The Green Bay Packers entered their bye week last week sitting at 6-3. After dropping to two of their NFC North opponents so far, the Lions and Vikings, they come out of their bye week to face the Bears in Chicago on Sunday. Can they get hot after the bye as they did last season?
The Packers currently sit third in the NFC North and are fighting for a wildcard spot in NFC playoff picture. The hope for the bye week was for Green Bay to reach almost full health once again. Jordan Love injured his MCL week 1 against the Philadelphia Eagles and sustained a groin injury against the Jacksonville Jaguars a few weeks ago.
In their most recent matchup, the Packers played the Lions without Jaire Alexander, Josh Myers and Evan Williams. It was evident Green Bay struggled without those three starters. Thankfully the bye week seemed to come at the right time and gives Green Bay a chance to reach close to full health as they take on another NFC North opponent on Sunday.
At this time last year Green Bay sat at 3-6. They went on to finish out the season 6-2 and even made a playoff run. The talent is there, but the finesse and consistency are what’s been missing for the Packers this season. Can they get hot again like they did last season and propel themselves into the playoffs for a run? Let’s take a look at their remaining schedule and my predictions for how they finish.
ESPN predicts an 80% chance for Green Bay to make the playoffs, a six percent chance to win their division, a two percent chance to earn a bye and a 10% chance to make the Super Bowl.
At Chicago (4-5)
The Bears have struggled to get anything going offensively this season under former OC Shane Waldron. Chicago recently fired Waldron and have appointed Thomas Brown as their new coordinator. The Bears offensive line has not done a great job protecting rookie quarterback Caleb Williams either. Green Bay’s defensive front has struggled to get to the quarterback this season. Will that finally end against Chicago on Sunday? I predict a win for Green Bay with a final score of 28-17.
Vs. San Francisco (5-4)
The 49ers have had the Packers number in the playoffs over the last few years. The 49ers currently sit second in the NFC West behind the Arizona Cardinals. I believe this will be one of the tougher matchups left on Green Bay’s schedule and for that reason I have the 49ers coming to Green Bay and winning. 49ers 31-27.
Vs. Miami (2-6)
The Packers will host the Dolphins on Thanksgiving Day. The Dolphins have struggled this year as starting quarterback Tua Tagovailoa missed multiple games due to a concussion. The Dolphins have put up a few good fights as they lost to the Arizona Cardinals by just one point along with losing to the Buffalo Bills by just three. Since Tua has returned the Dolphins have been made every game a close one, but I believe the weather will propel Green Bay past Miami in a few weeks. Give me Packers 34-21.
At Detroit (8-1)
Green Bay’s most recent loss came to the Detroit Lions right before their bye week. It was an awful effort put forth by Green Bay, as they committed numerous mistakes and countless penalties. Despite such an awful showing, Green Bay only lost 24-14. Unfortunately, Detroit seems to be the juggernaut of the NFC and continues to find a way to win games. In their most recent matchup against the Houston Texans, Jared Goff threw five interceptions, but the Lions still came out on top 26-23. With this matchup being at home for the Lions, I predict Green Bay drops this game in a close matchup. Lions take it 31-24.
At Seattle (4-5)
The Seatle Seahawks currently sit 4th in the NFC West. The Seahawks have struggled this season. Within their 4-5 record, those five losses have come from the Giants, Lions, 49ers, Bills and Rams. It’s also important to note that the Seahawks win column includes the Broncos, Patriots, Dolphins, and Falcons. The win against the Falcons is the only impressive win so far. A road game in Seattle will always be nauseating for Packers fans given the history, but I believe Green Bay gets it done comfortably. Give me Green Bay 35-17.
Vs. New Orleans (3-7)
The Saints are sitting in 3rd place in the NFC South. They share the same record as the Carolina Panthers. The Saints opened the season with two wins, blowing out the Panthers and Cowboys. They then went on to lose 7 straight. They finally picked up their most recent win against Falcons. A game against the Saints in late December bodes well for a Green Bay victory. Packers take it 31-13.
At Minnesota (6-2)
Minnesota scraped by Green Bay in week 4. The Packers found themselves down 28-7 at the half. Green Bay managed to fight their way back in the second half, as the defense did not allow Minnesota to score another touchdown. It was too little too late as Minnesota won 31-29. Green Bay played well in Minnesota last season, winning 33-10. While I don’t think they win that big this season, I still think they split with Minnesota. Green Bay wins 28-20.
Vs. Chicago (4-5)
Green Bay will end their season with a matchup against the Chicago Bears. While I do believe this will likely be a better matchup than the first go around, I still think Green Bay takes this one due to this being a home game. Give me Green Bay 34-20.
The Packers have a pretty good chance to make the playoffs and go on a run. This all depends on their ability to fix the mistakes and clean up their game. I predict they will go 12-5 and find themselves in wildcard spot.
