A Way too Early Win/Loss Prediction of the Packers 2020 Regular Season
I gave a very early regular season prediction which none of you liked; and thankfully I was wrong in thinking the Packers were a year away. As most of you can remember, I was optimistic in the direction they were heading in with the signing of young free agents at premium positions of need but thought they needed a year to adapt to LaFleur's system.
It turns out the defense was clutch and carried the team to victory after victory during crunch time, while the offense did not turn the ball over and made many big plays on the ground. The end result was an incredibly enjoyable 13-3 season which was capped off by the Packers dispatching the Seahawks in the divisional round which was much better than the 8-8/9-7 outcome I predicted.
This season has a much different feel as some believe the Packers made the wrong move by taking their franchises next quarterback in the first round and failed to address the void at inside linebacker or wide receiver. On top of that, the Packers have quite a difficult schedule as is the case for a 13-3 division winner.
Before I make my game by game predictions, I would like to make a few notes for the record:
- Christian Kirksey, Kamal Martin, and Oren Burks could prove to be a more athletic trio that provides the minimal improvement that the Packers needed at the inside linebacker position. Kirksey, when healthy is a high energy playmaker who could prove to be a steal if he can stay on the field (just watch the tape).
- After seeing the moves Gutekunst made in free agency, the Packers probably could have made it work with Bulaga on a 3-year guaranteed deal with 1-2 extra non-guaranteed years. I'm sure Russ Ball could have given Bulaga a signing and workout bonus keeping his 2020 cap figure around $6-7 million. (Give me Bulaga and Kirksey; I realize hindsight is 20/20)
- I still think the Packers O-line is athletic enough to perform the zone run blocks needed for talented backs like Aaron Jones, A.J Dillion (underrated athletic freak), and Jamaal Williams to make big plays.
- The tight end group will provide an extra shot in the arm in the run game.
- The Packers will control the pace of most games with the run and high percentage completions.
Ok, keeping all of this in mind, I think the Packers are marching towards 2020 with a very marginally improved roster, but an improved roster nonetheless. So, without further ado, here are my 2020 game by game predictions for the Green Bay Packers:
- Week 1 @ Minnesota: L 20-10
- Week 2 vs Detroit: W 35-28
- Week 3 @ New Orleans L 38-21
- Week 4 vs Atlanta (MNF): W 31-24
- Week 5 Bye
- Week 6 @ Tampa Bay: L 30-27
- Week 7 @ Houston: W 27-24
- Week 8 vs Minnesota: W 20-14
- Week 9 @ San Francisco: L 41-20
- Week 10 vs Jacksonville: W 34-14
- Week 11 @ Indianapolis W 21-20
- Week 12 vs Chicago W 24-21
- Week 13 vs Philadelphia W 27-23
- Week 14 @ Detroit W 28-24
- Week 15 vs Carolina W 31-14
- Week 16 vs Tennessee L 24-17
- Week 17 @ Chicago L 21-17
2020 record 10-6 wildcard birth.
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David Michalski is a staff writer for Cheesehead TV. He can be found on Twitter @kilbas27dave
Comments (53)
HaroldDrake
May 10, 2020 at 07:37 am
I am highly critical of the Gute Draft 3.0 which hurt the chances of the Packers of making another Super Bowl run. I believe the selection of Jordan Love has a far greater chance of becoming the ultimate "bust" draft pick a la Ryan Leaf. I doubt whether Aaron Rodgers will approach his remaining years at Green Bay with as much enthusiasm and commitment as he had last year as a result of the nonsensical choice of a future QB when he has three years remaining on his contract. But I would never have predicted a 2020 season record of anything less than 10 - 6. This seems overly pessimistic despite the damage done to the team by Gutekunst albeit Dillon could turn out to be a beast in the backfield. But the Packers have done very little to improve their run defence which will still cost them games they would otherwise win.
PeteK
May 10, 2020 at 10:41 am
I say 11-5. Wildcard birth, who's going to win the division ? I think the Vikes will be worse than last year. It's natural for Rogers to be upset about his employer making plans for his replacement. However, he and everyone else knows that it is at least two years in the future. He is a competitor and will use this as motivation. keys: Funchess better than Allison, Dillon will improve our run game , Sternberger better than Graham. Better offense improves Defense. So much for predictions, last season I thought Allison, Kumerow, and MVS would all improve and that there was no need for a receiver.
Guam
May 10, 2020 at 08:45 am
I didn't like this draft either, but I am not going to label Love a bust before the kid has even played a down in the league. I would have much preferred a WR or IDL at #1 and there were decent picks available, but I also will root for the kid to be highly successful and the next QB of the Packers.
Turophile
May 10, 2020 at 09:08 am
@HaroldDrake
Love has a high chance to bust.........same as any QB, even those taken in round one. Unfortunately QB is such a critical position that chances must be taken, futures need to be planned.
I'm wondering how YOU would plan the succession from Rodgers to the future. You can't get a premium high pick like a Burrow, Tagovailoa or (next year) Lawrence, the Packers don't get to pick in one of the first three or four picks, they haven't done so for 30 years. Therefore they have to get a later pick, a more develomental guy, someone who might be able to realise his potential in time, to eventually be a good QB1. Love, as he is now, isn't ready. After two years behind Rodgers, he might be.
Now you may think Rodgers will be uncommitted as QB1 for the next couple of years, but many think the exact opposite, he will be motivated to play well, since the potential future sits behind him.
Instead of criticising the selection of Love, look at it a different way. Find a QB who is a better option than Love that will be available with a later pick. I don't think Hurts, Fromm or Eason have a better shot than Love (and I was a fan of Fromm's ability to read defenses). Maybe you think you see someone in a future year that you like, but it will be a similar risk to that of taking Love.
Although you see the first round pick of a QB as too early, this gives Love two years to learn behind Rodgers, and if he is a failure (remember that high bust rate), then the Packers try again in 2022. Remember that Rodgers himself said that he was nowhere near the QB when drafted, as he was when he took over from Favre.
I get that you have a win-now philosophy, a nowacrat, if you like. Unfortunately looking at the Packers first round picks last year and this year, the Packers have a longer term view, a buildican philosophy, and have done so for a long time.
PhantomII
May 10, 2020 at 01:32 pm
I think he is being provided the exact scenario to succeed. #1 a pretty good run game destined to get better. a changing offensive line that is becoming younger and more run blocking aggressive. A better defense overall. He is not Rodgers but he also will not have to carry a team with a lesser defense. 4 WR's and having no run game to fall back on like Rodgers, who had to extend plays that weren't there on time. But, Rodgers has always been guilty for not taking what the other team gives you and not just moving the chains. That is his biggest failure as a pro QB and as far as I'm concerned has limited his Super Bowl appearances chances the most. 3 and out don't get you too far and puts added pressure on your defense and even if they are doing well...they get tired to. I thing the packers are better in 2020. Thank God Graham is gone, he sucked away so many snaps from our younger TE's. I expect depending how this quarantine plays out a big jump from our TE position and our short yardage game with Dillon. WR group will be better than last year.
murf7777
May 10, 2020 at 04:30 pm
Right on the money Turophile....finding a Franchise QB is rarely achieved on the first stab. So, do it early and often till you get “the man”.
Thegreatreynoldo
May 11, 2020 at 05:20 am
What you wrote is true, but I disagree with the conclusion. I'd use 1st round picks to acquire talented players who can help GB win a super bowl in AR's remaining window.
I have no problem with riding AR into the ground and then stinking for a year or three. I can enjoy a Packer season in which the team loses a lot. I think the chances of finding a franchise QB are much better drafting in the top 10. If GB has to do that a couple of times, so be it.
Perhaps the Packers have been taking a longer term, building philosophy, although I think TT was close to all-in in 2014-2016. [I have done the cap analysis for 2016 at any rate: other than not using future picks, I think TT was all in that year.]
HaroldDrake
May 12, 2020 at 03:53 am
Hi Turophile!
Thanks for your considered reply (unlike some of the Trolls that populate this site and others on the global blogosphere).
My main point is that IF you make the following assumptions:
1) That Rodgers was handed a fat 4-year contract which was part of a strategy to bring the Packers another Super Bowl during his final years as our QB;
2) That one of the perceived weaknesses on the Packers was the lack of an elite No. 2 receiver to complement Davante Adams;
3) That drafting a QB while Rodgers still has three years left on his contract (and, although I am not sure about this, another, option year?), is premature and also sends the wrong signal to your notoriously thin-skinned and prickly star HOF QB;
4) That there will be other college QBs of similar potential available in the next year (or two) to draft as a Rodgers-transition-replacement HOF of the future;
THEN it make zero sense to draft a QB instead of a WR (and certainly not to trade up to take one) THIS YEAR rather than equipping Rodgers with a top WR pick who can help the Packers this year. (Denzel Mims was consistently rated at the kind of college WR who would have fulfilled that need and he was in fact still available after Jefferson et al. had already been taken in Round 1.)
The same logic applies to not taking a top ILB or D-line run-stuffing prospect in the first round which would have addressed an ongoing weakness on defence.
One should also appreciate that assuming Rodgers is as durable as Brady and Brees, his skill set will not decline in the coming years to any notable degree. (I am giving Rodgers the benefit of the doubt that his statistical drop-off in the last few years has much to do with his injuries - especially the collarbone break - and an unfortunate propensity to throw off his back foot.)
I have studied footage of Rodgers throwing the ball from 2010 - 2015 and compared that to the last season and it is abundantly clear that he has altered his throwing style. I am not sure why the Packers' coaching staff has not tried to correct this habit.
But I hope your confidence in Love will be justified. Go Pack Go!
taarons420
May 10, 2020 at 09:22 am
Any draft pick at any position is made with a hope that that player blossoms and TAKES SOMEONE'S JOB.
It's how the NFL works.
It's how SPORTS work.
Why should Aaron Rodgers be immune?
I could understand disliking this pick if it was made in 2011 right after a young Rodgers lead his team to SB victory.
But the guy is 37.
His body is breaking down.
His play has declined.
Age.
If the simple act of drafting a player in the first round who plays his position causes him to "...approach his remaining years at Green Bay with less enthusiasm and commitment...", then the pick was even MORE warranted.
Can't have someone THAT fragile leading an NFL team.
dobber
May 10, 2020 at 10:15 am
Legend has it (because I can't find a reference) that shortly after Ron Wolf became GM of the Packers, starting LB Brian Noble sat down with him and wanted some kind of vote of confidence with regard to his job security. Supposedly Wolf's reply was: your job is secure until I can find someone better to replace you.
Several years ago, when asked if he was concerned about the Packers bringing in another veteran QB, ARod's reply was something like: no, because I can outplay anyone they would bring in. Please do.
As you note, it's the way of professional sports. Each of these players knows it.
murf7777
May 10, 2020 at 07:48 pm
Hey dobber, actually Arod said that two months ago as well.
dobber
May 10, 2020 at 08:07 pm
<<tips hat>>
PackEyedOptimist
May 10, 2020 at 07:50 am
The predicting game is fun, but at this point I'll just say that I think the Packers will be "in every game" in the fourth quarter (other than maybe a one-game outlier where turnovers happen). With the efficient run game I expect, I think no team will be able to blow out the Packers. When you are within a touchdown at the end of the game, Aaron Rodgers is going to win a lot of games for you, so I think an 11 win season sounds about right.
Lphill
May 10, 2020 at 08:35 am
I think 8 and 8 would be impressive but with all the holes in the defense even that might be asking for too much. The Packers will give up career days to no name backs every game and the teams with good running backs will be devastating to watch. We will never know how good the Packers offense is because it will be on the sidelines.
marpag1
May 10, 2020 at 10:17 am
Yup, the Packers definitely sucked against the run last year. But they didn't suck as bad as Kansas City did.
Since91
May 10, 2020 at 12:14 pm
Hey Lphill!
I seem to remember this team in the Super Bowl stopping the vaunted running game of another team. Name me 6 starters on KC’s defense without googling them. It was a bad game get over it!
Guam
May 10, 2020 at 08:40 am
I agree that 10-6 or 11-5 is a likely record for the Pack this year. I do differ on the first game with the Vikings. The Vikings lost most of their secondary, a couple of good pass rushers, and their best WR and while they have a bunch of good draft choices it will take awhile for this team to jell. Couple that with an uncertain preseason due to COVID-19 and I much prefer a veteran Packers team to take down the inexperienced Vikings in the first game of the season.
arthurl
May 10, 2020 at 08:47 am
I think roster looks better than last year. They have some young guys like Alexander, Savage, Jenkins, Sternberger, etc that probably have more impact. I like Gary to really step up. Dillon will prove to be a good player I think. They also picked up some OL talent in the draft. Now it’s also unknown what their record will look like, I never thought they’d win 13 games last season.
taarons420
May 10, 2020 at 09:31 am
Players who were on the team last year who I believe have upside (likely to show progress):
-ervin
-lazard
-sternberger
-jenkins
-keke
-gary
-sullivan
-alexander
-savage
-rodgers - year 2 in the offense
I also think the following new players will provide improvement over players from last year...
-kirksey / martinez
-funchess / allison
-st brown / kumerow
-deguara / vitale
-dillion / williams
-martin / burks
Roadrunner23
May 10, 2020 at 11:04 am
Nicely done Mr. Optimistic
I wholeheartedly agree with your assessment lad
NickPerry
May 10, 2020 at 08:52 am
I happen to agree with many of your "Notes" David. I think the ILB position has a good chance to be better, maybe even MUCH better with a little luck for Kirksey and Burks staying healthy. Dillion will become the Packers #2 RB before Thanksgiving maybe sooner. Forget WHERE he was drafted, it's a done deal. Get behind the kid and what he can actually do on the field...I can't wait. I also think the WR and TE positions are better...How much better is yet to be determined.
Sorry David, NO WAY are the Packers losing week one to the Vikings and being held to 10 points. WAAAY to many new players on defense without the benefit of a normal offseason for that one to happen. Hell it could be Packers 30 Vikings 10 in that opener. I also don't see them losing to the Titans at home or the Bears in week 17.
dobber
May 10, 2020 at 10:30 am
" Dillion will become the Packers #2 RB before Thanksgiving maybe sooner."
Don't be surprised if he's handling a significant number of early down snaps right out of the gate. If his blocking is up to snuff, I wouldn't be terribly surprised to see him and Jones on the field at the same time.
NickPerry
May 10, 2020 at 12:35 pm
That's what I'm hoping too dobber. Remember last season when MLF used both Williams and Jones on the field at the same time? The results were pretty good IIRC, especially in that KC game.
The Packers have a pretty nice stable of RB's for the 2020 season...God I hope we have a season!
Edit...Just went and watched some more AJ Dillion highlights. This kid is a hard runner with deceptive speed, wicked spin move, CAN catch the ball with ease when given the opportunity. Every highlight reel I've watched DB's want NO PART of this kid when he turns the corner...
dobber
May 10, 2020 at 01:24 pm
I think Dillon is MIke Alstott. He can be a very nice complementary piece to a speedy perimeter back.
jannesbjornson
May 10, 2020 at 02:26 pm
Nothing wrong about using a pro set in the backfield.
Cheesey51
May 10, 2020 at 08:54 am
i agree with your optimistic opinion of Kirskey, Martin,Burke,AJ Dillon. If Wagener returns to his former status, Gutey got the team a steal and we can move forward without Brian Bulaga.
The running game is much improved and should be obvious by the Thursday night game against SF & again against the Titans and with fingered crossed ready to take on the Vikes in game one
On the high side i see a loss to SF & Colts,sweep of NFC North. On the low side: loss to SF/NO/Tampa Bay & Colts
So between 12-4 & 14-2. Remember 2nd year for MLF's offense and 3rd year in MP "D"
For what it's worth
Cheesey51
Rhiller
May 10, 2020 at 08:54 am
I agree that GB will be 2-2 through the first four games but after the bye it all goes south. They lose 4 in a row and 6 out of the next 8. After two wins they close out the disappointing season with 2 straight losses and finish 6-10. I sure hope I'm wrong. Or maybe we'll get lucky and the season will be cancelled.
dobber
May 10, 2020 at 01:41 pm
People are buying hard into Tom Brady in Tampa...coming off a season where he looked old and with his popgun arm, I think he's a terrible match for a downfield offense like Tampa. Brady was propped up by a resurgent NE defense. There's no James White or Julian Edelman in this offense, and Brady was throwing mostly in the short to intermediate zones...completed only 60%. With a defense that can't take away the big play? I'm skeptical.
Dragon5
May 10, 2020 at 09:04 am
Drew Brees is a HORSE in his enemy year, the RAT. Saints mgmt took elevated risk to resign him. He is the defacto high risk/reward QB to avoid in fantasy drafts this year. Perhaps he dodges opposing energy in his professional realm, but if there is a year to worry about injury or skill decline due to age, this is it. We may see Hill & Winston under center week 3. Next year Gute faces a similar dilemma with Bahk (GOAT) entering his enemy year (OX). From a professional standpoint, Antonio Brown (DRAGON) appeared to have dodged his enemy year, the DOG in 2018 with a spectacular regular season, but at the tail end, still under influence of the DOG, the drama began to boil to the surface. His personal decisions sown in his enemy year have put his career on life support.
Demon
May 10, 2020 at 12:39 pm
Does anyone believe this crap?
stockholder
May 10, 2020 at 09:37 am
I still believe the packers end up at 8-8. Gutey took away the all In! The defense still won't stop the run. And they'll be to banged up by season's end to care. I see the splits with the Vikings, Lions and Bears. Sf and NO your dreaming. I also believe Tenn. Philly, and Indy are Loses. Putting me at the 8-8. I Just hope the press puts the blame where it belongs. This years team not only is fighting to stay on top. But their fighting a front office. This year is full of uncertainty. Walking in a Dream is one thing. But the reality of the packers going to the super-bowl just isn't going to happen. Shifting the blame is just living a lie.
Since'61
May 10, 2020 at 10:29 am
For me it’s way too early to predict on the season. I prefer to see who is still on the team after the preseason and who is actually going to play after injuries are taken into consideration.
Except for 2008 the Packers have won double digit numbers of games when Rodgers has played a complete season without injuries. Rodgers played through 2 serious injuries in 2018 so I’m leaving out 2018.
So if we assume Rodgers remains healthy I’ll go with 10-6 or 11-5 for the 2020 Packers. That should be enough to win their division but you never know. As for the playoffs, unless our run defense improves significantly and the right side of our OL holds up we won’t get very deep in the playoffs, especially if we go in as a wildcard or need to play on the road after the WC round.
I reserve the right to adjust my prediction based upon who will actually play when the season begins on Week 1. Everyone stay well. Thanks, Since ‘61
Leatherhead
May 10, 2020 at 03:23 pm
Absolutely. If we can keep Rodgers healthy we should be able to win 10 games or more. And that’s why we should run more and pass less. And when we do pass, it should be shorter routes or play action.
Since'61
May 10, 2020 at 06:50 pm
I would like to see us run more and throw short quick passes. If we can do both effectively early in the game we set our opponents up for the 3rd and short play action with a deeper pass the way Bart Starr did it back in the Lombardi era.
That should be our approach for either opening the lead in a close game or pulling away to a 2+ score lead to virtually close out a game. But we need to get our opponents to where they know they need to stop the run first. When we reach that point we can dictate the tempo of the game.
Also, I would like to see us come up to the LOS and snap the ball. Don’t let the defense adjust or settle in. Just run the play. Yes, there will be plays where we need to audible but we should do that quicker as well. No need to run the clock down on every play unless it’s later in the game and we’re trying to run out the clock. Thanks, Since ‘61
murf7777
May 10, 2020 at 08:00 pm
I agree with you on some point, but many times it isn’t the defense settling in it is more so Aaron seeing the D and audible out to take advantage of that D. Great QB’s do that. If you watch other winning teams you will see similar situations. That said, I would like to see more hurry up O during a game and I think you will see that during the second year in this O.
Roadrunner23
May 10, 2020 at 10:58 am
I just rewatched the Packers-Seattle Playoff win from last season: conclusion:
*the Packers have a damn good team coming back!
*the Packers are strong in the position’s needed to win in today’s NFL QB-LT-OLB-CB
*the Packers are bringing back a veteran battle tested playoff team, screw the 49ers, they had our number last year so what?
*the Packers have a young team with a bunch of players going into year two & three, expect a wave of guys to blossom in 2020!
*if you have questions about the Packers talent going into 2020 watch the Seahawks game, the Packers are damn good!
*Packers will win the NFC North again!
Go Pack!
dobber
May 10, 2020 at 01:37 pm
San Dimas High School football RULES!!!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g8EkV2LBOM4
mnbadger
May 10, 2020 at 11:24 am
I appreciate the optimism but forecast 10-6. Let's do this again once rosters are settled at the end of training camp. GPG!
Leatherhead
May 10, 2020 at 11:51 am
Beat Minnesota in the opener on their home field, like we did with the Bears last year. That was a real slap alongside the head.
Win our home games. Pick up a win or two on the road and we win the division
Again.
TarynsEyes
May 10, 2020 at 04:36 pm
David,
The fact that you're relying on GB to go 6-0 from week 10 through 15 to achieve the 10-6 record only enhances the odds that they will be at best 9-7 and likely 8-8. Is a 10-6 record possible, sure, but you and others have totally discarded those teams in that 6 win run much too easily. Ind won't be pushed aside, nor will Philly or Carolina and discrediting Detroit who plays us tougher than the Bears is careless and chalked up to a case of blind Homer-ism.
The slightest slip in the first four weeks can have GB looking at 1-3 and the climb up will be ever so much tougher and that is exactly how I see the season starting and the luck of health and breaks that fueled a 13-3 charade last season, will not be around this season.
This team doesn't have the depth to over ride any of the issues that didn't arise last season. Hope and expectations of too many players is a fools path and some fans and GB have already embarked on such.
As Since 61' has stated, I reserve the right to change my view and prediction based on injuries, length and level of camp participation, comings and goings of players to be decided and the status of the season as to its length.
13TimeChamps
May 10, 2020 at 12:40 pm
The only "fools path" is trying to predict a team's upcoming record in early May, before even knowing who the final 53 will be.
"I reserve the right to change my view and prediction based on injuries, length and level of camp participation, comings and goings of players to be decided and the status of the season as to its length."
Then why even bother making a prediction on May 10th?
TarynsEyes
May 10, 2020 at 01:00 pm
Direct your view to the writer of this article and every one who does offer their predictions early. If you do not want to partake in this every year game, don't. It isn't a mandatory function.
Guam
May 10, 2020 at 03:23 pm
David Michalski wrote this article, not Gil Martin
TarynsEyes
May 10, 2020 at 04:35 pm
My mistake. I'll correct it.
murf7777
May 10, 2020 at 08:03 pm
You could’ve said lack of depth on the 2010 team as well and look what they did.
TarynsEyes
May 11, 2020 at 08:07 am
The talent and depth in 2010 was obvious and better than the starters of this team as a whole.
CoachDino
May 10, 2020 at 10:24 pm
Depth is a tough thing to project as well as analyse against the rest of the league.
This we know - Our RB DEPTH is solid...lol.
Sounds counter intuitive but our WR depth should be better for a couple of reasons.
1) We don't need as many, that's huge. If you run with 2 maybe 3 most of the time then your 3,4 and 5 are depth instead needing your 5 and 6 to step up.
With a Healthy Jace and Tonyan and with JD drafted the TE depth is better. Lewis was the #2 last year and will be this year. Tonyanand JD will be better than whoever was there when Jace and Tonyan were hurt most of the year.
OL depth should be better with all the draft picks (depth) Taylor healthy is better than any other IOL we had last year. OT could be debated. Light sucked so we ended up having to Sign Big V. So if theres an unsigned semi-retired RT out there or someone better in house stepping up we should be OK.
The Defense is the same story. Most are back and with Raven Greene being healthy it will wash the Tramon loss if he isn't resigned, Then add the Rookies having another year of experience and the depth is better.
These are just my opinions but I tried to break down the reasoning. I'd be interested in knowing what areas of the team depth people think are less this year and does that tip the scale to less depth than the previous season..
Since91
May 10, 2020 at 12:33 pm
Thanks for the read! But as I have said for years injuries rule the NFL. Keep my top 15 players healthy all year and I will take my chances in December, January and February. Who knows we may face 3 backup QBs? Hey who is Brady’s backup?
Lare
May 10, 2020 at 02:20 pm
Too many unknowns for me to make W/L predictions on the coming season. But IMO, the Packers defense struggled against good running teams last year and I haven't seen them do much (including retaining Pettine) to improve the rushing defense this season. I think they'll struggle to win games against good running teams like the 49ers, Titans, Vikings, Eagles, Texans and Colts this year.
Stroh
May 10, 2020 at 08:35 pm
Without looking at the schedule I would say the Packers might very well be a better team, but have a worse record than last years 13-3. Other than that looking at the schedule is pointless and a waste of time! Most teams aren't the same from from year to year. Some teams that were poor last year will become playoff contenders or possibly SB contenders. Teams that made the playoffs last year won't even sniff the playoffs this season. The only constants are generally the teams w/ Elite QB will continue to consistently make the playoffs. Thankfully that includes the Packers and with a little luck will extend for the next 10-15 years with the drafting of Love!
BTW that is why the Packers drafted Love (and Rodgers) when they didn't need to!
CoachDino
May 10, 2020 at 09:54 pm
I think it would be a mistake to say you had a bad projection. Tings did fall the right way for the Packers, true. Who would of thought that Gute's Draft and FA Picks would turn out to be genius. Who had Elkin Jenkins being the pick he was? What is so impressive is that these guys are going to be back this year. So we know that part of the equation.
I'm on board with Kirsey and Wagner. That said I'm not going out on a limb on those picks. They might not workout.
IMO this years predictions rely more on the benefits of the offensive conversion in scheme. Might run into some of the issues that one thought we would of seen more last year. MLF did a great job of blending the offense to lessen the 1st year learning curve. He now has the peices to install the rest so there will be growing pains (learning curve) can't wait to hear all the "experts" claim that these issues shouldn't be there in yr 2, ignoring the obvious for a story.
Who knows what games will fall to which columns (W/L) but I think the overall expectations you used were a well founded in serious analysis.
This I think we can say with a level of confidence. The Packers will be going into the season better than they have in years and have been put in a position to compete. Win at home and win the ones you should on the road is a path to the playoffs. Then its game on.
Tough to beat SF,NO,DT,IND and MN on the road. Depending how the bears turn out and the importance of the game that one will not be an easy one.
One game at a time.....
PackerBoy4E
May 11, 2020 at 09:23 am
I will say this drafting Jordan Love was a smart thing and cost effective And i see the line changing. And running backs changing. I see either jenkins as a center or staying at left guard. Hansen new center and simon as new left guard and Jon Runyan Jr. As new left tackle. Aaron jones is gone & Jamal Williams gone and dillion and dexter williams the new backs. And next year 2021 i see them trading Rodgers away For 2 first rounds and 2 second rounds and have a team pay him the 32 million. Similar to texans trading osweiler to the browns and have browns pay off the money then releaseing him. Rodgers has a 4 year contract with only 2 years gurantee money and packers can choose to not pay him last two years in contract. So i see packers trading him away and getting a team to take the 32 million to save packers money and Jordan Love will be good and learn this system and thrive in it.
PackerBoy4E
May 11, 2020 at 09:34 am
I will agree i want a winning season but we could go 2-2 before they bye and loose the next 4 in row after bye. But we could loose alot more or win more. Best case is for packers to win superbowl.