears in Week 1. Digs at Da Bears aside, the Packers could find it to be tough sledding this week. Malik Willis is going to have to make a play or two, just like he did last week. Jeff Hafley’s unit will make force a couple of turnovers and Green Bay will grind out a win in the Music City to improve to 2-1 on the campaign.

Greg Williams: Packers 24, Titans 13 (1-1)

Regardless of who starts at quarterback, the Packers are the better team. The Packers defense played great against the Colts and I expect them to have the same game plan against the Titans, especially with how careless Will Levis has been with the football. The only concern I have in this game is the Titans run defense is a tougher matchup compared to the Colts. I don’t see the Packers running all over the Titans so Malik Willis (or Jordan Love if he gets cleared) will have to do more through the air. I’m not too worried about Willis slinging it through the air because I do trust Matt LaFleur’s ability to get creative and put Willis in a position to succeed.

Writer Prediction Score Record
Zach Kruse Loss 23-16 0-2
Brandon Carwile Win 24-10 1-1
Brennen Rupp Win 20-14 2-0
Greg Williams Win 24-13 1-1

 

Packers Wire staff predictions: Week 2 vs. Colts

Predictions from the Packers Wire staff on the Packers’ Week 2 showdown with the Colts.

The Green Bay Packers will attempt to bounce back from a Week 1 defeat in Brazil when they welcome the Indianapolis Colts — who are also 0-1 — to Lambeau Field for the home opener on Sunday. Can the Packers even their record after two weeks, or will Matt LaFleur’s team be stuck with the dreaded 0-2 start?

Here’s how the staff at Packers Wire believes the Week 2 showdown with the Colts will go down:

Zach Kruse: Colts 24, Packers 16 (0-1)

While there is a (increasingly small) chance Jordan Love plays, confidence here 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 the scores if Love plays, which, again, looks increasingly unlikely.

Brandon Carwile: Packers 20, Colts 17 (0-1)

If Jordan Love makes an appearance on Sunday, the Packers could put up a decent amount of points. If Malik Willis gets the start, scoring will become increasingly difficult. Love was listed as questionable on the final injury report, but there’s no need to rush him back so early in the season. Matt LaFleur is a good enough coach to win with Willis under center, especially against a vulnerable Indianapolis defense. Green Bay might be able to run their way to victory, though that may take an All-Pro effort from Josh Jacobs. But hey, that’s why they signed him. The defense doesn’t have to worry about the Colts’ offensive weapons like they did against the Eagles last week. However, Jonathan Taylor, Michael Pittman, and Anthony Richardson aren’t slouches. I think the defense has a bounce-back performance this week, forcing a late turnover to help seal the victory. On offense, Jacobs has a huge day and gets into the end zone twice, propelling the Packers to their first win of 2024.

Brennen Rupp: Packers 20, Colts 14 (1-0)

Anthony Richardson is a talented quarterback. His combination of size, athleticism and arm talent make him an exciting player to watch. For all those tools he’s still a work in progress. He’s going to miss throws and give Green Bay’s secondary an opportunity to make plays on the ball. They have to capitalize, and I think they will. After having a disappointing debut as a defensive coordinator in Brazil, I think Jeff Hafley’s squad bounces back this week at Lambeau Field to help the Packers pick up their first win of the season.

Greg Williams: Packers 27, Colts 24 (0-1)

If you needed Jordan Love to sit out a few games, this is the perfect stretch. This game against the Colts is winnable, even with Malik Willis starting under center; however, it’s not going to be easy. This isn’t a knock on Willis, there’s a chance he can put together a solid game, especially under Matt LaFleur, who’s a good enough coach to put Willis in situations where can succeed. Plus, outside the quarterback position, the Packers are arguably the better team. I would expect LaFleur and company to rely heavily on the running game, where Josh Jacobs can be expected to have a huge day after Joe Mixon ran for over 150 yards against the Colts in Week 1. That also doesn’t include giving Christian Watson and Jayden Reed some carries to spread out the Colts defense. The big concern for me will be the Packers defense. They need a nice performance after giving up 30+ points to the Eagles. Now, they play a struggling offensive line and a quarterback who can be careless with the ball, which could lead to a bounce back performance. Nevertheless, if Willis gets his first start with the Packers, it’s still a winnable game and he can come in and lead the Packers to their first of the season.

Writer Prediction Score Record
Zach Kruse Loss 24-16 0-1
Brandon Carwile Win 20-17 0-1
Brennen Rupp Win 20-14 1-0
Greg Williams Win 27-24 0-1

 

Packers Wire staff predictions: Week 1 vs. Eagles

Predictions from the Packers Wire staff on Week 1 vs. the Eagles.

The Green Bay Packers and Philadelphia Eagles will start the 2024 season in Brazil on Friday night. The international game — the first regular season game ever played in South America — will be available exclusively on Peacock, the streaming service.

Here’s how the staff at Packers Wire believes the Week 11 showdown with the Eagles will go down:

Zach Kruse: Packers 27, Eagles 23 (0-0)

A battle of NFC contenders that finished the 2023 season pointed in completely opposite directions. The Packers must prove they can handle the Eagles along the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball, but the matchup of Jordan Love’s passing game against the Eagles secondary — which is littered with question marks — could swing this game Green Bay’s way. Wouldn’t it be crazy if Xavier McKinney pulled an Adrian Amos and delivered the game-sealing interception in his first game as a Packer?

Brandon Carwile: Packers 21, Eagles 17 (0-0)

The Eagles are coming off a rough end to the 2023 season, finishing 1-6, capped by a playoff blowout loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. However, with the addition of Saquon Barkley and changes at both offensive and defensive coordinator, they’re aiming to reclaim their contender status. Meanwhile, the Packers are looking to build on last year’s success, when they were the youngest team in the NFL and still managed to win a playoff game (nearly two). Jordan Love returns with his talented group of young pass catchers, and Josh Jacobs steps in as the new lead running back. Against a Vic Fangio-coached defense, I’m not expecting big numbers from Love, but I do anticipate a heavy dose of Jacobs, who should play a major role in the game plan. This matchup will likely be close throughout and low-scoring, with the Eagles adjusting to their new offensive system and the Packers facing a well-coached defense. In the end, I think the Packers will make just enough plays to secure the win.

Brennen Rupp: Eagles 27, Packers 24 (0-0)

I’m picking the Packers to win 13 games, but dropping the season opener. Too many questions linger for the Packers in this matchup with the Eagles, which I expect to be a wire-to-wire affair. Will the run defense under first-year defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley be able to slow down Saquon Barkley? Can Eric Stokes handle his matchup with Devonta Smith or AJ Brown? Will Josh Myers be able to handle Philadelphia’s stud on the interior of their defensive line? In a matchup of what could end up being two of the best teams in the NFC, I’ll give the slight edge to the Eagles.

Greg Williams: Packers 27, Eagles 24 (0-0)

Heading into Week 1, both the Packers and Eagles have striking similarities, making this matchup a compelling start to the season. Both teams have hired new defensive coordinators, with the Packers bringing in Jeff Hafley and the Eagles turning to the experienced Vic Fangio. Offensively, both teams have added superstar running backs to power their ground game – Josh Jacobs for the Packers and Saquon Barkley for the Eagles. Lastly, both franchises have set their sights on a Super Bowl run and this game could set the tone for their season.

The Packers could lean heavily on Jacobs in his debut, especially with the Eagles defense ranked in the bottom half of the league in rushing yards allowed per game. A heavy dose of Jacobs could wear down the Eagles’ defensive front and create favorable passing situations for Jordan Love and the passing game. The Eagles will be without some familiar faces as Jason Kelce, Fletcher Cox, Kevin Byard, and Avonte Maddox are no longer with the team and new linebacker Devin White has been ruled out for Friday.
There’s a lot of things going for the Packers; however, this will be Hafley’s first game as a defensive coordinator in the NFL and going against the Eagles offense won’t be easy. I expect this to be a back-and-forth affair and could see the Packers defense on the field for the last drive. It would be something to see if Hafley’s defense comes up with a game ending turnover to start the season.

Writer Prediction Score Record
Zach Kruse Win 27-23 0-0
Brandon Carwile Win 21-17 0-0
Brennen Rupp Lose 27-24 0-0
Greg Williams Win 27-24 0-0