2026-2027 Packers BOLD predictions

[Heyjoe4]

As I said regarding the Broncos/Chiefs (and now with Lions/Bills) I think it's two very different things to simply be beaten wire-to-wire than to be in a winning position and manage to find a way to lose the game.

One is not necessarily "better" or "worse" than the other but one big reason our loss to Minnesota was concerning was not simply that we lost - it was the nature of it and how it is seemingly indicative of a growing pattern with the team.
I don't know if I'd feel better about things if we simply got outplayed by Minnesota for the entirety of the game, but at very least then it wouldn't have the same feeling of collapse...

This was a demoralizing loss. The Packers played very well for three quarters. When the 4th-down play failed, I could feel the air come out of the whole team. So did Brian Flores.

 

[milani]

This was a demoralizing loss. The Packers played very well for three quarters. When the 4th-down play failed, I could feel the air come out of the whole team. So did Brian Flores.

Exactly. I expected Murray to torch us and put up a 30. And I expected us to chase them but come up short without a running game. When you are on the road against a top team you have to execute the small things, the basics. Do not bite off more than you can chew. Do not let the crowd back in the game. Keep yourself in a position to win, but not necessarily trying to run away with it. Many will criticize a conservative approach but that is sometimes the only formula for victory. Recall how Carolina beat us at Lambeau last year. Nothing fancy. Very simple. Nothing risky. Good execution. Beat us on a 50 yard FG.

 

[OldSchool101]

Exactly. I expected Murray to torch us and put up a 30. And I expected us to chase them but come up short without a running game. When you are on the road against a top team you have to execute the small things, the basics. Do not bite off more than you can chew. Do not let the crowd back in the game. Keep yourself in a position to win, but not necessarily trying to run away with it. Many will criticize a conservative approach but that is sometimes the only formula for victory. Recall how Carolina beat us at Lambeau last year. Nothing fancy. Very simple. Nothing risky. Good execution. Beat us on a 50 yard FG.

It really was the “relatively” simple that hurt us. After watching Josh Allen routinely sneak it multiple times he probably averaged 1.5-2.0 per try. Almost unstoppable. He’s obviously 20lbs heavier but imo it was the 230lb (guessing) behind him pushing him that made a difference. The Detroit front wasnt bad either it was more the force of 315lbs. +235+230 all pushing in format.

Now I understand Love flipped the script, but he could’ve also just pulled a TE behind him to push. Monk falling into air onto the ground didn’t help. Getting 1 yard shouldn’t be this tough.

 

[milani]

It really was the “relatively” simple that hurt us. After watching Josh Allen routinely sneak it multiple times he probably averaged 1.5-2.0 per try. Almost unstoppable. He’s obviously 20lbs heavier but imo it was the 230lb (guessing) behind him pushing him that made a difference. The Detroit front wasnt bad either it was more the force of 315lbs. +235+230 all pushing in format.

Now I understand Love flipped the script, but he could’ve also just pulled a TE behind him to push. Monk falling into air onto the ground didn’t help. Getting 1 yard shouldn’t be this tough.

We just are not built that way like other teams are. If you have a particular scrum play you develop the players for it in preseason and then practice it every week like the Eagles. But with this coach there is too much uncertainty. But play aggressive. Remember when MM brought in BJ Raji in the backfield next to John Kuhn against the Falcons in 2010 by the goal line. I actually felt sorry for that Atlanta defense. Boom.

 

[rmontro]

Vikings are looking pretty good right now (3-0), with that stout defense. Right now, it looks like their division. Not very bold, I know, and not really a prediction, more like an observation. Anyway, it's early.

 

[milani]

Vikings are looking pretty good right now (3-0), with that stout defense. Right now, it looks like their division. Not very bold, I know, and not really a prediction, more like an observation. Anyway, it's early.

They really have not played a complete game but they are doing things to win. Punt return, clutch place kicking, and forcing opponents to commit numerous penalties. In WK 1 and 2 they win with a back up QB. In WK 3 they win without Jefferson. Give credit to the coaching staff.

 

[rmontro]

Give credit to the coaching staff.

Ah, a coaching staff. I remember when we used to have one of those.

 

[ExpatPacker]

Vikings are looking pretty good right now (3-0), with that stout defense. Right now, it looks like their division. Not very bold, I know, and not really a prediction, more like an observation. Anyway, it's early.

Tampa Bay could have won that game but give the Queens credit. Lions also won against a feisty Jets team that should have beat us last week. We'll see how the Bears do tonight, but in any case the Packers are at the bottom of the NFC North right now.

 

[Heyjoe4]

Tampa Bay could have won that game but give the Queens credit. Lions also won against a feisty Jets team that should have beat us last week. We'll see how the Bears do tonight, but in any case the Packers are at the bottom of the NFC North right now.

I was really surprised at the beat down the Bearz put on the Eagles, without CW. Chicago is very good on offense, and for this game at least, the defense is much improved from last season.

But no TDs against the queens and only one FG. A good reminder that NFL games are hard to win, regardless of opponent.

I'm not sure who is the better team - Vikings, Lions or Bears. The queens are winning with defense. The Lions and bears have lost a game they should have won (OK, that doesn't apply to the loss to the Bills).

One thing I am now pretty sure about is that GB will finish last in the North. I hope I'm wrong about that…..

 

[milani]

I was really surprised at the beat down the Bearz put on the Eagles, without CW. Chicago is very good on offense, and for this game at least, the defense is much improved from last season.

But no TDs against the queens and only one FG. A good reminder that NFL games are hard to win, regardless of opponent.

I'm not sure who is the better team - Vikings, Lions or Bears. The queens are winning with defense. The Lions and bears have lost a game they should have won (OK, that doesn't apply to the loss to the Bills).

One thing I am now pretty sure about is that GB will finish last in the North. I hope I'm wrong about that…..

Hard to tell.
The Bears clearly appear to have the talent on both sides of the ball and should have beaten the Vikings. But sometimes divisional games make for sloppy play. The Bears do not miss chip shot FGs or fumble inside the 5 yard line or get stopped at the 1. They did against Minnesota.
The Vikings could have lost all 3 of their games. Credit their defense and O'Connell ability to handle the QB changes. They are clearly not the same time without Jefferson although still very good.
The Lions still have an offense that can put up points. They could have lost all 3 as well. Until they can play some defense they will not win the division.
As for the Packers it looks like we are playing the role of spoiler. Some opponents will watch our game film and take us lightly.

 

[Heyjoe4]

Hard to tell.
The Bears clearly appear to have the talent on both sides of the ball and should have beaten the Vikings. But sometimes divisional games make for sloppy play. The Bears do not miss chip shot FGs or fumble inside the 5 yard line or get stopped at the 1. They did against Minnesota.
The Vikings could have lost all 3 of their games. Credit their defense and O'Connell ability to handle the QB changes. They are clearly not the same time without Jefferson although still very good.
The Lions still have an offense that can put up points. They could have lost all 3 as well. Until they can play some defense they will not win the division.
As for the Packers it looks like we are playing the role of spoiler. Some opponents will watch our game film and take us lightly.

Interesting comments m, thanks. It seems like the Lions have been solid on D, esp with Hutchinson back. But things are always in flux. I only follow the Packers so don't know as much about the other North teams as I'd like.

It's so early, but it sure looks like GB will take on the role of spoiler. A lot can happen. Jacobs and Parsons will return, but Jacobs can't add a lot to the O with this horrible OL. The Packers have plenty of talent, but the OL is the weakest link, and that can spell big trouble.

And yes, the queens, bearz and lions haven't done much to separate themselves from each other, although the D in MN looks spectacular.

 

[rmontro]

As for the Packers it looks like we are playing the role of spoiler.

Even that sounds ambitious at this point.

 

[Heyjoe4]

Even that sounds ambitious at this point.

I hate to say it, you're right rmontro. And this is the easy part of the season. It's hard to see any significant change to the OL play. The starters are pretty bad and the depth players are really bad.

I don't know if this is correct - it seens Gluten values OL versatility above talent at a single position. I don't know if that is why he drafted Morgan in rd 1 and Belton in rd 2. Does anyone know? And versatility has paid off at times in the past. I'd prefer talent over disposition, well most of the time.

So while everyone, including me, has been calling for MLF's head, the lion's share of responsibility is with Gluten..How on earth could they have not seen this coming after last year's season-ending collapse?

 

[rmontro]

So while everyone, including me, has been calling for MLF's head, the lion's share of responsibility is with Gluten..How on earth could they have not seen this coming after last year's season-ending collapse?

The injuries were there to use as an excuse. As for versatility in the OL, that's been a longtime GB tradition. Not sure what's wrong now, other than the execution.

 

[Poppa San]

The injuries were there to use as an excuse. As for versatility in the OL, that's been a longtime GB tradition. Not sure what's wrong now, other than the execution.

The "playing out of position" stuff isn't quite true this season. Besides flipping sides Rhyan is the only one playing as such.
Packers Offensive Line: NFL vs. College Positions

Player	Current Packers Position (2026)	Primary College Position	Notes
Jordan Morgan	Left Tackle	Left Tackle (Arizona)	Drafted as a tackle, moved around the line early on, but has returned to his natural college spot.
Aaron Banks	Left Guard	Left Guard / Tackle (Notre Dame)	Played extensively at guard for Notre Dame, signed as a free agent to hold down the LG spot.
Sean Rhyan	Center	Left Tackle (UCLA)	A primary left tackle in college who transitioned to guard, and is now anchoring the center position.
Jacob Monk	Right Guard	Center / Guard (Duke)	Played across the interior at Duke and has stepped into a starting guard role.
Anthony Belton	Right Tackle	Left Tackle (NC State)	Played left tackle in college. He has been cross-trained at both guard and tackle since entering the NFL.
Zach Bako-Bewele (formerly Zach Tom)	Right Tackle (Injured Reserve)	Left Tackle / Center (Wake Forest)	Played everywhere in college but was primarily a left tackle. Established himself as an elite NFL right tackle before his 2026 knee injury.
Jager Burton	Interior Swing Backup	Guard / Center (Kentucky)	Remained on the interior, playing both guard and center in college and continuing that utility role in Green Bay.

When he returns, depending on his return to form ZBB could be in for a change back to center.

 

[milani]

The injuries were there to use as an excuse. As for versatility in the OL, that's been a longtime GB tradition. Not sure what's wrong now, other than the execution.

After last season they WERE looking. But not in that position group. The talk was receivers, corners, edge rushers, nose tackles. Nothing about finding a Bahktiari, a Bulaga, a Wells, or a Timmerman.

 

[Heyjoe4]

The injuries were there to use as an excuse. As for versatility in the OL, that's been a longtime GB tradition. Not sure what's wrong now, other than the execution.

You're right that GB has historically valued versatility on the OL. And for the most part, it has worked. Thanks for mentioning this.

 

[Magooch]

I don't think the criticism here is so much that these guys (or some of them, to some limited degree) are back playing their primary college position for the first three games of the season... I think what people complain about is that it often feels like we don't get a player get really settled in a position and/or their preferred position before we start moving them around.

- For instance, Morgan was exclusively LT for Arizona. He didn't play tackle at all his rookie season, and last year by my count only featured in 4 games in the tackle spots. Upon arriving to the pros he was pretty much immediately "groomed" as a RG/LG but now we have him back at LT

- Similarly, Rhyan was exclusively LT for UCLA...and I don't think he's ever featured at tackle (at least not on offense) since getting drafted. First season split time LG/RG, second season full-time RG, third season back to LG/RG but closed out the year at C, now primarily C

- Monk was initially a tackle at Duke but pretty quickly switched to interior OL, which has carried over to the pros

- Belton was only ever a tackle in college, mostly LT (I can't tell what he played prior to NC State, just listed as "OT")... he has primarily been playing at RG in the pros - I think he has one game started at tackle, but otherwise almost entirely RG. Now he is playing RT seemingly

- ZBB was a center his first two years of college and LT the next two years... he played 3 positions his first pro season (LT/LG/RT) and since has played almost entirely RT

Anywho, you get the idea. A lot of these guys are getting shifted around - repeatedly - as soon as they arrive in the league.

 

[Heyjoe4]

I don't think the criticism here is so much that these guys (or some of them, to some limited degree) are back playing their primary college position for the first three games of the season... I think what people complain about is that it often feels like we don't get a player get really settled in a position and/or their preferred position before we start moving them around.

- For instance, Morgan was exclusively LT for Arizona. He didn't play tackle at all his rookie season, and last year by my count only featured in 4 games in the tackle spots. Upon arriving to the pros he was pretty much immediately "groomed" as a RG/LG but now we have him back at LT

- Similarly, Rhyan was exclusively LT for UCLA...and I don't think he's ever featured at tackle (at least not on offense) since getting drafted. First season split time LG/RG, second season full-time RG, third season back to LG/RG but closed out the year at C, now primarily C

- Monk was initially a tackle at Duke but pretty quickly switched to interior OL, which has carried over to the pros

- Belton was only ever a tackle in college, mostly LT (I can't tell what he played prior to NC State, just listed as "OT")... he has primarily been playing at RG in the pros - I think he has one game started at tackle, but otherwise almost entirely RG. Now he is playing RT seemingly

- ZBB was a center his first two years of college and LT the next two years... he played 3 positions his first pro season (LT/LG/RT) and since has played almost entirely RT

Anywho, you get the idea. A lot of these guys are getting shifted around - repeatedly - as soon as they arrive in the league.

Goos stuff. Guys on the OL, or any group on the team, will not coalesce into a real group if there isn't stability, esp with the OL. Injuries happen, and how ironic that GB loses it's best O lineman to a similar knee injury from last season.

I expect that Gluten will make a mistake now and then. But last year and this offseason, he made a number of blunders at OL and RB. If the team doesn't start winning, he'll be gone next year. Throwing away a season due to bad decisions, on an otherwise talented team, is a last straw.

 

[Poppa San]

But last year and this offseason, he made a number of blunders at OL and RB.

His blunder was not using the DeLorean to travel to 2027 to see that in 2026 2 highly/over paid OL would not be available and his star RB1 would pull the bonehead maneuver on his lady friend and be suspended. Also his slot receiver 1 would have a career threatening neck injury.

 

[Heyjoe4]

His blunder was not using the DeLorean to travel to 2027 to see that in 2026 2 highly/over paid OL would not be available and his star RB1 would pull the bonehead maneuver on his lady friend and be suspended. Also his slot receiver 1 would have a career threatening neck injury.

Very true. There were things that happened that were totally beyond Gluten's control. He did misfire with Banks and letting Wilson get away for a song. A season that has started this badly is a perfect storm of intentional, and unintentional, events and decisions.

There is still a lot of talent on this team. They may not be able to fix the OL to be a competitive unit, but to his credit, Gluten has added three vet OL guys, about all he can really do at this point.

 

[OldSchool101]

Very true. There were things that happened that were totally beyond Gluten's control. He did misfire with Banks and letting Wilson get away for a song. A season that has started this badly is a perfect storm of intentional, and unintentional, events and decisions.

There is still a lot of talent on this team. They may not be able to fix the OL to be a competitive unit, but to his credit, Gluten has added three vet OL guys, about all he can really do at this point.

Wilson would’ve been a more ideal RB for a loaded box. He’s kinda low center and thick and has good short range burst. Often he’d get hit LOS and get +3. There’s just a big difference when we have no true workhorse RB. Lloyd is more that RB2 change up that’s faceted in both pass and run. Jury is still out on Kaleb Johnson, he’s shown flashes of more power running, but hard to tell when teams load 9 in the Box.

Matt needs to get more into that
2nd n 7 or 3rd n 3 area to be effective. Lately we’re in 3rd n 11 too much.