10 Bold Predictions for the 2017 Green Bay Packers
1) The Packers will go 13-3 and clinch home-field advantage throughout the playoffs.
Rodgers has on multiple occasions stressed the importance of home-field advantage. The Packers know that they can’t get off to another slow start if they want to secure the top seed. It will help that Green Bay has a revamped defense and a plethora of weapons at Rodgers’ disposal.
They will lose three of these five matchups: vs SEA, @ ATL, @ MIN, @ DAL, @ PIT.
2) The Packers will have a top 12 defense.
The Packers seem to be emphasizing speed on defense, and it is a welcome sight for sore eyes. They had their hiccups defensively in the preseason, but they looked more aggressive than at any point in 2016. Green Bay has never has never finished outside of the top 13 in back-to-back seasons with Capers as defensive coordinator, and that trend will not change this year.
Bonus prediction: Quinten Rollins will be their highest graded corner.
3) No Packer will amass double-digit sacks; but four players will have five or more.
The last time the Packers had four players with five or more sacks in the same season was 2006. Clay Matthews, Nick Perry, Ahmad Brooks and Mike Daniels will reach that mark this year.
4) Mike Daniels will rack up a new career-high in sacks with seven.
The emergence of Kenny Clark and Dean “Baby Watt” Lowry should leave Daniels with more one-on-one opportunities; and he tends to take advantage.
That's just mean. @Mike_Daniels76 pic.twitter.com/kuSdJd18os
— Elisha Twerski (@ETwPhoneHome) July 23, 2017
5) Both Clay Matthews AND Nick Perry will play in at least 14 games.
This might not seem like a bold prediction until you consider the fact that they’ve both been on the field for 14 games just twice in Perry’s five seasons.
6) Ty Montgomery will record at least 60 receptions.
Despite barely seeing the field early in the season, Montgomery finished with more receptions than any running back in the Rodgers’ era. He shouldn’t have a difficult time building on that this year.
7) The Packers will once again have two receivers with double-digit touchdown receptions, and four players with 6 or more.
The Packers have had two players with double-digit touchdown receptions twice in the last three seasons; Adams and Jordy will make that thrice in four seasons. Green Bay hasn’t had four players with six or more since Jordy, Jennings, Jones, Finley and Driver all did it in 2011. This year it will be Jordy, Adams, Cobb and Bennett.
8) Aaron Rodgers will set a new career-high in total touchdowns.
I’ve previously written about why I think this is the most dangerous offense in the Rodgers’ era. With that in mind, I expect Rodgers to surpass his 2011 total of 48 total touchdowns.
9) Rodgers will take home his third NFL MVP award.
No one is playing the quarterback position at a higher level than Rodgers is right now. If he can avoid starting the season like he did last year, the voters won't have any excuse not to vote for him.
10) Rodgers and the Packers will face Brady and the Patriots in Super Bowl LII.
2017 has been a year of extraordinary rarities. Amongst other things: Donald Trump was sworn in as President of the United States, there was a total solar eclipse visible across the entire country for the first time since 1918, and Ted Thompson went “all in”.
Thompson’s offseason additions should be enough to push the team over the top.
Comments (53)
Armand Antonio
September 04, 2017 at 10:18 am
One more, Clay Matthews plays 16 games (jk)
dobber
September 04, 2017 at 10:50 am
If Brooks plays a lot and Matthews isn't getting constantly beat on by LTs, it could happen...
dschwalm
September 04, 2017 at 12:19 pm
There are a few more things that have to happen: No injuries to the play-makers on the team (Rodgers, Jordy, Adams, Burnett) and any one of the OLBs. ..........And if that happens, we may have another solar eclipse :-)
NickPerry
September 05, 2017 at 05:49 am
EXACTLY dobber!
Mojo
September 04, 2017 at 11:01 am
Well if getting off to a bad start means we lose the top seed, then we better hope one of the three losses is to Pittsburgh because all of the others suggested come in the first six games.
ElishaTwerski
September 04, 2017 at 06:53 pm
Getting off to a fast start does not necessarily mean winning every game early on. It means that they have to play good football from the start. If they are playing well and reach the bye with 2 or 3 losses, there's a good chance they'll finish the season with a record of 13-3 or 12-4.
Handsback
September 04, 2017 at 11:13 am
I think this year will be Green Bay's best offensive showing. I also think the defense will be very good. I also don't think they will be in the top ten because so many teams will be passing to play catch-up, that there will be breakdowns in coverage.
If I had to guess a season record it would also be 13-3. My fear is that Green Bay starts their offense slow trying to get their 2-TE offense together and lose more games than they should. If that happens, still think 11-5 will be the worst.
I think Seattle comes to Green Bay and doesn't understand how powerful this offense is, and gets torched again.
dschwalm
September 04, 2017 at 12:22 pm
My worry is that Seattle's defence will now resemble their SB defence, after they signed Richardson.
dobber
September 04, 2017 at 07:49 pm
Game 1, at Lambeau, is the right time to get them.
KenEllis
September 04, 2017 at 11:32 am
My bold prediction is that after Thompson used his top four draft picks in the 2017 draft on Defense, after Thompson used his top pick in 2017 on Defense for the 89th year in a row, and after Thompson signed three defensive free agents (maybe four with Dial in town) in 2017, if the defense fails yet again in 2017, Dom Capers will finally be held to account and "retire" after the 2017 season.
porupack
September 05, 2017 at 03:55 am
KenEllis; Nice. You make a pretty fair line in the sand regarding this long argued debate over whether its talent or coaching. I think TT went "all in" (while not mortgaging the future). Now, DC has more speed, versatility, veteran experience that should fit his schemes. Now, its coaching, game planning, making adjustments, and leadership; getting the most out of the talent. Getting the sum of the team to exceed the sum of individuals; that kind of thing. So, if DC fails to get the D to perform better, then I'd say the DC corner empties out.
Well...I guess the 3rd corner of this debate has always been the wild card: Not DC nor TT, but bad-luck injuries. There is always a legitimate crowd there too.
GBPDAN1
September 04, 2017 at 11:33 am
I hope all these predictions become reality. Go Pack
EdsLaces
September 04, 2017 at 11:42 am
Just beat Seattle. That will go along way in setting the tone for our season. Also to those curious about my little brother Wyatt.. he is currently having his lung transplant. He will be in surgery for 6 or 7 more hours. Love you bro. Go pack go.
Savage57
September 04, 2017 at 11:54 am
Here's to hope for a successful procedure for your little brother.
Remember to tell him you love him when you see him.
Since'61
September 04, 2017 at 12:15 pm
Best wishes and prayers for your brother. I hope it all goes well.
Thanks, Since '61
chugwater
September 04, 2017 at 01:28 pm
God bless. Hoping and praying for the best.
Bure9620
September 04, 2017 at 01:29 pm
I hope all goes well with your brother
croatpackfan
September 05, 2017 at 02:23 am
I believe your brother will have successful surgery and win his health battle. And he will live long and prosper.
GBPDAN1
September 04, 2017 at 04:14 pm
Prayers for your little brother, EdsLaces.
EdsLaces
September 04, 2017 at 05:11 pm
Thanks guys he's still in surgery..
ElishaTwerski
September 04, 2017 at 06:59 pm
I'll be praying and hoping for a successful surgery and quick recovery.
NitschkeFan
September 04, 2017 at 08:12 pm
Thoughts and prayers from my family to yours. Best of luck.
EdsLaces
September 04, 2017 at 09:57 pm
Out of surgery..stable, but very sick.
NickPerry
September 05, 2017 at 05:53 am
My prayers for your little brother and family Laces.
Pauly
September 04, 2017 at 12:11 pm
Still griped about losing Hill as a LT developmental QB to replace Hundley next year.
Hill OR Pipkins question, what's missing is that Hill has more long term importance than 7th CB L. Pipkins. Pipkins would easily made PS. CB's career is done by 30yrs. QB career can last til 40 yrs old. Injuries because of risk taking can be coached out Hill.
IMO, Hill has potential to become a bigger, faster, stronger mixed version of AR and R. Wilson. Wish Hill the best at NO.
ElishaTwerski
September 04, 2017 at 07:01 pm
There's only so much room on a 53 man roster. It's tough to keep 3 QBs, especially for a team like GB.
Thegreatreynoldo
September 05, 2017 at 03:27 am
I preferred D. Brown who made it through to the PS to Pipkens. Using hindsight and my own evaluation of Brown, GB could have exposed both Pipkens and Brown and put Hill on the Roster. That's not what I would have done: I thought Hill would not get claimed and Pipkens and Brown might. Since I don't follow every NFL team, I have to rely on the FO's judgment in such matters. I think it was a tough call to make, and there indeed only so much room on a 53-man roster.
porupack
September 05, 2017 at 04:06 am
I think the key issue was that TT preferred to err on retaining most likely contributors in 2017 vs potential upside development players for future. It is why he kept vets at QB, WR, TE (or brought in FA vets) at TE, DL CB. I'd say he is going "all-in" for 2017 within a prudent TT sort of way. So with that in mind, we can understand the rationale for giving up great upside-players that won't contribute this year....such as Hill. Sorry to see Hill gone, but those are tough choices a GM has to make. I think TT has shifted his strategy this year, and he is sticking to it. That is what a good leader does. So let's not lament the individual decisions, but whether TT's strategy is sound. I think it very much is, and applaud his approach this year (though I do question why so many WR picks).
Since'61
September 04, 2017 at 12:21 pm
I see the Packers going 12 -4 or 13 -3. The problem is that if their losses come against Atlanta, Seattle, and/or Dallas they lose the tie breaker for seeding and at least two of those 3 teams will be likely playoff opponents.
To get the #1 or #2 seed we may to need to win at least 10 of 12 of our conference games. A tall order. We have the offense, the question as usual will be can the defense hold up?
Thanks, Since '61
chugwater
September 04, 2017 at 01:30 pm
We need win 2 of the 3 games. The good news is ATL, DAL, and SEA have to play each other as well.
Bearmeat
September 04, 2017 at 12:52 pm
if 1/2 of this stuff happened, I'd be ecstatic. I don't think even 1/3 happen though.
chugwater
September 04, 2017 at 01:36 pm
Yeah, I was reading it asking myself is this a wish list or actual predictions. Buy hey, it's the last few days of the preseason. We can still dare to dream.
Reality arrives on Sunday afternoon.
For the record, I still think they go 12-4 with a bye as the #2 seed. The bye is more meaningful than home field advantage (although an NFCCG win in snowy Lambeau would be awesome.)
Denise Chanterelle
September 04, 2017 at 01:18 pm
12-4. We have a really tough early season schedule. We need that Seattle win badly, Going to Atlanta the following week is very difficult. Maybe that team will still be shell-shocked from their incredible collapse in the Bowl game last season. Who knows.
LASVEGAS-TOM
September 04, 2017 at 01:54 pm
Tarynfor12, Would you take a Future's Bet on GB now, or would you wait till after the 1st 2. Last I looked they were #2 on the board at 7. I think they may have dropped a tick. I'll look tonight. How do you see the open? I had them last year when the world was on Seattle. I mostly don't like GB -3, unless the money is the other way. How do you see it? I trust your opinion. Do you think they will go up or down from 8 on the Futures Betting? Haven't seen anything Defensively to pencil in GB to the Playoffs, much less the SB. I'm betting GB, it's just a matter of when.
LVT
PETER MAIZ
September 04, 2017 at 03:18 pm
I predict that on our first game, Lacy will get over 80 yards.
GBPDAN1
September 04, 2017 at 04:16 pm
And then get hurt...another ankle injury
Lphill
September 04, 2017 at 04:26 pm
Packers will be Seattle to start the season , will win both games against the Vikings , will beat Dallas and Atlanta . Book it!
Lphill
September 04, 2017 at 05:56 pm
That's beat Seattle .
Cartwright
September 04, 2017 at 06:29 pm
What is the record for touchdowns in a season? With the weapons we got this year is it possible? Who did Brady have? If you compare them I think our guys are better.
ElishaTwerski
September 04, 2017 at 06:35 pm
Peyton set the record with 55 in 2013. It's highly improbable that Rodgers reaches that, but not impossible.
NitschkeFan
September 04, 2017 at 08:15 pm
You need to have a poor running game and a coach who never takes his foot of the gas to get that record.
IMHO neither of those will exist in GB this year.
Firstdown
September 04, 2017 at 07:17 pm
11) Trevor Davis will make the Pro Bowl as the #! punt returner in the league.
LASVEGAS-TOM
September 04, 2017 at 09:05 pm
Just incase anyone is interested, here is how Vegas currently has GB rated for the upcoming season.
GB is 5/12 to Win the NFC North, ahead of MINN @ 14/5 & Detroit 6 to 1.
GB is on Top, tied with Dallas @ 7/2 to Win the NFC, ahead of Seattle @ 4 to 1, & Atlanta @ 5 to 1
GB is tied for 3rd to Win the SB @ 7-1 with Pitts & Oakland, ahead of Atlanta @ 8 to 1, & Seattle @ 9 to 1 Dallas & the Giants are 12 to 1.
The Pats are Favored to win the SB, currently 12/5
LVT
NickPerry
September 05, 2017 at 05:59 am
WHY is Dallas still getting all the that love? I honestly believe they finish 8-8 or 9-7 at best, and that's if the have Elliott for all 16 games.
LASVEGAS-TOM
September 05, 2017 at 03:24 pm
Nick, All I can say is Vegas has a way of knowing what they are talking about. I happen to think Dallas is better than most people are giving them credit for. They don't seem to think too much of NY or Philly, so if Dallas makes the playoffs, they probably have as good a chance as GB, Seattle, or Atlanta to get to the Big Dance. They also seem to be over looking Carolina, & Tampa Bay. Those odds will all change as the season goes on. Right now, that's how they see things.
LVT
Maia Maia
September 04, 2017 at 09:10 pm
They'll go 13-3, but start the season 2-0. We always predict teams will lose to the stiffest challengers, but when does it ever work out that way? Last time GB went to the Super Bowl they lost back to back games against Miami and Washington.
Packers lose to New Orleans, Tampa Bay and Minnesota.
stockholder
September 04, 2017 at 09:27 pm
I believe the 4 loses will be Atl, Dallas, Pittsburgh, Minn, 12-4. That this will be the best defense since 2010. That DeVante Adams gets hurt. That the Te's and Montgomery will make this the best clock eating offense since the 60 packers. That A-rod sets a record for most completions. That Aron Jones will be the packers best drafted RB from the class of 2017.
Thegreatreynoldo
September 05, 2017 at 03:38 am
Someone else besides me thinks Rollins will be a good CB in the NFL.
NickPerry
September 05, 2017 at 06:00 am
Nope, I'm right there with you TGR.
RCPackerFan
September 05, 2017 at 06:38 am
I have been high on Rollins since I saw him in the Senior Bowl. Your definitely not the only one.
Last year was an injury plagued year for Randall and Rollins. They both had good rookie years. Comparing both their situations to Adams situation, and they both could have very good 3rd years.
Thegreatreynoldo
September 05, 2017 at 10:36 pm
To be more accurate, I predicted that Rollins would beat out Randall as the outside CB and prove to be a better CB than Randall.
I still am not sure who will play opposite House against Seattle. Many sites have it being House and Randall with Rollins in the slot. I think it ought to be House and Rollins with Randall in the slot.
Lphill
September 05, 2017 at 05:48 am
I think Rollins bounces back this year , being healthy means a lot .
max427
September 06, 2017 at 11:53 pm
<p>Go Wyatt god bless.</p>