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| Signage at the NFL Draft 4/26/2025 dwm |
Then a week ago, August 28, the news broke that Green Bay acquired Micah Parsons from the Dallas Cowboys for our first draft picks in 2026 and 27 along with nose tackle Kenny Clark.
Parsons was under contract but wanted his contract extended. The Packers responded with a deal that will make him the highest paid non-quarterback in the NFL It's four years, $188 million, with $136 million guaranteed. (Don't think too much about the record setting contract, it will be passed by someone else, if not this year, then next.)
Adding a 4-time All Pro player like Parsons, one of the best pass rushers in the league, who is only 26 and entering his prime, to the good defense the Packers already have should make Green Bay worthy to be called a Super Bowl contender.
The unexpected acquisition makes things even more exciting than the start of a new season, starting Sunday when Green Bay hosts a season-opener for the first time under coach Matt La Fleur.
Detroit v Packers - Sept 7, 3:25 Central Time Last year the Lions beat the Packers both times they played. Detroit won by 10 in the game at Lambeau Field, then held on to win by 3 in December. The last time Green Bay beat Detroit was in 2023. Detroit has had the Packer's number so far this decade, winning 6 of 10. In addition to be being the first game, it's time for the Packers to start the season fast and make a statement. It's unlikely Parsons will play much in this game since he didn't get much practice before the trade. I'm picking the Packers to beat the Lions. (Record 1 - 0)
Washington v Packers - Thursday, Sept 11, 7:15 Playing their second game four days after the first is tough. The best thing about it is it's a home game. It's a chance to get a second win within the conference (important for playoff seeding) and send a message to the rest of the league There isn't an extra advantage playing at home on Thursdays but the home team does win more than visitors. I'm going with Green Bay to beat the Commanders. (2 - 0)
Green Bay @ Cleveland - Sept 21, 12:00 On paper, Green Bay has a big advantage over Cleveland. As they say, NFL games are played on fields, not paper. In terms of talent, the Packers will be favored. I expect the Pack and the Browns to play a close game with Green Bay winning in the fourth quarter. (3 - 0)
Green Bay @ Dallas - Sept 28, 7:20 This game will get a lot of attention as the rematch between Micah Parsons and his former team. If #1 for Green Bay hasn't already had a big game, this is where I expect him to spend a lot of time visiting Dak Prescott in the Dallas backfield. Everything points to the Pack winning, I'm not so sure. The Cowboys get some revenge for losing Micah and Green Bay loses it's first game. (3 - 1)
Bye - October 5
Cincinnati v Packers - Oct. 12, 3:25 The Bengals are in a tough division where they are probably the third-best team but still a play-off contender. Green Bay had an opportunity to rest and self-scout their first four games thanks to the early bye week. While a loss to an AFC team isn't as penalizing as losing in their division or conference; this should be an exciting game with two of the best quarterbacks leading their teams. This is a game for the defense to force a couple turnovers and make a winning difference, Packers win. (4 - 1)
Green Bay @ Arizona - Oct. 19, 3:25 Green Bay should win this game, but road games don't always go as the experts think. The game seven days from this one is a rematch with former QB Aaron Rodgers. If the Pack isn't ready for this one, Green Bay loses it's second game. (4 - 2)
Green Bay @ Pittsburgh - Oct 26, 7:20 It's another big stage on Sunday Night Football for the Packers, this one brings Jordan Love and Aaron Rodgers back together. Love backed up Rodgers his first two seasons before getting the reins. Is this where the student becomes the master? This will be a defensive game with a top pass rusher on each team. Green Bay wins thanks to an aggressive defense forcing more turnovers than the Steelers. (5 - 2)
Carolina v Packers - Nov 2, 12:00 After two games on the road, Green Bay goes home for the next two games. The Panthers looked better at the end of last season with their rookie quarterback, but this is a struggling organization. Green Bay takes advantage of Carolina. (6 - 2)
Philadelphia v Packers - Monday, Nov 10, 7:15 This game is a preview of the post-season and winning this contest could decide where that playoff game is played. Circle this game on the schedule because it should be exciting. I have no idea how this game will go, I'll give the Packers the flip of the coin. (7 - 2)
Green Bay @ Giants - Nov. 16, 12:00 The Giants should be better than 2024 and Green Bay has had issues playing in the Meadowlands. The Packers will be sorry if they don't win this one. Packers win. (8 - 2)
Minnesota v Packers - Nov. 23, 12:00 It's late November and Green Bay has 5 games left within the division; two with Minnesota and Chicago and a visit to Detroit to finish games against the division. Minnesota has a second-year quarterback playing for the first time due to an injury last year. JJ McCarthy may be the answer, but the NFL can be tough for young quarterbacks. I expect the Packers to take care of the Vikes in Lambeau Field. (9 - 2)
Green Bay @ Lions - Thanksgiving, Nov 27, 12:00 Maybe the short turn-around from Sunday to Thursday will help Green Bay adjust to the quick turn-around from playing Sunday to a game in Ford Field five days later. If Green Bay is going to assert its dominance in the NFC North, this is the time to make a statement, Green Bay wins. (10 - 2)
Chicago v Packers - Dec. 7, 12:00 Green Bay and Chicago play twice in three weeks. Bears fans seemed to despair when Green Bay got Parsons instead of them; these games are usually closer than the records indicate they should be. I see this as a game where the defense is the difference. (11 - 2)
Green Bay @ Broncos - Dec. 14, 3:25 The Packers finish with three of four games on the road. Denver played better down the stretch last season but continue to be the fourth best team in a closely contested division. If the Packers are going into the post-season with momentum, this would be a great place to start. However this feels like a trap, Denver prevails. (11 - 3)
Green Bay @ Bears - Dec. 20, 3:30 or 7:00 This could very well be Chicago's 'super bowl' in lieu of actually going to the post-season. After a wake-up call in Denver, the Packers bounce back with a dominating win over the Bears. (12 - 3)
Baltimore v Packers - Dec 27 or 28, TBD The last two weeks are left to be determined so the best match-ups can be slotted into the prime-time television windows. The Ravens and Packers could be a Super Bowl preview so I expect this game to be late Sunday afternoon or Sunday night. The Packers haven't been winning these kind of games recently, this is where they show it's a new era. (13 - 3)
Green Bay @ Vikings - Jan. 3 or 4, TBD Pretending that all these picks fall into place, the Packers may be resting players for the playoffs this weekend which will set the stage for a Minnesota win. The Packers are looking ahead, while the Vikes are looking at the end of the season. (13 - 4)
Clearly, I have high expectations for the Packers. Originally I picked them for 15 -2, but that requires so many things to fall into place I thought I should add a couple losses.
Green Bay has all the pieces to bring a 5th Lombardi trophy back to Titletown and I'm looking forward to an exciting season. Go Pack, Go!
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