Packer Predictions

Last week I gave you my picks for the entire Wisconsin Badgers schedule (can I point out my 45-17 victory prediction against UNLV didn't miss the actual 51-17 score by much!).  Today, I've got my Packers predictions for the year.

Week 1 vs New Orleans--I know everyone is expecting an offensive shootout tonight--but I think the abbreviated off-season and training camp will set that side of the ball back early in the season.  I'll take the Packers winning on a late FG over the Saints 20-17.  1-0

Week 2 at Carolina--The Panthers will be starting over-rated rookie quarterback Cam Newton.  I'll take the Pack 38-10.  2-0

Week 3 at Chicago--I know Lovie Smith and the Bears will be talking all big and bad that week--but they still have Jay Cutler at quarterback--and we all know how small he plays in big games.  Packers win 23-17.  3-0

Week 4 vs Denver--I don't see Kyle Orton lighting up the Packers in this one.  Green Bay wins 27-10.  4-0

Week 5 at Atlanta--A rematch of last year's divisional playoff game--where the Packers steamrolled the Falcons at the Georgia Dome.  I don't think Atlanta is any better this year.  Packers win 30-21.  5-0

Week 6 vs St Louis--Aren't defending Super Bowl Champions supposed to have the toughest schedule the next season?  Packers roll again 38-3.  6-0

Week 7 at Minnesota--Assuming the Metrodome is still inflated, the energy level will be high--but the Vikings talent level will still be low.  McNabb chokes again on a potential game-winning drive and the Packers escape with a 28-24 win.  7-0.

Week 8--Bye week.--Needless to say at 7-0, Packers fans are already booking hotel rooms in Indianapolis.

Week 9--at San Diego--Finally, the Packers play another serious title contender--and they lose.  The Chargers will a shootout 41-38 in overtime.  7-1

Week 10--versus Minnesota--I'm assuming here that Brett Favre has not returned to supplant Donovan McNabb at quarterback in purple.  Packers get back on the winning track 31-17.  8-1

Week 11--versus Tampa Bay--Last year the Bucs challenged for a playoff spot.  This year they go back to being the Yucks--Green Bay wins 24-6.  9-1

Week 12--at Detroit on Thanksgiving Day--In 1962, an undefeated Green Bay Packers came into a Turkey Day matchup with the Lions and lost to Detroit in what was known as the "Thanksgiving Day Massacre"--with Bart Starr being sacked 10 TIMES--and Lombardi's bunch suffering their only loss of the season.  I'll take Ndomukong Suh to dish out the same punishment to Aaron Rogers and for Detroit to win by the same 26-14 final.  9-2

Week 13--at the New York Football Giants--The Pack recovers from their beating at Detroit and use the extra rest to roll the vastly over-rated G-men--40-14.  10-2

Week 14--versus Oakland--The Raiders will be slightly better this year--but they still get whipped at Lambeau--38-13.  11-2

Week 15--at Kansas City--The meaningless pre-season finale may have been close--but the Packers cruise in this one 27-10.  12-2

Week 16--versus Chicago--Santa delivers another Packers win over their rivals 17-0.  Jay Cutler misses the second half with strained mistletoe.  13-2

Week 17--versus Detroit--The Packers will have nothing to play for--having clinched the best record in the NFC and home field throughout the playoffs--while the Lions will be fighting for a playoff spot.  Detroit wins a snoozer 13-9, and finish 13-3.

After a bye in the first round, the Packers get the Lions for the third time at Lambeau in the Divisional Playoff at Lambeau.  It's ugly, but the Packers get the win 13-7.

In the NFC Championship game, Green Bay hosts Atlanta on a freezing night at Lambeau.  Both offenses stall in the elements and the Packers lack of a running game hurts them as Atlanta controls the clock and field position and gets out of Green Bay with an upset victory 13-10 on a last-minute field goal.  The Falcons then get taken behind the woodshed by the Steelers in the Super Bowl--and order is restored to the Universe.

As with my Badger picks, if the Packers lose Aaron Rodgers for an extended period of time due to injury--this 13-3 prediction could easily change to 5-11 and out of playoffs.