Like everyone, I think predicting games this far out is unrealistic.
Like everyone, I am bored from the quarantine and feel like offering my outlook. š
@ Minnesota Vikings The Packers were 6-0 in the division last year. Itās hard to imagine that happening again in 2020. I like Minnesotaās roster. For the last 5 seasons, I think theyāve had among the best rosters in the NFC. They just canāt seem to put it together in the playoffs, however. Plus, only two division titles since 2015. They should have more. I believe this is due to their poor offensive line and inconsistent QB play. I think our pass rush could create issues for Kirk Cousins again. Nevertheless, edge goes to Minnesota in a close one.
(0-1)Detroit Lions I am hoping to see a better showing against Detroit this time around than the two nail biters last year. The Lionsā defense was 28th in DVOA and they have a rookie CB playing in his second game going up against Aaron Rodgers and one of the best WRs in the league.
(1-1)@ New Orleans SaintsWhile I think this is the year Drew Brees and the Saints drop off, it is hard to win in New Orleans at night. Brees also does a good job of making quick decisions, which negates our rush. Edge goes to the Saints.
(1-2)Atlanta FalconsThe Falcons are my surprise team in 2020. They started 1-7 in 2019 but finished 6-2 in the second half of the season, including wins against San Francisco and New Orleans. The Packers always struggle to stop Julio Jones. Do we have enough firepower to keep pace? I am going to say no.
(1-3)@ Tampa Bay BuccaneersNow the pressure is on. I suspect most will leave the Packers buried heading into this game, but they really matchup well with Tampa Bay. We can rush the passer and the Bucs weakness is their offensive line. Oh, they also have a stationary QB that cannot extend plays. With the season on the line, I think this is the upset that jump-starts the season.
(2-3)@ Houston TexansThe Texans are an above average team that benefits from playing in a bad division. They were 20th in DVOA and 26th in defense (per DVOA). I like the Packers getting back to even with a strong performance from the offense, while the defense has the edge defenders to contain a mobile QB like DeShaun Watson.
(3-3)Minnesota VikingsThe game is in Lambeau and a streaking Packers team will have confidence coming off back-to-back wins. I do not see Minnesota having an answer to Rodgers, Jones, and Adams in Lambeau. Plus, our pass rush will step up against Cousins.
(4-3) @ San Francisco 49ers (Thursday Night)The schedule makers werenāt kind to the Packers. They play a divisional foe and then four days later are playing the physical menace that is San Francisco in California.
(4-4)Jacksonville JaguarsThe Jaguars are rebuilding and likely aiming to draft Trevor Lawrence. This should be a resounding victory.
(5-4)@ Indianapolis ColtsEverybody talks about Philip Rivers, but the Colts have a productive running game. The Packers didnāt address their run defense in the off-season, and it will bite them somewhere. I vote this game due to Marlon Mack and Jonathan Taylor.
(5-5)Chicago BearsThis will be a big game in the standings. The Bears are better than people believe, but I suspect the Packersā defense can carry them at home.
(6-5)Philadelphia EaglesThe Packers should be able to handle the Eagles at home this time around. First, I thought they outplayed the Eagles last season. They struggled inside the red zone, which was kind of a fluke. I wanted Philly instead of Seattle in the playoffs last season. The Seahawks scared me more. This time around you have a more well-defined Green Bay offense and a defense that does play well at home. The Eagles game was the lone exception. More important, the Eagles will be coming off a Monday night game against a feisty Seattle. Six days later, they travel north to play a December game at Lambeau. Unlike the San Francisco game, this is one example of the schedule makers doing the Pack a favor.
(7-5)@ Detroit LionsThere really is no reason why the Packers shouldnāt beat the Lions in both games. The Packers have the better roster, quarterback, coaching staff, and defense.
(8-5)Carolina PanthersIt is December and itās Lambeau Field. If Aaron Rodgers is healthy, then Green Bay is going to be dangerous in this game. The Panthers are going to struggle on offense, as Teddy Bridgewater lacks vertical options in the passing game.
(9-5)Tennessee TitansI worry about the Packers facing Tennessee and Derrick Henry in a cold game. It is hard enough to tackle. With that said, the Packers have a better roster. Henry will gain his yards, but Green Bay should be able to counter with Aaron Jones. Additionally, I donāt think the Titans have an answer to Davante Adams. I hope he is healthy for this one.
(10-5)@ Chicago BearsThe Bears will be playing for their playoff lives, given that a 7th playoff team is now permittable to the postseason. I also like their defense to stymie the Packers. Whatever you think of the Bears, you cannot deny they have an athletic defense full of playmakers. Their defensive DVOA was 8.
(10-6)I felt the Packers overachieved in 2019 and I suspect they come back to earth in 2019 due to a tougher schedule and getting less breaks. Seeing them land in the 9 to 11-win range feels right.