 |
| The team first played in 1919. 8/3/2018 dwm photo |
That's the way the cookie crumbles in the NFL. It is a very thin line between contending for a Super Bowl and a losing record. The quarterback, especially one as good as Rodgers, is that line.
The first game of the Packer's 100th season is at home under the lights with their oldest rival.
It wasn't until last year that Green Bay reclaimed the lead in the all-time series for the first time since the 1930s. The record now favors the Pack, 96 - 94 - 6.
Chicago's founder George Halas had a lot to do with Green Bay remaining in the NFL. It is fitting the two continue the oldest NFL rivalry on opening night. With that, here is my forecast for the 2018 season:
Sun., Sept 9 - Bears at Lambeau (Sunday Night)
This game features (for now) the two highest-paid players on each side of the ball. Aaron Rodgers just signed the richest NFL contract and the Bears traded for and then paid Khalil Mack more money than any defensive player. These two will be major factors in the game, but I think the new Packer defense is more likely to slow down the Chicago offense than the Bears shutting down Aaron & company. I like Aaron to be firing on all cylinders after sitting out most of last year, especially if he is on the same page with new tight end Jimmy Graham. Packers win (1-0)
Sun., Sept 16 - Vikings at Lambeau
Minnesota came as close as any team to hosting a Super Bowl, but lost in the NFC title game. They bought a new quarterback and their defense may be even better than last year's excellent unit. This is also the team with Anthony Barr, the man who effectively ended the season for Rodgers and the Packers. Revenge is best served as hot-dish. Packers win (2-0)
Sun., Sept 23 at Washington
Their former QB now plays in Minnesota, and the Capital's team brought in Alex Smith from Kansas City. Smith and Rodgers were drafted the same year. Smith was the top pick while Rodgers wasn't selected until Green Bay gladly drafted him at 24. Smith has a nice career going, but many teams are wishing they selected Aaron when they had a chance. Green Bay's new and improved defense locks this game up. Packers win (3-0)
Sun., Sept 30 - Bills at Lambeau
Green Bay is expected to be one of the top teams in the NFC. When they last played the Bills in Buffalo, that was also true, but the Pack didn't play like it and the Bills upset Green Bay. A key measure of success for Green Bay starts by winning home games. Check. Packers win (4-0)
1st Quarter of the season is perfect - 4 wins and no losses
Sun., Oct 7 at Detroit
Detroit has a new coach, a former assistant at New England, and high expectations. This game will be tight, like most games in this divisional rivalry. The best player on each team is the quarterback and there is no doubt the Packers win that face-off. For Green Bay to win, they need a key defensive play. Packers win (5-0)
Mon., Oct 15 - 49ers at Lambeau (Monday Night)
This game is important for many reasons: it is the only October home game; four of the next five are against 2017 playoff teams; and this is the last game before their bye week. Jimmy Garoppolo is the NFL quarterback flavor of the month and a rising star. This game will see a lot of points on the scoreboard. Home field is an advantage for a reason. Packers win (6-0)
Sun., Oct 21 - Bye-bye
Players and fans catch their breath, but the ultimate goal is still on the horizon.
Sun., Oct 28 at Los Angeles Rams
Starting with this game, any of the rest may be moved to a different time slot as judged by the league and their television partners. This is already slotted as the late afternoon FOX game of the week, so you can count on the 3:25 Central time start. The Rams surprised everyone last year and put an exciting offense and tenacious defense on the field. Take the over on this one. Packers fall (6-1)
Sun., Nov 4 at New England (Sunday Night)
This defines a tough two game stretch for any team, one on the west coast followed by an east coast road game. The Sunday Night Special is only the second match-up between Tom Brady and Aaron Rodgers - considered 1 and 1A among NFL quarterbacks. I suspect NBC will play that up if they are both healthy. Mike McCarthy is the third longest tenured head coach, Patriot chief Bill Belichick the longest. Is this a Super Bowl preview? Packers win (7-1)
2nd quarter of the season goes 3-1, I think they would book that today, 7-1 overall.
Sun., Nov 11 - Dolphins at Lambeau
This game sets up as a trap game for Green Bay after their last two opponents and two big ones coming up. I expect Coach McCarthy and veteran leaders to keep the ship steady and win for the first time at home in a month. Packers win (8-1)
Thurs. Nov 15 at Seattle (Thursday Night)
Every team plays on Thursday night - but add the short week with a trip to the loudest stadium in the NFL and the site of a couple of the worse Packer losses ever (Fail Mary - 9/24/2012 and the NFC Title Game Debacle -1/18/2015). Green Bay should be the better team. I am concerned about this one. Packers fall (8-2)
Sun., Nov 25 at Minnesota (Sunday Night)
The silver lining to the Thursday night game short week is the 'mini-bye' of 10 days off before the next contest. The Pack is likely to need and appreciate the rest as they return to the place where Mr. Barr and the Vikings work. Expect a close slug-fest. I'm listening to my heart on this one. Packers win (9-2)
Sun., Dec 2 - Cardinals at Lambeau
If the team is on track for the play-offs, every game factors in to how many home games you get in the post-season. Arizona is probably playing for the future at this point and not liking the cold weather on the Frozen Tundra. Packers roll (10-2)
Another 3-1 quarter of the season gets Green Bay in good position to finish, 10 and 2 overall.
Sun., Dec 9 - Falcons at Lambeau
These two teams will probably meet in January, and the Packers will want to play at home. To make sure that happens, this game is important. It feels like a good time to let them know Green Bay has improved since their last meeting. Packers win (11-2)
Sun., Dec 16 at Chicago
If the Bears are in play for a wildcard berth, this game will be difficult. There are a lot of things that happen over the course of the season, but if this is Green Bay's year they find a way in Soldier Field. Packers win (12-2)
Sun., Dec 23 at New York Jets
The Jets are rebuilding around a rookie quarterback. This game shouldn't be close, but the Packers need to be careful and come out firing. Packers win a tight one (13-2)
Sun., Dec 30 - Lions at Lambeau
These two teams are making the final weekend of the season a regular date. Hopefully this game means nothing for the Packers with the QB and select starters getting a rest before taking the first week off in the playoffs. Because of that.. Packers fall (13-3)
13 and 3 should give Green Bay home-field advantage for the Divisional play-off on either January 12 or 13th; requiring the road to Super Bowl to go through Title Town.
That's how I see it in August. Go Pack, Go!
Comments
Post a Comment