2026-2027 Packers BOLD predictions

[Magooch]

Yeah I'm kind of back and forth on the matter.

Speaking strictly from a sporting perspective as I don't want to wade into the "character" conversation...

At times I felt like LaFleur leaned too heavily on Jacobs and overall he had a so-so year by his standards. I mean no disrespect to either but there were large stretches where he was having roughly the same impact as Emanuel Wilson. Maybe he was getting overworked but just not a super sharp season for him.

But on the other hand I felt like Jacobs was one of the few guys on the offense who would step up to be a proper leader, a "set the tempo" type of guy for us. That's not really something that shows up on the stat sheet or in the measurables but it's an impact that's felt (and missed when it's not there). In tough matches it felt like he was one of the few guys who was willing to stand up tall and try and put the team on his back when other guys were liable to shrink a bit.

So all that to say I could really see it going either way. BUT, all that said too, I think we are probably looking at Jacobs' last season with us one way or another, so better get used to adjusting lol

 

[Schultz]

Okay I am going to finally muster up the courage to put my predictions out there for the whole world to see.
Lions 10-7
Packers 9-8
Bears 8-9
Vikings 7-10

 

[gopkrs]

lions 12-5
Packers 11-6
vikings 10-7
bears 9-8

 

[AmishMafia]

We don't have Parsons or Jacobs, and aren't entirely sure when we'll get them back. I kind of think MLF depends on Jacobs too much when we have him though. I am most excited about our new kicker, and hopefully greater contributions from Golden.

I think the lack of Jacobs may help in one sense. I think letting Love pass more will be better for the Packer offense.

 

[OldSchool101]

We don't have Parsons or Jacobs, and aren't entirely sure when we'll get them back. I kind of think MLF depends on Jacobs too much when we have him though. I am most excited about our new kicker, and hopefully greater contributions from Golden.

There’s a lot of truth to this. These absentees could promote a better balance of Pass to Run ratio .. one more in the league average area.

 

[Thirteen Below]

I think the lack of Jacobs may help in one sense. I think letting Love pass more will be better for the Packer offense.

I can't disagree, but I'd rather see him passing more when he has a good ground game. The passing game is much more effective when the other team knows you don't have to pass because you have a dangerous running game.

It might be better for Love in the long run, though. I think putting him in a position where he has to carry more of the team on his back for a while will help in his development.

One silver lining of a ~6 game Jacobs suspension would be that he's better rested come January. The man's got over 1800 carries in the NFL, and that 1500-1800 career carry level is where a lot of running backs start to statistically decline. It might be nice to have him fresher in the playoffs.

 

[OldSchool101]

Yeah I'm kind of back and forth on the matter.

Speaking strictly from a sporting perspective as I don't want to wade into the "character" conversation...

At times I felt like LaFleur leaned too heavily on Jacobs and overall he had a so-so year by his standards. I mean no disrespect to either but there were large stretches where he was having roughly the same impact as Emanuel Wilson. Maybe he was getting overworked but just not a super sharp season for him.

But on the other hand I felt like Jacobs was one of the few guys on the offense who would step up to be a proper leader, a "set the tempo" type of guy for us. That's not really something that shows up on the stat sheet or in the measurables but it's an impact that's felt (and missed when it's not there). In tough matches it felt like he was one of the few guys who was willing to stand up tall and try and put the team on his back when other guys were liable to shrink a bit.

So all that to say I could really see it going either way. BUT, all that said too, I think we are probably looking at Jacobs' last season with us one way or another, so better get used to adjusting lol

Well could very well turn out that way yes. Also we’ve got like 8 picks between RD3-5 and we didn’t take a RB or TE last year. I could easily see both a RB + TE drafted in that area next Draft.

 

[OldSchool101]

I can't disagree, but I'd rather see him passing more when he has a good ground game. The passing game is much more effective when the other team knows you don't have to pass because you have a dangerous running game.

It might be better for Love in the long run, though. I think putting him in a position where he has to carry more of the team on his back for a while will help in his development.

One silver lining of a ~6 game Jacobs suspension would be that he's better rested come January. The man's got over 1800 carries in the NFL, and that 1500-1800 career carry level is where a lot of running backs start to statistically decline. It might be nice to have him fresher in the playoffs.

I thought that exact same thing. This is a LOOONG 17 game season. If he pops back in week 5 or week 7 he’ll still have his January legs.
We’ve just got to find a way to Win a few in the meantime.

 

[milani]

I think the lack of Jacobs may help in one sense. I think letting Love pass more will be better for the Packer offense.

Adjusting for one game happens often. Adjusting suddenly for the better part of the season is different. Defenses can contrive a different formula. MLF will have to craft different game plans.

 

[rmontro]

I can't disagree, but I'd rather see him passing more when he has a good ground game. The passing game is much more effective when the other team knows you don't have to pass because you have a dangerous running game.

Agreed, but we haven't seen that, maybe that's why I'm not so impressed with MLF at this point.

 

[Heyjoe4]

1. If healthy, there's going to be a point where Marshawn Lloyd isn't going to go off the field much. The kid is such a HR threat which is lethal for our offense. I see a lot of Jahmeir Gibbs in him. Come November/December, Lloyd is going to be the top guy, where Jacobs is going to be the goal line/ short yardage/ ice the game guy.

2. Aaron Banks gets benched for Jager Burton. I never thought Banks was any good. Even at ND I thought he was relying more on the all-americans around him.I think this will be a big miss from Gutey.

3. Cisse and St. Juste eventually become your boundary corners. Valentine is a JAG. I love the makeup of Cisse, and eventually he's going to put it together. I'm hoping that St. Juste is just a real good zone corner. Nixon is a classic ' don't believe your lying eyes' type player. He may have descent PFF stats, but watching the games you're not real satisfied.

4. This may be the boldest one, but I do believe Matt is going to let Jordan cook. I'm hoping Matt re-gained his sense of sight back and sees what he has in Jordan; an elite NFL QB. I believe he's going to cut the s*** on the 2nd and long runs and instead of being a run to set up the pass, he's going to rely on Love to get in more unpredictable situations. He's going to be used like a elite QB is what I'm trying to say.

5. To piggyback off that, I think we have two 1k WRs, Matt Golden and Christian Watson. I'm completely confident in Watson if healthy. I believe Golden will get there because I think he's the bucket getter and a big play guy, and another lesson I think Matt learned is too condense the pass catchers. Golden/Watson/Reed/Kraft should get 80+ percent of the targets.

6. The Packers will equal their last year's sack total with 4 players. Parsons/Wyatt/Hargrave/LVN will combine for at least 36 sacks.

7. The Packers will have 3 All-Pros. 3 of Love/Tom/McKinney/Kraft get there.

8. Not bold, but we obviously taken the SB home this year!

Some NFC North Bold Predictions
1. The Lions finish 4th and miss the play-offs. Jared Goff is going to look like Jared Goff does without an elite line. And the defense is a mess.
2. The Minnesota Vikings are one of the best teams in The NFC. Kyler is going to have a resurgence at QB with KOC and The Vikings offense. I like parts of their D and think Flores will put it together.
3. I'm having trouble with Chicago. It's not bold to say they regress or don't make the play-offs. I guess I'll say Caleb doesn't improve and remains the guy he is. A pretty mid QB who makes clutch plays from time to time.

Wow what a great job Carry. I’m not a fan of long posts (although I do it myself) but this post was very insightful and well constructed.

And when this all comes true, this team will be unlike the teams of the last three years.

And if most or all of this happens, then yes, the Packers will be in the hunt for a Lombardi.

I only question the prediction for the queens. Kyler Murray is not Cousins or Darnold. Murray’s weakness is his inability to “see” the field, to anticipate what is coming from the D. He is also weak at working through progressions, preferring to run when his first choice is not there.

The point I most agree with is the assessment of CW. If his completion % were even in the low 70s, he could be an All Pro candidate, second team. He’s good at making something out of nothing, but too much of that was luck last year. Not a lot, but the difference between winning 9 games versus 13.

Very, very well done.

 

[Heyjoe4]

My bold predictions are The Pack will be 9 - 1 at the bye. And Parsons will start after the bye and be great.

That is bold. I think Parsons starts before the bye. They have to jump on the early part of the schedule, which looks to be a lot easier than the rest of the opponents.

 

[Heyjoe4]

good points.

Lloyd adds another receiving weapon. He was a very potent in space option for Caleb His lateral cut ability is elite and his vision is near elite. He’s more above average speed nothing crazy there. He’s a missed tackle waiting to happen. Caleb Williams to Marshawn Lloyd at USC was a 50+ waiting to happen.

Thus far, Jacob Monk has taken nearly every snap at LG. I think he’s hitting his stride and Banks has got to elevate or they’ll pull him for Monk.

Golden is a highlight reel player. He snagged a nearly uncatchable pass from Jordan just this week. From boots on the ground Lloyd and Golden appear to have made a leap so far early in.

Im excited to see who rises between Cox Jr and Sorrell. Also Gannon is already wisely using a variety of options. Oliver, Cooper and Nixon are all seeing Pass Rush opportunities this week. Each have blown plays up. Reports are our D was 3-0 in Camp thus far.

I do think Nixon wins 1 spot at CB. I think the easiest upgrade I’d over Valentine, he’s a good Pass Defender, but awful against the Run. We need more balance there imo. Valentine is a good 3rd.

Good stuff. I predict Evan Williams will have four sacks, and blow up a lotta plays.

 

[Heyjoe4]

Those are probably all in the vicinity. I don't like the idea of the Bears winning the division though. I'd also wager at least one of those teams falls off and has a losing record.

Agreed. I just don’t see the Bears taking the next step. They certainly have the right coach and a lot of talent. Just don’t see a repeat.

Carry made the very bold prediction of 4th place for the Lions. But their OL is the worst in the North and that makes life hard, too hard, for Goff and Gibbs.

 

[Heyjoe4]

all I know is I witnessed a wounded GB Team go into Soldier field and go toe to toe with the NFC North Division Winner. Actually let me rephrase that. Green Bay slapped Chicago around for 3.5Qtrs like a little brother. It almost felt lucky that Chicago even barely nipped us like a tortoise and hare story.
I think 2025 GB is equal or greater to 2026 GB. I’m not seeing what Chicago did to fix their Defense past maybe Safety and even that is the same speculative after running off their top 3 from 2025. I’m dang sure that OL isn’t better after losing a probowl OC and losing a starting LT to injury. What have they done to improve? Is the coaching better? Is Chicago not playing the same “brutal” schedule as Green Bay? Then please help me understand why I should promote Chicago or be highly speculative of the Packers or both?
Or at minimum why isn’t anyone saying Chicago will go 6-11?

IF and it’s a big IF the Packers get any semblance of a Pass Rush without Micah Parsons I’d say our opponents better be VERY concerned. Because If I’m Matt I’d just hold Micah until about mid November and unleash him like a Pitbull into December ball, nice and fresh and motivated. Opponents better pray GB can’t get a Sack to save their collective lives for at least 6-8 Weeks. Because the #2 best Pass Rusher in football past Miles Garrett is a comin’ and he has the eye of the Tiger and nobody can do a thing about it but hope on a prayer that he has a severe setback.

I like our chances

The Bears are taking a step back, but not to 6-11. IMO that’s a wish rather than a bold, but reasonable prediction.

 

[milani]

Wow what a great job Carry. I’m not a fan of long posts (although I do it myself) but this post was very insightful and well constructed.

And when this all comes true, this team will be unlike the teams of the last three years.

And if most or all of this happens, then yes, the Packers will be in the hunt for a Lombardi.

I only question the prediction for the queens. Kyler Murray is not Cousins or Darnold. Murray’s weakness is his inability to “see” the field, to anticipate what is coming from the D. He is also weak at working through progressions, preferring to run when his first choice is not there.

The point I most agree with is the assessment of CW. If his completion % were even in the low 70s, he could be an All Pro candidate, second team. He’s good at making something out of nothing, but too much of that was luck last year. Not a lot, but the difference between winning 9 games versus 13.

Very, very well done.

Prognosticators are saying that this games is less about what the Vikings have added to their roster and more about what the Packers have lost. How will that play out? And that may be the case each week. Who will win out?

 

[Outsider99]

It's gonna be a rough year. I guarantee some of our "leaders" are gonna complain about hurting and sit out a couple games. MLF will continue his SOFT predictable approach. Like I always say, I love MLF, but he needs to find a way to make these guys work harder. Gutey needs to go. J-Love will have an ok year..... on paper and stats. But when the heat is on, he will melt. He's not built like Josh Allen, Rodgers, Favre, or even Caleb. These guys sacrifice everything to benefit the team. Love got his giant payday, but I think it was a mistake to sign him so soon. He doesn't have the hunger anymore. I'd rather ride Malik Willis and spend $ building other parts of team like the line on both sides.

The defense will be ok as long as offense gives D time to rest.
I hope Watson can stay healthy.

I don't want to hear SuperBowl talk until we have new GM & QB. So probably 3 to 5 years from now.
Just being honest.


We just got beat by the Vikings. MLF doesn't coach Love on "TIME MANAGEMENT" and every big connection was to sitting targets not in stride. That won't work vs good teams.

 

[rmontro]

I don't want to hear SuperBowl talk until we have new GM & QB. So probably 3 to 5 years from now.
Just being honest.

MLF is already on "prove it" status with me. My eye is wandering toward Gutenkurst.

 

[milani]

MLF is already on "prove it" status with me. My eye is wandering toward Gutenkurst.

As good as you can make a team there still has to be good coaching. Today was reminiscent of some of the later MM years. A good team will not go very far with bad coaching.

 

[milani]

It's gonna be a rough year. I guarantee some of our "leaders" are gonna complain about hurting and sit out a couple games. MLF will continue his SOFT predictable approach. Like I always say, I love MLF, but he needs to find a way to make these guys work harder. Gutey needs to go. J-Love will have an ok year..... on paper and stats. But when the heat is on, he will melt. He's not built like Josh Allen, Rodgers, Favre, or even Caleb. These guys sacrifice everything to benefit the team. Love got his giant payday, but I think it was a mistake to sign him so soon. He doesn't have the hunger anymore. I'd rather ride Malik Willis and spend $ building other parts of team like the line on both sides.

The defense will be ok as long as offense gives D time to rest.
I hope Watson can stay healthy.

I don't want to hear SuperBowl talk until we have new GM & QB. So probably 3 to 5 years from now.
Just being honest.


We just got beat by the Vikings. MLF doesn't coach Love on "TIME MANAGEMENT" and every big connection was to sitting targets not in stride. That won't work vs good teams.

This team could go far with Love but not with this coach.

 

[DABIGZ]

As good as you can make a team there still has to be good coaching. Today was reminiscent of some of the later MM years. A good team will not go very far with bad coaching.

I’d say this is worse than the McCarthy years. Towards the end of that era, it was irritating, but sad to see Mike lose the team. It’s comparable to a long-time family dog that is sick, is soiling itself in the house, and the best thing to do is to put it out of it’s Misery.

What LaFlop has managed to accomplish, in my opinion, is FAR worse.

 

[Heyjoe4]

Prognosticators are saying that this games is less about what the Vikings have added to their roster and more about what the Packers have lost. How will that play out? And that may be the case each week. Who will win out?

Based on the loss, there are still numerous weak areas. The OL is the most notable.

But MLF hasn’t changed at all. That’s a bigger concern.

And this is the easy part of the season.

 

[milani]

Based on the loss, there are still numerous weak areas. The OL is the most notable.

But MLF hasn’t changed at all. That’s a bigger concern.

And this is the easy part of the season.

And the word they used alongside changed is " learned. "

 

[Magooch]

It’s a real “the more things change, the more they stay the same” type of situation. The longer we go with MLF, the more I find myself thinking he’s just McCarthy without the Super Bowl win…

 

[Magooch]

Just for a little more doom and gloom...

Spoiler

(I'm mostly saying this in jest)

Our next opponents are the Jets, we're currently favored by 4.5 points. The last time we played the Jets was 2022. We opened as 7-point favorites at home.
Rodgers was our QB and threw for 246 yards and a TD. Robert Tonyan had a big day with 10 catches for 90 yards. On the other side of things, Zach Wilson went just 10/18 for only 110 yards and 0TD.

We lost 27-10.

Four days later, for Week 3 we're up against Atlanta. The early line has us as favored by a touchdown.
The last time we played the Falcons was in 2023. Love had a big day - 3TD and a 81.2 QBR and 113.5 passer rating, while the Falcons started Desmond Ridder who had 1TD, 1INT, and a 68.7 QBR/79.8 passer rating. Heading into the 4th quarter, we were up 24-12 and had a 90% chance to win.

We lost 25-24.

Moving on to Week 4 which has us playing Tampa Bay. The last time we saw them was also 2023. At the time, we were both 6-7 but we were named 3.5pt favorites by the books.
Baker Mayfield went 22/28 for 381 yards and 4TD.

We lost 34-20.

In Week 5, we're facing the Bears. No need to revisit what happened the last time we played them.

Week 6 sees us facing a familiar foe in Dallas. Perhaps some respite here as we haven't lost to them in our last 6 meetings...
You might recall the last time we faced them. With 1:45 left in the game we were up 34-30 and had a 85%+ chance to win. We get taken to overtime and with 30 seconds left in OT we're trailing 37-40 but have 1st and 10 from the Dallas 12.

We play to a tie, 40-40.

Finally in Week 7 we come to an opponent who we actually beat the last time we played them! Love had a career-best 4 TD day.

We won 31-24.

In Week 8 we are again playing the Panthers. Last season we opened as big 13.5-point favorites. We had as high as an 85% chance to win, and still ~75% to start the second half.

We lost 16-13.

And that's the first half of the season!