Before the start of the 2023 NFL season, we tried to explain to you how each Green Bay Packers game will play out.
After success in the first four games from a projection standpoint, the perfect streak ended when the Packers lost to the Las Vegas Raiders on Monday night.
The first set of predictions of the season had little evidence of the type of team the Packers would become after a season of significant change. A sample size of 5 games is now available for easier presentation.
Why they will win:
The Packers will finish their bye week when they head west to face the Denver Broncos, although that advantage will be overshadowed by the Broncos’ Thursday night loss to the Chiefs. The Broncos’ defense is terrible. They scored 70 points in a game this year. Zach Wilson and the Jets scored 31 points against them.
If Green Bay’s offense can’t find a foothold against this group then it will never happen.
Why will they lose:
The Packers have never beaten Russell Wilson when his team plays at home. Wilson is a shell of himself, but Denver has always been a tough place to play.
Their defense, while shabby for much of the year, did an admirable job against Kansas City’s offense.
Why they will win:
Green Bay dodged a bit of a bullet here as Vikings superstar Justin Jefferson will not play due to a hamstring injury that has placed him on injured reserve.
Jordan Addison and TJ Hockenson could still cause some problems for the Green Bay defense.
These two teams are tied but without Jefferson and the home crowd gives Green Bay the advantage. Why will they lose:
Kirk Cousins has traditionally played well against Green Bay. His last trip to Green Bay was his worst as a starter, but he was often at his best against his biggest rival.
Brian Flores plays better defense and he has enough veteran presence to force Jordan Love into mistakes that could turn the tide.
Guess:
Sword
Why they will win:
Sean McVay has never beaten Matt LaFleur at Lambeau Field. This included a playoff game in 2020 as well as a 36-28 regular season game in 2021 that wasn’t as close as the final score indicated. Matthew Stafford is prone to some mistakes and that is where a full-back like Rasul Douglas can thrive.
Why will they lose:
The Rams are among the teams considered frontrunners in the Caleb Williams sweepstakes.
They’re not the Super Bowl team they were two years ago, but they’re not bad either. They were definitely competitive.
Perhaps the Green Bay team’s speed can shine on the fast track that is Ford Field. Why will they lose:
This will be the second meeting between these two teams. The Lions destroyed Green Bay in their first meeting. It was at Lambeau Field. This game will take place in Detroit against a Lions team that appears to be a legitimate Super Bowl contender.
David Montgomery is still in Detroit and the Lions are ready to run the ball to subdue Green Bay’s defense.
