SCOUT: SEASON PREDICTIONS
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PackerReport.com staff predictions: Pundits predict Packers 2007 record, NFC North champ, Super Bowl champ and Sunday's game
Matt Tevsh, Correspondent
Packers 2006 season prediction record: 13-2
Green Bay's 2007 record will be 7-9
Comment: The key to the Packers season will again be the start. The first five games are no picnic with three home games against playoff teams and road games at New York and Minnesota. If the Packers can get two or three wins, they'll be in the hunt. I don't know if they can do that, though. Thus, they'll post a losing mark. And the defense is good, but not good enough to overcome an offense lacking firepower.
NFC North champion will be the Chicago Bears
Comment: I don't care who the Bears have at quarterback, they are still the top of the NFC class. The North is getting better, though. I wouldn't be surprised if the Lions are a sleeper playoff team or if the Vikings improve. The Packers should be better, too, but are still far from catching the Bears.
Super Bowl Champion will be the New England Patriots
Comment: New England will go 15-1 in the regular season. In the playoffs, they won't melt down like they did last year against the Colts. The Moss addition is huge. If other key additions and Tom Brady stay healthy, they are almost unbeatable.
Sunday's game: Eagles 9, Packers 6
Comment: Don't expect a lot of scoring in this one. The Eagles will blitz Favre until he's silly, and the Packers' defense seems poised for a dominant day at home. In a battle of field goals, Akers will go three-for-three and Crosby two-for-two. A special teams TD by the Pack would help, and they must game plan for Brian Westbrook, as always.
Jay Royle, Publisher
Packers 2006 season prediction record: 11-5
Green Bay's 2007 record will be 9-7
Comment: I think the Pack can have a successful season and earn a wild card spot IF the safety position solidifies by getting a solid playmaker there and the offense runs the ball effectively putting Favre in a position not to take so many chances, which will reduce turnovers. If our running game was a little more seasoned I would’ve put the Pack at a 10-6 season, but none-the-less a season in the right direction ending with a playoff loss.
NFC North champion will be the Chicago Bears (unfortunately…my fingers hurt typing that)
Comment: Their D is just that good, nothing else to say no matter what people think of Rex Grossman and the offense.
Super Bowl Champion will be the New Orleans Saints
Comment: Very well balanced team with playmakers at a lot of positions. They should’ve beat the Bears last year and represented the NFC in the Super Bowl..
Sunday's game: Packers 13, Eagles 10
Comment: I think the D stands tall and makes a statement at home and the offense does just enough. GO PACK!!
Harry Sydney, Correspondent
Packers 2006 season prediction record: 10-6
Green Bay's 2007 record will be 7-9
Comment: I think the Packers will have a better defense, but will have a worse record because all year they will have trouble scoring. At this time they have no running game without any relief in sight with too many other unknowns on offense. Also, I think Brett Favre will have to carry to much of the load which is really unfair, but then again I've heard life isn't fair. He can't do it himself, therefore, the Packers will go 7-9 if they are lucky!!!!!!!
NFC North champion will be the Chicago Bears
Comment: Unfortunately I believe the Bears will win the division again, even though I think Rex Grossman will kill them because Lovie Smith will stick with him too long. I'm not a Benson fan, either, but they just are more of a complete team then anyone else in the division!!!
Super Bowl Champion will be the New England Patriots
Comment: The New England Patriots will beat the New Orleans Saints in a very good Super Bowl and the Packer Nation will be pissed because Randy Moss will get the Pats back to the promised land!!!!!!
Sunday's game: Eagles 14, Packers 10
Comment: This is the first game of the year and the Packers’ first loss as well. For some reason Jimmy Johnson and Andy Reid have Brett's number considering the Eagles have won 5 of last 6. I believe the defense will play very well, but the offense will have trouble running which will make Brett a sitting duck as Jimmy Johnson shows no mercy sending everyone. With that being said I see a low scoring game but give the edge to Philly 14-10.
W. Keith Roerdink, Correspondent
Packers 2006 season prediction record: 10-6
Green Bay's 2007 record will be 9-7
Comment: Green Bay will be led by a young, aggressive defense that plugged the one gaping hole (safety) that it had. That said, they remain in need of playmakers on offense. The running game is as much as question mark as it's ever been and we don't know when the potential in players like Greg Jennings, James Jones and Donald Lee will equate to production. The schedule is much tougher this year than it was in 2006 and 9-7 just might get you into the playoffs. Once there, anything can happen when Brett Favre is at the helm.
NFC North champion will be the Chicago Bears
Comment: Chicago is not as good as they were a year ago and 'Wrecks' Grossman will continue to be a liability for them. That said, they still have the edge over the Packers, Lions and Vikings with a defense that remains the class of the NFL. Green Bay will close the gap, but they're not there yet..
Super Bowl Champion will be the San Diego Chargers
Comment: The last three years in a row, the team that had the best regular season and lost in the playoffs came back to win the Super Bowl. Led by LT, the Chargers have the best talent in the NFL. They said Marty Schottenhiemer couldn't get them to the 'Big One,' but Norv Turner inherits a team that should be hoisting the Lombardi Trophy at season's end. Phillip Rivers is coming into his own and Antonio Gates is the best tight end in the game. Look for the Bolts to edge Reggie Bush, Drew Brees and the rest of the New Orleans' Saints in Super Bowl XLII..
Sunday's game: Packers 20, Eagles 17
Comment: It's hard not be optimistic in September, even though Donovan McNabb has put up big games against the Pack throughout his career. Of bigger concern, however, will be the protection provided by an inexperienced corp of running backs facing a blitz-happy Eagle's defense. But Favre has looked sharp, methodical and in control and that Green Bay defense could be a top 5 group. I'm drinking the Green and Gold Kool-Aid and saying 'Why not the Packers?'
Doug Ritchay, Correspondent
Packers 2006 season prediction record: 10-6
Green Bay's 2007 record will be 7-9
Comment: The offense is too limited, putting pressure on the defense to throw too many no-hitters. Unless Brett Favre rediscovers his MVP form of a decade ago, the Packers will be hard-pressed to reach .500. Furthermore, how about home games against San Diego, Philadelphia and Chicago, and back-to-back road games at Denver and Kansas City? Also, there's a trip to Chicago and Dallas. It just looks tough.
NFC North champion will be the Chicago Bears
Comment: The Packers will be improved despite a sub .500 record, but the Bears are still real good (Ouch, that hurts to say). Minnesota has no QB and Detroit is lurking, but may not have the defense to balance the offense.
Super Bowl Champion will be the New England Patriots
Comment: This team didn't stand pat (pun intended) after losing to Indy last year in the AFC title game. The Pats acquired the best defensive free agent in Adalius Thomas and one of the most dangerous offensive players (when his head is right) in Randy Moss. Also, the offense added Wes Welker and Donte Stallworth. Plus, with no Corey Dillion, Laurence Maroney gets to be the featured back. This team is loaded to win a fourth Super Bowl. The only thing that can stop it is an injury to Tom Brady.
Sunday's game: Eagles 17, Packers 10
Comment: The teams are similar. The offenses are limited. The Packers have Favre-to-Driver, and the Eagles have McNabb-to-Westbrook, who also runs the ball 20 times a game. The defenses are good, so the difference is Westbrook, who is the best player on either side of the ball. His game-breaking skills will be enough to send Philly home 1-0.
Fox, Correspondent
Packers 2006 season prediction record: 9-7
Green Bay's 2007 record will be 10-6
Comment: The Green Bay Packers certainly have a tough schedule in 2007, especially early in the year. But the Packers should be better on offense with more receiving help like James Jones, but the ground game has to help out. That's still a question. Special teams should be better as well with an improved Jon Ryan back as punter and with strong legged rookie Mason Crosby as kicker. Will Blackmon should improve the return game and people like Korey Hall should improve the coverage units. But the defense should be the best unit on the team. The defensive line is really deep and defensive ends Aaron Kampman and Cullen Jenkins should have big years. The defensive tackles are stout as well and that should help out tackling machines like linebackers Nick Barnett and A.J. Hawk. The secondary should be improved as Atari Bigby replaces Marquand Manuel at strong safety and Nick Collins continues to get better. The corners are very solid with Al Harris and Charles Woodson. Bottom line, the Packers will get to the post-season for the first time since the 2004 season.
NFC North champion will be the Green Bay Packers
Comment: The Packers clearly have the best QB in the division with Brett Favre. Rex Grossman, Jon Kitna and certainly Tarvaris Jackson don't measure up to Favre. It also looks like Favre will have help in the receiving corp that he hasn't had in a few years. The Green Bay defense however, will be the straw that stirs the drink for the team. I think it will be equal to, if not better, than the Chicago Bear defense. The Bears will be solid again, but the Packers will edge them out for the NFC North title.
Super Bowl Champion will be the Indianapolis Colts
Comment: The Colts passing game is second to none with Peyton Manning at QB. RB Joseph Addai isn't bad either. The Colts defense will be good enough, especially with Tony Dungy as head coach. It looks like back to back Lombardi trophies for Indianapolis.
Sunday's game: Packers 20, Eagles 13
Comment: The Eagles have won five straight against the Packers. But the last four wins were in Philly. The last Packer win was in a defensive struggle in 2000 in Green Bay. I believe the Packers will win another defensive battle as the defense finally contains Donovan McNabb and company at Lambeau Field. Brett Favre and the offense will do enough for the victory.
Todd Korth, Managing Editor
Packers 2006 season prediction record: 8-8
Green Bay's 2007 record will be 8-8
Comment: Earlier this week, I felt that the Packers had a chance of going 9-7, but Greg Jennings’ hamstring injury, and Vernand Morency’s availability for Sunday’s season opener are very questionable. If the Packers beat the Eagles on Sunday, 9-7 is looking good, but I don’t think that’s going to happen, therefore, put the Packers down for 8-8.
NFC North champion will be the Chicago Bears
Comment: The Bears, as tough as it is to write this, are the team to beat. Until that happens, they will win the division title with their strong defense and respectable offense.
Super Bowl Champion will be the Indianapolis Colts
Comment: If the Colts continue to slice apart defenses like they did Thursday night against New Orleans, they will be tough to stop. Peyton Manning is the best quarterback in football, and he will lead that team to its second straight NFL title.
Sunday's game: Eagles 16, Packers 13
Comment: This will be a fun game to watch, but in the end look for the Eagles’ David Akers to split the uprights near the end of the game to lift the Eagles over the Packers. If the Packers can get points out of their defense we could see an upset, but that’s a stretch.
Steve Lawrence, Correspondent
Packers 2006 season prediction record: 7-9
Green Bay's 2007 record will be 8-8
Comment: Nothing you haven't thought of yourself: The defense is superb but the offense lacks a running game and a tight end. These Packers should be better than last year's version, but it won't show up because of a tougher schedule. Look out in 2008, though.
NFC North champion will be the Chicago Bears
Comment: The gap is closing. The Bears will miss Thomas Jones and finish 10-6.
Super Bowl Champion will be the New England Patriots
Comment: Boy, I'm really going out on a limb with this pick. If not for one of the worst dropped passes in NFL playoff history, the Patriots would have beaten the Colts and then probably won the Super Bowl last year. Never mind Randy Moss, though. Wes Welker puts the Pats over the top.
Sunday's game: Packers 17, Eagles 13
Comment: Philadelphia couldn't stop the run last year, so that bodes well for a Green Bay offense that couldn't run the ball this preseason. The Packers' defense is too good for an Eagles offense that's short on weapons.
Tom Andrews, Correspondent
Packers 2006 season prediction record: 7-9
Green Bay's 2007 record will be 8-8
Comment: In some ways, I believe the Packers will be a better team this year than last, especially on defense. It's clear that the defense is improved, with a stout defensive line, a solid, speedy group of linebackers (though depth could be a problem), and a secondary that will be faster and more athletic though shorter on experience at safety. Having said that, the Packers will be playing a tougher schedule this season. On offense, Brett Favre will likely have to rely more on the passing game than he should. Where is the rushing game to balance the attack? Count me among those disappointed that no proven veteran running back was added to replace Ahman Green. Donald Driver is Donald Driver. Solid, veteran and dependable. But who else will Brett be able to rely on in the passing game? Greg Jennings and James Jones have potential - but that's all we can take to the bank right now. Bubba Franks is trying to salvage his career and must prove he is a better tight end option than the new starter, Donald Lee. Special Teams are also in question. Hopefully, Will Blackmon will be the answer as kick and punt returner but that remains to be seen. Mason Crosby has a very strong leg - but will he be able to kick the 45 yarder to win the game in the cold and swirling winds of November and December? Again, we'll have to wait and see. There are too many question marks to warrant predicting a better-than-.500 finish for this team.
NFC North champion will be the Chicago Bears
Comment: The Bears have that great defense and excellent coaching. If Rex Grossman suddenly takes his game to the next level, this team could be really scary.
Super Bowl Champion will be the New England Patriots
Comment: This team just re-loaded in the off-season. They have the best clutch quarterback in the game right now in Tom Brady and they know how to win. What else do they need?
Sunday's game: Packers 17, Eagles 13
Comment: It's the home opener and hope always springs eternal. I'm anticipating an aroused Packer defense that will make life miserable for Donovan McNabb. Sure, McNabb and Co. have won the last four meetings between these two teams, but if the Packer defense is as good as many believe, he could be in for a long afternoon.
Tyler Dunne, Correspondent
Rookie season as PackerReport.com prognosticator
Green Bay's 2007 record will be 9-7
Comment: Mike McCarthy has stressed the importance of reviving the Lambeau mystique. The first three home games (Philadelphia, San Diego, and Chicago) will put this assertion to the test. If the Packers survive a brutal September, a winning season is a high possibility. Defensive continuity and an improved passing game will return the Packers to the playoffs, where anything can happen.
NFC North champion will be the Chicago Bears
Comment: Green Bay will close the gap in '07, but Chicago's defense and special teams remain superior. The Bears may regret trading Thomas Jones though. Chicago's success on offense hinges on an unproven Cedric Benson.
Super Bowl Champion will be the San Diego Chargers
Comment: The Chargers finished '06 with the same taste in their mouth that the '95 Packers had. Bitter. Disgusted. San Diego will play possessed and with a purpose this season. Count on Phillip Rivers taking a big step this season with emerging wide receiver Vincent Jackson complementing Antonio Gates by air. And oh yea, there's L.T.
Sunday's game: Packers 17, Eagles 13
Comment: Green Bay's defense has been licking their chops for this game all training camp. Two ultra-aggressive defenses may force several turnovers. In the end, Charles Woodson and Al Harris will thwart the Eagles' passing attack and Brett Favre will grind out a gutty win on offense.
http://packers.scout.com/2/677050.html
PackerReport.com staff predictions: Pundits predict Packers 2007 record, NFC North champ, Super Bowl champ and Sunday's game
Matt Tevsh, Correspondent
Packers 2006 season prediction record: 13-2
Green Bay's 2007 record will be 7-9
Comment: The key to the Packers season will again be the start. The first five games are no picnic with three home games against playoff teams and road games at New York and Minnesota. If the Packers can get two or three wins, they'll be in the hunt. I don't know if they can do that, though. Thus, they'll post a losing mark. And the defense is good, but not good enough to overcome an offense lacking firepower.
NFC North champion will be the Chicago Bears
Comment: I don't care who the Bears have at quarterback, they are still the top of the NFC class. The North is getting better, though. I wouldn't be surprised if the Lions are a sleeper playoff team or if the Vikings improve. The Packers should be better, too, but are still far from catching the Bears.
Super Bowl Champion will be the New England Patriots
Comment: New England will go 15-1 in the regular season. In the playoffs, they won't melt down like they did last year against the Colts. The Moss addition is huge. If other key additions and Tom Brady stay healthy, they are almost unbeatable.
Sunday's game: Eagles 9, Packers 6
Comment: Don't expect a lot of scoring in this one. The Eagles will blitz Favre until he's silly, and the Packers' defense seems poised for a dominant day at home. In a battle of field goals, Akers will go three-for-three and Crosby two-for-two. A special teams TD by the Pack would help, and they must game plan for Brian Westbrook, as always.
Jay Royle, Publisher
Packers 2006 season prediction record: 11-5
Green Bay's 2007 record will be 9-7
Comment: I think the Pack can have a successful season and earn a wild card spot IF the safety position solidifies by getting a solid playmaker there and the offense runs the ball effectively putting Favre in a position not to take so many chances, which will reduce turnovers. If our running game was a little more seasoned I would’ve put the Pack at a 10-6 season, but none-the-less a season in the right direction ending with a playoff loss.
NFC North champion will be the Chicago Bears (unfortunately…my fingers hurt typing that)
Comment: Their D is just that good, nothing else to say no matter what people think of Rex Grossman and the offense.
Super Bowl Champion will be the New Orleans Saints
Comment: Very well balanced team with playmakers at a lot of positions. They should’ve beat the Bears last year and represented the NFC in the Super Bowl..
Sunday's game: Packers 13, Eagles 10
Comment: I think the D stands tall and makes a statement at home and the offense does just enough. GO PACK!!
Harry Sydney, Correspondent
Packers 2006 season prediction record: 10-6
Green Bay's 2007 record will be 7-9
Comment: I think the Packers will have a better defense, but will have a worse record because all year they will have trouble scoring. At this time they have no running game without any relief in sight with too many other unknowns on offense. Also, I think Brett Favre will have to carry to much of the load which is really unfair, but then again I've heard life isn't fair. He can't do it himself, therefore, the Packers will go 7-9 if they are lucky!!!!!!!
NFC North champion will be the Chicago Bears
Comment: Unfortunately I believe the Bears will win the division again, even though I think Rex Grossman will kill them because Lovie Smith will stick with him too long. I'm not a Benson fan, either, but they just are more of a complete team then anyone else in the division!!!
Super Bowl Champion will be the New England Patriots
Comment: The New England Patriots will beat the New Orleans Saints in a very good Super Bowl and the Packer Nation will be pissed because Randy Moss will get the Pats back to the promised land!!!!!!
Sunday's game: Eagles 14, Packers 10
Comment: This is the first game of the year and the Packers’ first loss as well. For some reason Jimmy Johnson and Andy Reid have Brett's number considering the Eagles have won 5 of last 6. I believe the defense will play very well, but the offense will have trouble running which will make Brett a sitting duck as Jimmy Johnson shows no mercy sending everyone. With that being said I see a low scoring game but give the edge to Philly 14-10.
W. Keith Roerdink, Correspondent
Packers 2006 season prediction record: 10-6
Green Bay's 2007 record will be 9-7
Comment: Green Bay will be led by a young, aggressive defense that plugged the one gaping hole (safety) that it had. That said, they remain in need of playmakers on offense. The running game is as much as question mark as it's ever been and we don't know when the potential in players like Greg Jennings, James Jones and Donald Lee will equate to production. The schedule is much tougher this year than it was in 2006 and 9-7 just might get you into the playoffs. Once there, anything can happen when Brett Favre is at the helm.
NFC North champion will be the Chicago Bears
Comment: Chicago is not as good as they were a year ago and 'Wrecks' Grossman will continue to be a liability for them. That said, they still have the edge over the Packers, Lions and Vikings with a defense that remains the class of the NFL. Green Bay will close the gap, but they're not there yet..
Super Bowl Champion will be the San Diego Chargers
Comment: The last three years in a row, the team that had the best regular season and lost in the playoffs came back to win the Super Bowl. Led by LT, the Chargers have the best talent in the NFL. They said Marty Schottenhiemer couldn't get them to the 'Big One,' but Norv Turner inherits a team that should be hoisting the Lombardi Trophy at season's end. Phillip Rivers is coming into his own and Antonio Gates is the best tight end in the game. Look for the Bolts to edge Reggie Bush, Drew Brees and the rest of the New Orleans' Saints in Super Bowl XLII..
Sunday's game: Packers 20, Eagles 17
Comment: It's hard not be optimistic in September, even though Donovan McNabb has put up big games against the Pack throughout his career. Of bigger concern, however, will be the protection provided by an inexperienced corp of running backs facing a blitz-happy Eagle's defense. But Favre has looked sharp, methodical and in control and that Green Bay defense could be a top 5 group. I'm drinking the Green and Gold Kool-Aid and saying 'Why not the Packers?'
Doug Ritchay, Correspondent
Packers 2006 season prediction record: 10-6
Green Bay's 2007 record will be 7-9
Comment: The offense is too limited, putting pressure on the defense to throw too many no-hitters. Unless Brett Favre rediscovers his MVP form of a decade ago, the Packers will be hard-pressed to reach .500. Furthermore, how about home games against San Diego, Philadelphia and Chicago, and back-to-back road games at Denver and Kansas City? Also, there's a trip to Chicago and Dallas. It just looks tough.
NFC North champion will be the Chicago Bears
Comment: The Packers will be improved despite a sub .500 record, but the Bears are still real good (Ouch, that hurts to say). Minnesota has no QB and Detroit is lurking, but may not have the defense to balance the offense.
Super Bowl Champion will be the New England Patriots
Comment: This team didn't stand pat (pun intended) after losing to Indy last year in the AFC title game. The Pats acquired the best defensive free agent in Adalius Thomas and one of the most dangerous offensive players (when his head is right) in Randy Moss. Also, the offense added Wes Welker and Donte Stallworth. Plus, with no Corey Dillion, Laurence Maroney gets to be the featured back. This team is loaded to win a fourth Super Bowl. The only thing that can stop it is an injury to Tom Brady.
Sunday's game: Eagles 17, Packers 10
Comment: The teams are similar. The offenses are limited. The Packers have Favre-to-Driver, and the Eagles have McNabb-to-Westbrook, who also runs the ball 20 times a game. The defenses are good, so the difference is Westbrook, who is the best player on either side of the ball. His game-breaking skills will be enough to send Philly home 1-0.
Fox, Correspondent
Packers 2006 season prediction record: 9-7
Green Bay's 2007 record will be 10-6
Comment: The Green Bay Packers certainly have a tough schedule in 2007, especially early in the year. But the Packers should be better on offense with more receiving help like James Jones, but the ground game has to help out. That's still a question. Special teams should be better as well with an improved Jon Ryan back as punter and with strong legged rookie Mason Crosby as kicker. Will Blackmon should improve the return game and people like Korey Hall should improve the coverage units. But the defense should be the best unit on the team. The defensive line is really deep and defensive ends Aaron Kampman and Cullen Jenkins should have big years. The defensive tackles are stout as well and that should help out tackling machines like linebackers Nick Barnett and A.J. Hawk. The secondary should be improved as Atari Bigby replaces Marquand Manuel at strong safety and Nick Collins continues to get better. The corners are very solid with Al Harris and Charles Woodson. Bottom line, the Packers will get to the post-season for the first time since the 2004 season.
NFC North champion will be the Green Bay Packers
Comment: The Packers clearly have the best QB in the division with Brett Favre. Rex Grossman, Jon Kitna and certainly Tarvaris Jackson don't measure up to Favre. It also looks like Favre will have help in the receiving corp that he hasn't had in a few years. The Green Bay defense however, will be the straw that stirs the drink for the team. I think it will be equal to, if not better, than the Chicago Bear defense. The Bears will be solid again, but the Packers will edge them out for the NFC North title.
Super Bowl Champion will be the Indianapolis Colts
Comment: The Colts passing game is second to none with Peyton Manning at QB. RB Joseph Addai isn't bad either. The Colts defense will be good enough, especially with Tony Dungy as head coach. It looks like back to back Lombardi trophies for Indianapolis.
Sunday's game: Packers 20, Eagles 13
Comment: The Eagles have won five straight against the Packers. But the last four wins were in Philly. The last Packer win was in a defensive struggle in 2000 in Green Bay. I believe the Packers will win another defensive battle as the defense finally contains Donovan McNabb and company at Lambeau Field. Brett Favre and the offense will do enough for the victory.
Todd Korth, Managing Editor
Packers 2006 season prediction record: 8-8
Green Bay's 2007 record will be 8-8
Comment: Earlier this week, I felt that the Packers had a chance of going 9-7, but Greg Jennings’ hamstring injury, and Vernand Morency’s availability for Sunday’s season opener are very questionable. If the Packers beat the Eagles on Sunday, 9-7 is looking good, but I don’t think that’s going to happen, therefore, put the Packers down for 8-8.
NFC North champion will be the Chicago Bears
Comment: The Bears, as tough as it is to write this, are the team to beat. Until that happens, they will win the division title with their strong defense and respectable offense.
Super Bowl Champion will be the Indianapolis Colts
Comment: If the Colts continue to slice apart defenses like they did Thursday night against New Orleans, they will be tough to stop. Peyton Manning is the best quarterback in football, and he will lead that team to its second straight NFL title.
Sunday's game: Eagles 16, Packers 13
Comment: This will be a fun game to watch, but in the end look for the Eagles’ David Akers to split the uprights near the end of the game to lift the Eagles over the Packers. If the Packers can get points out of their defense we could see an upset, but that’s a stretch.
Steve Lawrence, Correspondent
Packers 2006 season prediction record: 7-9
Green Bay's 2007 record will be 8-8
Comment: Nothing you haven't thought of yourself: The defense is superb but the offense lacks a running game and a tight end. These Packers should be better than last year's version, but it won't show up because of a tougher schedule. Look out in 2008, though.
NFC North champion will be the Chicago Bears
Comment: The gap is closing. The Bears will miss Thomas Jones and finish 10-6.
Super Bowl Champion will be the New England Patriots
Comment: Boy, I'm really going out on a limb with this pick. If not for one of the worst dropped passes in NFL playoff history, the Patriots would have beaten the Colts and then probably won the Super Bowl last year. Never mind Randy Moss, though. Wes Welker puts the Pats over the top.
Sunday's game: Packers 17, Eagles 13
Comment: Philadelphia couldn't stop the run last year, so that bodes well for a Green Bay offense that couldn't run the ball this preseason. The Packers' defense is too good for an Eagles offense that's short on weapons.
Tom Andrews, Correspondent
Packers 2006 season prediction record: 7-9
Green Bay's 2007 record will be 8-8
Comment: In some ways, I believe the Packers will be a better team this year than last, especially on defense. It's clear that the defense is improved, with a stout defensive line, a solid, speedy group of linebackers (though depth could be a problem), and a secondary that will be faster and more athletic though shorter on experience at safety. Having said that, the Packers will be playing a tougher schedule this season. On offense, Brett Favre will likely have to rely more on the passing game than he should. Where is the rushing game to balance the attack? Count me among those disappointed that no proven veteran running back was added to replace Ahman Green. Donald Driver is Donald Driver. Solid, veteran and dependable. But who else will Brett be able to rely on in the passing game? Greg Jennings and James Jones have potential - but that's all we can take to the bank right now. Bubba Franks is trying to salvage his career and must prove he is a better tight end option than the new starter, Donald Lee. Special Teams are also in question. Hopefully, Will Blackmon will be the answer as kick and punt returner but that remains to be seen. Mason Crosby has a very strong leg - but will he be able to kick the 45 yarder to win the game in the cold and swirling winds of November and December? Again, we'll have to wait and see. There are too many question marks to warrant predicting a better-than-.500 finish for this team.
NFC North champion will be the Chicago Bears
Comment: The Bears have that great defense and excellent coaching. If Rex Grossman suddenly takes his game to the next level, this team could be really scary.
Super Bowl Champion will be the New England Patriots
Comment: This team just re-loaded in the off-season. They have the best clutch quarterback in the game right now in Tom Brady and they know how to win. What else do they need?
Sunday's game: Packers 17, Eagles 13
Comment: It's the home opener and hope always springs eternal. I'm anticipating an aroused Packer defense that will make life miserable for Donovan McNabb. Sure, McNabb and Co. have won the last four meetings between these two teams, but if the Packer defense is as good as many believe, he could be in for a long afternoon.
Tyler Dunne, Correspondent
Rookie season as PackerReport.com prognosticator
Green Bay's 2007 record will be 9-7
Comment: Mike McCarthy has stressed the importance of reviving the Lambeau mystique. The first three home games (Philadelphia, San Diego, and Chicago) will put this assertion to the test. If the Packers survive a brutal September, a winning season is a high possibility. Defensive continuity and an improved passing game will return the Packers to the playoffs, where anything can happen.
NFC North champion will be the Chicago Bears
Comment: Green Bay will close the gap in '07, but Chicago's defense and special teams remain superior. The Bears may regret trading Thomas Jones though. Chicago's success on offense hinges on an unproven Cedric Benson.
Super Bowl Champion will be the San Diego Chargers
Comment: The Chargers finished '06 with the same taste in their mouth that the '95 Packers had. Bitter. Disgusted. San Diego will play possessed and with a purpose this season. Count on Phillip Rivers taking a big step this season with emerging wide receiver Vincent Jackson complementing Antonio Gates by air. And oh yea, there's L.T.
Sunday's game: Packers 17, Eagles 13
Comment: Green Bay's defense has been licking their chops for this game all training camp. Two ultra-aggressive defenses may force several turnovers. In the end, Charles Woodson and Al Harris will thwart the Eagles' passing attack and Brett Favre will grind out a gutty win on offense.
