Green Bay Packers: 5 Bold predictions vs. Vikings, Week 2
The Green Bay Packers look to be more impressive in Week 2 against the Vikings than they were in the opener. Bold predictions for the Pack.
It wasn’t pretty, but the Green Bay Packers picked up their first win of the 2019 season in the Thursday night NFL Kickoff game against the rival Chicago Bears. After 10 days of rest, though, the Packers and new head coach Matt LaFleur now ready for their home-opener at Lambeau Field as they take on another NFC North rival, the Minnesota Vikings.
Minnesota is coming off an impressive win in Week 1, dismantling the Falcons to the tune of 28-12, even if the game wasn’t as close as the final score. From what Atlanta looked like last week, though, the Packers are a huge upgrade in level of competition for the Vikings. Aaron Rodgers and the offense have their firepower but Green Bay’s new-look defense will certainly offer much more resistance.
This is a big game for the Packers in a number of ways. Not only do they want to move to 2-0 on the year and in the division but they also want to simply look more impressive than they did in beating the Bears. They have the pieces to do that but it’s about execution now.
Will they execute? It’s impossible to say definitively but we do have five bold predictions for Green Bay in Week 2.
5. Jones tops 125 total yards
As has been the case on several occasions over the past couple of years, there was hype surrounding Aaron Jones in LaFleur’s system in 2019. However, the running back didn’t deliver on that against the strong Bears defense, taking just 13 carries for 39 yards and his one reception going for no gain.
While the Vikings defense is certainly no picnic, I expect LaFleur and the Packers to be far more committed to not just getting Jones touches but getting him effective looks against Minnesota.
In the past couple of seasons, Jones has proven to be a big-play guy when he’s gotten the ball in his hands. He’s a player that has earned a sizeable role in the Packers offense and, on Sunday, he’ll show that again as his new head coach makes him a focal point in both the run and passing attacks to give him a big overall day.