PackerNotes Staff Predictions: Green Bay Packers vs. Saints

The Green Bay Packers take on the 2-0 Saints in what should be a defensive battle.  It is the Packers home opener and hopefully the first of many for Jordan Love.  They can move to 2-1 and stay on top of the NFC North Division.

Here are this week’s staff predictions.

PackersNotes Staff Prediction: Green Bay Packers vs. New Orleans Saints

Sep 17, 2023; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Green Bay Packers wide receiver Jayden Reed (11) celebrates with teammates after a touchdown against the Atlanta Falcons in the second half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

Jimmy Malchow (0-1): Packers 27-23

The Packers had a tough loss last week that did not sit well with the team.  A pissed-off Matt LaFluer will have the guys ready.  After the Atlanta game, Jayden Reed mentioned that “Their piss was hot.”  The Packers have won their last ten home openers and are 31-8 at home the past five years.  I fully expect the Packers energy levels to be through the roof for this game.

The defense may be without Jaire, but they can write their wrongs from last week.  This game is a favorable matchup for the defensive line, and they should be able to take advantage of it.

Friday’s practice update had Aaron Jones and Christian Watson practicing.  If both of these guys can play, the Offense will have the ability to open up more.

That said, the Packers are missing some guys on the offensive line.  The Saints can get to the quarterback, but Matt Lafluer should have a game plan to get the ball out quickly.  The Saints are coming off a short week after playing on Monday night against the Carolina Panthers; give me the Packers.

Zach Weller (0-1): Packers 21-17

Jordan Love should be primed and ready to make his first career regular-season start at Lambeau Field.  While last week’s disappointing loss looms over the fans and media, the players should be prepared to go.  “What week is this?  It’s week 2?  Ok.  We got so much football to be played.  We must be critical of ourselves and return home and show out.” Rashan Gary said when asked how the Packers young players get over a tough loss.

The Saints newly acquired QB Derek Carr will be a handful for the Packers defense.  One silver lining is the Saints are without Alvin Kamara, serving the last game of his suspension, and Jamal Williams due to a hamstring injury.  The real strength of this team, however, is defense.  The Saints have not allowed more than 20 points in 10 straight games.

I expect this game to be a defensive battle where the Packers will need to protect a lead late in the game, similar to last week.  This week, however, Jordan Love and company take care of business and hand New Orleans their first-season loss.

Dillon Graff (0-1): Saints 24-17

Last week the Green Bay Packers shit the bed in a game where they had countless preventable mistakes. But you’ll have that with a team as young and inexperienced as this bunch.

It was encouraging to see the Packers, specifically Jordan Love, move the ball well despite not having their top running back, wide receiver, and left tackle in the lineup. That means the scheme is working — and the young players have made the most of their expanded roles.

But New Orleans has a damn good defense & a knack for getting after the quarterback — and with the offensive line in flux — that’s not a recipe for success.

Give me the Saints over the Packers in a one-score game.

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