PackerNotes Staff Predictions: Green Bay Packers vs. Las Vegas Raiders

In primetime, the Green Bay Packers (2-2) head to Las Vegas to take on the Raiders (1-3).  The Packers are coming off an embarrassing loss to the Detroit Lions and look to bounce back.  The Raiders had also just lost a divisional game to the Las Angeles Chargers.  The Packers look to get it done in prime time and head into a much-needed bye to get some guys back.

PackersNotes Staff Prediction: Green Bay Packers vs. Las Vegas Raiders

Cincinnati Bengals safety Dax Hill (23) breaks up a pass intended for Green Bay Packers wide receiver Christian Watson (9) in the first quarter during a Week 1 NFL preseason game between the Green Bay Packers and the Cincinnati Bengals, Friday, Aug. 11, 2023, at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati.

Jimmy Malchow (2-1): Packers Over Raiders 31-27

This game is close to a coin flip for me, but the Packers look to have a fully healthy skill group for the first time this year.  Christian Watson and Aaron Jones were full practice participants.  Luke Musgrave, who suffered a concussion last Thursday against the Lions, is also back.  Elgton Jenkins (knee) sounds like he is expected to play, too.  With as healthy as they can get on offense, they should give the Raiders defense some trouble.

Now, for the other side of the ball.  The Raiders come in as the worst rushing attack in the league.  We get the classic paradox in this game: “What happens when an unstoppable force meets an immovable object.”  If the Packers get gashed by the rushing attack, pack up the bags and start looking at mock drafts.

It’s about time our pass rushers, not named Gary, get after the quarterback and start looking like an elite defense.  Jaire Alexander should also be back and get to line up across ex-Packers Davante Adams.  I expect Jaire to bring his A+ game.

The Packers are undoubtedly the better team, but that means nothing if they don’t show up.  I expect this to be the Aaron Jones show on Monday night, with a win heading into the bye week.

Zach Weller (1-2): Packers Over the Raiders 28-20

I expect the Packers to get back on track after the worst performance of the year in week 4.  When embarrassed on national TV, most NFL teams bounce back the following week.  The Packer also looks to be the healthiest they have been since week 1.  Thanks to the long week, the Packers should also be prepared.  Matt Lafluer has had plenty of time to scheme up a game plan.  I expect both teams to try to get something going on the ground.  Both teams have underachieved running the ball this season.

PFF has the Packers graded out to win the battle in the trenches.  The Raiders have a bit of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde for pass rushers.  Max Crosby is ranked 5th among edge players, while Tyree Wilson is Ranked 110th out of 112 edge players.  If the Packers can keep Crosby in check and keep Love upright, the Packers have some favorable matchups on the outside.  On the opposite side of the ball, Jermaine Eluemunor(RT) grades 59th out of 68 tackles this season.  This should set Gary up to have a nice night.

Plain and simple, if the Packers want this to be more than a rebuilding year, they need to take care of business against a team that doesn’t seem united.

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