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Packers Wire Staff Predictions: Week 2 vs. Colts
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Packers Wire Staff Predictions: Week 2 vs. Colts

The Green Bay Packers will look to bounce back from a Week 1 loss in Brazil when they welcome the Indianapolis Colts — who are also 0-1 — to Lambeau Field for their home opener on Sunday. Can the Packers even their record after two weeks, or will Matt LaFleur’s team be stuck with the dreaded 0-2 start?

According to the Packers Wire staff, the Week 2 showdown with the Eagles will go like this:

Zach Kruse: Colts 24, Packers 16 (0-1)

While there is a (diminishing) chance that Jordan Love plays, confidence in the Packers’ ability to win a game with Malik Willis at quarterback is low. He may be talented, but Willis throws the ball inconsistently and takes too many sacks, and lacks experience in Matt LaFleur’s scheme. Jayden Reed is also dealing with a new injury, which could limit Willis as a key player on offense. Anthony Richardson, while sporadic, is the better bet to create a few big plays on Sunday. In what could be a volatile game overall, the gamble here is that the Packers struggle offensively and can’t generate enough points to pull off the upset with a backup quarterback. The scores will flip if Love plays, which, again, seems increasingly unlikely.

Brandon Carwile: Packers 20, Colts 17 (0-1)

If Jordan Love shows up on Sunday, the Packers could score a decent amount of points. If Malik Willis gets the start, scoring will become increasingly difficult. Love was listed as questionable on the last injury report, but there’s no reason to bring him back this early in the season. Matt LaFleur is a good enough coach to win with Willis at quarterback, especially against a vulnerable Indianapolis defense. Green Bay could run its way to victory, though it may require an All-Pro effort from Josh Jacobs. But hey, that’s why they signed him. The defense doesn’t have to worry about the Colts’ offensive weapons like they did last week against the Eagles. Jonathan Taylor, Michael Pittman and Anthony Richardson aren’t sloppy, though. I think the defense can bounce back this week, forcing a late turnover to seal the win. On offense, Jacobs has a great day, getting into the end zone twice, helping the Packers earn their first win of 2024.

Brennen Rupp: Packers 20, Foals 14 (1-0)

Anthony Richardson is a talented quarterback. His combination of size, athleticism, and arm talent make him an exciting player to watch. Despite all those tools, he’s still a work in progress. He’s going to miss throws and give Green Bay’s secondary a chance to make plays on the ball. They need to take advantage of that, and I think they will. After a disappointing debut as defensive coordinator in Brazil, I think Jeff Hafley’s team will bounce back this week at Lambeau Field to help the Packers earn their first win of the season.

Greg Williams: Packers 27, Colts 24 (0-1)

If you wanted Jordan Love to miss a few games, this is the perfect series. This game against the Colts is winnable, even with Malik Willis at quarterback; however, it won’t be easy. This isn’t a criticism of Willis, there’s a chance he could have a solid game, especially under Matt LaFleur, who is a good enough coach to put Willis in situations where he can succeed. Plus, outside of the quarterback position, the Packers are arguably the better team. I’d expect LaFleur and company to lean heavily on the running game, where Josh Jacobs is expected to have a big day after Joe Mixon rushed for 150+ yards against the Colts in Week 1. That doesn’t include Christian Watson and Jayden Reed getting some carries to spread out the Colts defense. The biggest concern for me will be the Packers defense. They need a good performance after giving up 30+ points to the Eagles. Now they’re playing with a struggling offensive line and a quarterback who can be careless with the ball, which could lead to a comeback performance. Still, if Willis gets his first start with the Packers, it’s still a winnable game and he can lead the Packers to their first of the season.

Writer Prediction Score Dossier
Zach Kruse Loss 24-16 0-1
Brandon Carwile To win 20-17 0-1
Brennen Rupp To win 20-14 1-0
Greg Williams To win 27-24 0-1