The Green Bay Packers’ final four games of the regular season are now upon us, and it just so happens that three of those games are on the road. The first of these three road games kicks off later today in Denver, Colorado, against the 11–2, first-seeded Denver Broncos. For the Packers to win the NFC North and host a home playoff game, they will need to win these road games.
Green Bay will need to do several things well to extend their four-game win streak into this stretch away from Lambeau. The Packers must stay in rhythm on offense, run the ball effectively, have the defense show up, and bring the energy.
So, let’s take a look at what that means.
Packers Offense Needs To Stay In Rhythm
Of course, this is something head coach Matt LaFleur seems to preach constantly. For the Green Bay offense to be successful, it needs to stay in rhythm — or ahead of schedule. Ultimately, that means gaining positive yardage and, certainly, avoiding negative plays. This makes third down easier and, in some cases, unnecessary. According to StatMuse, the Packers currently have the best third-down conversion percentage in the NFL.
This is largely because the Packers’ offense is designed to gain yards on first down. At times, this can be frustrating, as Green Bay has a high run-call percentage on first down. However, that’s because a run play is more likely to help the offense stay in rhythm.
Staying in rhythm also means limiting penalties, and the Packers have been good in that department. According to TeamRankings.com, Green Bay ranks 11th in the league in fewest penalties per game. Even better, over the past three games, they rank fourth, averaging just 3.7 flags per game.
For the Packers to win on the road, staying in rhythm is critical — and that also means running the ball effectively.
Run That Ball!
This is especially important because the next three games, including the two remaining road games, are in outdoor stadiums and subject to the elements. A strong run game is essential in December and January when weather can be unpredictable. A physical rushing attack helps an offense stay on schedule and opens up the play-action game.
Jordan Love has excelled with play action throughout his career, and a strong run game only amplifies that success.
However, the Packers are running out of bodies at the running back position, which is a problem. Josh Jacobs continues to deal with a lingering knee issue (Adam Schefter tweeted out Saturday night that Jacobs is expected to play). Emanuel Wilson was added to the injury report Friday with an illness, and Marshawn Lloyd — who was close to returning from IR — injured his hamstring in practice on Friday.
In Chris Brooks we trust.
Packers Defense Shows Up
On the road, the Packers need to bring their own energy. They won’t have all of Lambeau Field behind them, so they’ll need to manufacture it themselves and carry it throughout the game. Big defensive plays can go a long way in doing that.
In the past, Matt LaFleur often preferred to take the ball first and score early to set the tone. But I think this team is built differently.
The defense is where that energy can be created. Send Jeff Hafley’s defense out first, force a three-and-out, and then let the offense go to work and put points on the board.
That’s how the Packers can continue their win streak — even on the road.
Bring That Energy!
The players need to show up and bring that energy. They aren’t going to have all of Lambeau behind them on the road. They are going to need to manufacture their own energy and carry it through the games. Big plays on defense can go a long way in doing this. I know in the past with Matt LaFleur, he would want the ball first to go and score to manufacture that energy but I think this team is built different.
The defense is where that energy can be manufactured. Send out that Jeff Hafley’s defense first, get a three-and-out, and then send out your offense to go and score.
This is how the Packers can continue their win streak, even on the road.
Predictions
For the Broncos game, I believe the Packers can and will do the things outlined above. I also expect this to be a defensive battle that Green Bay ultimately wins.
My prediction:
Packers 17 — Broncos 10
ChatGPT’s prediction:
Denver will start fast and may even lead at halftime. But Love’s poise, combined with Green Bay’s ability to capitalize on one or two Broncos mistakes, flips the game late. Not a blowout — just a hard-earned road win.
Packers 27 — Broncos 20
(Yes… 27 again. At this point it’s basically Packers law.)
And as always,
Go Pack Go!
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Damon is a diehard, fully-immersed cheesehead who currently lives in southern Missouri. He teaches at a local high school and has a family YouTube channel about all things Packers. You can follow him on twitter at @packersfamily and on YouTube at The Packers Family.
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