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Welcome to the postseason, Rats! LaFleurs 5th in 6 seasons and Love leading the team in back-back 7th seed is ON.
The Packers have been one of the most intriguing teams this year. From Willis stepping up to lead early victories, to Jacobs proving himself as a relentless workhorse with a nose for the end zone, to an offense that has repeatedly put up 30+ points, the team has shown flashes of brilliance. The defense has also contributed, creating turnovers and finishing with a positive margin. And after a strange offseason kicking competition, McManus has emerged as a reliable answer in the kicking game.
However, it hasn’t been all smooth sailing. The pass rush has been lackluster, injuries in the secondary have tested depth and exposed weaknesses, and the young offense has struggled at times with predictability—shotgun handoffs, questionable game plans, and coaching missteps have all been points of frustration.
Perhaps the most concerning stat: the Packers are just 1-5 against other NFC playoff teams. While they’ve managed to handle lesser opponents, they haven’t secured many signature wins against quality competition.
Now, with both Love and Willis battling injuries, the Packers face a daunting challenge: taking on the NFC’s top defense on the road to earn a rematch with the Lions next week.
But that’s exactly why I think they’ll rise to the occasion. Jacobs will keep the passing game honest and Love will tough it out, though Willis might see action for designed runs and handoffs. The Reed end-around, a play that has worked well in the past, needs to make a return. We need a a few big games by our younger guys. And, crucially, the defense has to capitalize on turnovers—something Hurts has rarely allowed this season but could be a game-changer. Will we contain Saquon to under 5 a carry or deal with Brown/Smith thru the air. Controlling the clock and minimizing possessions seems the only way to live.
My prediction? The Packers pull off the upset in a nail-biter: 23-20.
Go Pack!
The Packers have been one of the most intriguing teams this year. From Willis stepping up to lead early victories, to Jacobs proving himself as a relentless workhorse with a nose for the end zone, to an offense that has repeatedly put up 30+ points, the team has shown flashes of brilliance. The defense has also contributed, creating turnovers and finishing with a positive margin. And after a strange offseason kicking competition, McManus has emerged as a reliable answer in the kicking game.
However, it hasn’t been all smooth sailing. The pass rush has been lackluster, injuries in the secondary have tested depth and exposed weaknesses, and the young offense has struggled at times with predictability—shotgun handoffs, questionable game plans, and coaching missteps have all been points of frustration.
Perhaps the most concerning stat: the Packers are just 1-5 against other NFC playoff teams. While they’ve managed to handle lesser opponents, they haven’t secured many signature wins against quality competition.
Now, with both Love and Willis battling injuries, the Packers face a daunting challenge: taking on the NFC’s top defense on the road to earn a rematch with the Lions next week.
But that’s exactly why I think they’ll rise to the occasion. Jacobs will keep the passing game honest and Love will tough it out, though Willis might see action for designed runs and handoffs. The Reed end-around, a play that has worked well in the past, needs to make a return. We need a a few big games by our younger guys. And, crucially, the defense has to capitalize on turnovers—something Hurts has rarely allowed this season but could be a game-changer. Will we contain Saquon to under 5 a carry or deal with Brown/Smith thru the air. Controlling the clock and minimizing possessions seems the only way to live.
My prediction? The Packers pull off the upset in a nail-biter: 23-20.
Go Pack!
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