By now every sports reporter, site and Packer fan has (over) analyzed GM Brian Gutekunst’s rookie 2019 NFL Draft class. Since I’m writing this on Wednesday, it’s actually NFL Draft Eve! I’ve already made my draft predictions, which I’m anxious to see if I hit on anyone! LOL! I will instead comment and predict the Packer’s season under first year Head Coach Matt LaFleur.

Week 1 Thursday September 5, finds the Packers traveling to Soldier Field in Chicago to face the Bears for the 199th time, in the 100th year of the NFL. Currently the Packers have the edge 97-95-6. This will be Coach LaFleur’s first game leading the Packers. I’m afraid the Packers return home 0-1.

Week 2 Sunday September 15, the Packers will face the Minnesota Vikings in the home opener. The Packers will not forget how last season’s home game versus the Vikings ended. Packers record improves to 1-1 in front of a another sold out, raucous home field crowd at Lambeau.

Week 3 Sunday September 22, the Denver Broncos visit Lambeau with new head coach Vic Fangio. The Packers are very familiar with Fangio as his last position was with the Chicago Bears as Defensive Coordinator. For the second week in a row, the Packers prevail at home, record now 2-1.

Week 4 Thursday September 26, the Philadelphia Eagles come calling at Lambeau for the 44th meeting between the two clubs. The Packers hold the edge 27-16 with a home record on Thursday night games is 5-0. Coach LaFleur wins his first come from behind game, in stunning fashion over the Eagles. Packer’s now 3-1.

Week 5 Sunday October 6, the Packers visit the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium, site of the Packers last Super Bowl victory in February 2011(SB 45). The Cowboy’s aren’t as accommodating as the Steeler’s were, Packers lose a close one on a missed walk off FG. Record, 3-2.

Week 6 Monday Night Football October 14, versus the Detroit Lions at Lambeau. Currently Detroit owns a 4 game win streak over the Packers. That ends in a rout on MNF in front of National audience with Mason Crosby making amends, hitting 4 FGs and the Packers winning by 20 points. Packers now stand at 4-2.

Week 7 Sunday October 20, the Oakland Raiders visit Lambeau and for the 5th time the Raiders leave with a loss. Green Bay’s record in the series improves to 9-5. Rodgers has a stellar day shredding the Raider defense with a 4 TD performance. Packers improve to 5-2.

Week 8 Sunday October 27, the Packers will visit the Kansas City Chiefs. This game will be a shoot out between the young gun slinger Mahomes and the cagey veteran Rodgers. Unfortunately for the Packers defense, they can’t stop Mahomes and the Chiefs prevail. Packers record now 5-3 at the half way point of the season.

Week 9 Sunday November 3, another week on the road. This time to the West Coast with the Packers challenging Phillip Rivers and the Chargers. Once again a good quarterback stymies the Packer defense and the Packers fall to the Chargers. The Packers return home at 5-4.

Week 10 Sunday November 10, the Packers are limping toward their Bye Week, but are blessed with another home game at the friendly confines of Lambeau Field. The Carolina Panthers become the Packers 6th victim as Rodgers takes his frustrations out on the Panther defense with another 4TD day in front of the home crowd. 6-4 Record.

Week 11, Bye Week.

Week 12 Sunday November 24, the Packers find themselves on the West Coast again, but in front of a Packers/Rodger’s friendly crowd. The Packers don’t disappoint and get their first road victory over the 49ers and LaFleur’s mentor Kyle Shanahan. Mike Pettine’s defense shines in this one, holding the 49ers offense to 13 points. Packers now stand at 7-4.

Week 13 Sunday December 1, Now the Packers travel to the East Coast, and the Big Apple to face the NY Giants. Even with Eli Manning and Sequon Barkley, the Giants offense can’t break the surging Packer’s defense of Mike Pettine as the Packers pull off a second road win to stand at 8-4.

Week 14 Sunday December 8, another home game for the Pack versus the Washington Redskins. Historically the Packers take their home games seriously, this does not change under LaFleur and the Packers manhandle the Redskins avenging some embarrassing losses. This week it’s Rodgers and the offense’s turn to shine, with a powerful ground game’s 2 TDs to compliment a 2TD Rodger’s performance, the Packers roll to a 9-4 record.

Week 15 Sunday December 15, the Packers vaunted rivals the Chicago Bears visit Lambeau. The Bears bring the number one ranked defense to Lambeau in week 15, but LaFleur has an amazing game plan to send the Bears back to the Windy City with a loss. The Packers now find themselves in a tie with Bears atop the NFC North with two games to go at 10-4.

Week 16 Monday December 23, another MNF showdown against an NFC North foe on the road at US Bank Stadium versus the Vikings. It may be freezing outside, but Cousins and Rodgers are heating things up inside. This game is an offensive shootout. Once again Rodgers finds Davante Adams for the win and the Packers knock the Vikings off and out of contention in the North. Packers now 11-4.

Week 17 Sunday December 29 at Ford Field. The Packer faithful travel well to this one, as the resurgent Packers are vying for an NFC North title, finding themselves tied with the Bears (who are visiting the Vikings). The sea of Green and Gold engulf Ford Field, but have one eye peeled on the scoreboard watching the Bears vs the Vikings score. On the field, the Packers show no mercy, sweeping the season series with Lions, a powerful performance on both sides of the ball. As fans cheer the scoreboard, seeing the Bears miss a FG to lose 13-10 to the Vikings. Packers are the NFC North Champs once again at 12-4.

Yes, the Pack is Back and will stand atop the NFC North again. The fresh air breathed into the team by first year head coach Matt LaFleur and a consistent job by the improved defense place the Packers in their rightful place as North Division Champs. All of this is entirely possible if the Packers stay healthy and committed throughout the season. A turn-around can be completed swiftly on can look no further then the Chicago Bears of 1983-1984 (8-8 to 10-6) ultimately winning the SB in 1985.

As Always Go Pack GO

PackerGreg

PackerGreg Veteran/Go Army @DrGTP on Twitter