Now that the NFL schedule has been released, we can better predict how the Green Bay Packers will perform this season. Yes, we already knew the Packers’ upcoming opponents. However, knowing the how the games are scheduled provides a better context for predictions. Here is the Packers Early 2020 Win Projection.
First Half
Green Bay should be able to come out of the gate right away and get two key division wins. Going on the road to Minnesota is always a battle but the Vikings have taken a step back, by losing several key veteran pieces. In particular, the Packers should be able to abuse Minnesota’s young corners. If they can keep Dalvin Cook in check, the pressure will likely be too much for Kirk Cousins. After that, the Green Bay home opener is a date with the Lions. Even with Matthew Stafford back, the Pack handles business and begin the season on a good note. 2-0
In Week 3 Green Bay is back on the road against an NFC contender, the Saints. Going to New Orleans, the Packers drop a close one. With it being early in the season, Drew Brees is still fresh and earns the victory for his Saints. 2-1
Another NFC South matchup for Green Bay during Week 4. At least the Pack is back home on Monday night to battle a Falcons team who is difficult to predict. Atlanta certainly has the weapons on offense. However with potential defensive issues, the Falcons won’t have enough to beat Green Bay in primetime. 3-1
Bye Week
Out of the bye, the Packers head to Tampa Bay for week 6. The Buccaneers have made some splashes this offseason and are the media darlings. Personally, I do not buy all the hype and Green Bay steals this one. 4-1
On the road again for Week 7 but it won’t matter much. The Texans are not a bad squad but I like how the Packers matchup against them. Green Bay should be able to score early and use the backs to pull away. 5-1
Week 8 is the second dance with the Vikings. Much like the first game, the Packers should be able to do enough to get the home win. Aaron Rodgers and company use ball control and win a nail biter. 6-1
Green Bay heads to the west coast, an area where they did not fare well at all last season. Worse, this is a Thursday Night contest, meaning that the Packers will be on short rest. Unfortunately, 2020 will see the same result as the 49ers bring the Pack back down to earth. I do not think that San Francisco will abuse the Green Bay defense as they did in the NFC Championship game. However, they pull away late and win by 2 scores. 6-2
Second Half
After the mini-bye, Week 10 is a nice bounce-back week against a bad Jaguars team. At home, Green Bay can take out some frustration on Jacksonville. 7-2
Week 11 is in Indianapolis. The Colts are a tough matchup for anyone. They are improved on defense and they are built in the trenches with a strong offensive line. I see this game as a dog fight in which the Packers ultimately come out a little short. 7-3
Week 12 is a game Green Bay should win but the Bears always keep it close and the hangover from the week before keeps the Packers from getting out of first gear. Just an ugly, clunky game we have come to expect from this long NFC North rivalry. 7-4
During Week 13, the Pack gets a signature win against a playoff-bound team. The Eagles stole one in Green Bay in 2019. This time the Packers return the favor. After losing two straight, the team pulls together to get a strong victory. 8-4
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The next two dates are during mid-December. These are must-win, should win games and the Green and Gold do what they should. It’s just not in the cards for the Lions to beat the Packers in 2020. Meanwhile, the Panthers are a team looking for an identity with a new staff. 10-4
Back-to-back games in Lambeau to end the calendar year. However, in contrast to the Panthers, Green Bay’s home finale is against a playoff contender. Sunday Night in Week 16, a Tennessee team build for cold weather football comes to town. The Titans might not be sexy but they play hard nose discipline football. The Packers struggle in this one and take the loss. 10-5
During Week 17, the Packers are playing for a home playoff game. In Chicago, they return the favor and hand a scrappy Bears team a home loss of their own. 11-5
So there you have it. I predict an 11-5 record for the Green Bay Packers. That should be good enough to earn a home playoff game. For more Early 2020 Win Projection articles and other NFL content, check out Full Press Coverage.
– Jesse Hall is a writer for Full Press Coverage Packers. He covers the NFL. Like and follow on Follow @hall_jhall1212 Follow @FPCoverage and Facebook. – Kyle Senra is the managing editor for Full Press Coverage Packers. He covers the NFL. Like and follow on Follow @nyama_ks Follow @FPC_Packers and Facebook.
