Looking Ahead - Packers' Remaining Schedule

The worst Sunday afternoon of every autumn, is the Sunday the Packers have their bye week. Here's a look at Green Bay's remaining schedule and what I predict will happen:

Sunday, November 2 - at Tennessee, Noon

The Titans head into their game tomorrow night as the only remaining unbeaten team in the NFL (6-0), and hold a firm grip on first place in the AFC South. Tennessee doesn't boast much on offense, but they have one of the league's best defenses - they are allowing just 11 points per game on average. The closest the Titans have come to defeat was a 13-10 win at Baltimore October 5.

Prediction: Green Bay 20, Tennessee 21

Sunday, November 9 - at Minnesota, Noon

The Packers and Vikings hooked up for the season opener back on September 8 at Lambeau (I think there was supposed to be some sort of retirement ceremony at that game, but it was cancelled). Green Bay won the game 24-19, and the Aaron Rodgers era began on the right note. The Vikings have since then switched quarterbacks, and after starting off 1-3, Minnesota has won 2 out of their last 3 games. Only 1 loss has been by double-digits (at Tennessee).

Prediction: Green Bay 31, Minnesota 27

Sunday, November 16 - vs. Chicago, Noon (Yours truly will be in attendance!)

The Bears are currently tied atop the NFC North with the Packers (both are 4-3). Chicago's defense is not what it once was. In 5 of their 7 games, the Bears have allowed 20 or more points to their opponents (including allowing 41 points to the Vikings last week at Soldier Field!). The Bears' passing defense is the third worst in the league, which should be good news for Aaron Rodgers and the talented group of receivers around him. Surprisingly, Chicago's offense is averaging 28 points per game, good enough for third best in the league. Matt Forte is halfway to 1,000 yards (515 yards, 73.6 yards per game) and has 4 TDs.

Prediction: Chicago 24, Green Bay 28

Monday, November 24 - at New Orleans, 7:30 pm

The Saints are a different team at home (3-1) than they are on the road (0-3). The Packers' pass defense will be tested in this game, going up against Drew Brees and the #1 passing offense in the league (310 yards passing per game). Reggie Bush could be back for this game, which would give the Saints back their biggest weapon.

Prediction: Green Bay 21, New Orleans 28

Sunday, November 30 - vs. Carolina, Noon

The Panthers are 5-2 going into today's game against Arizona, but they have struggled on the road, including a 20-10 loss at Minnesota. The defense is giving up about 15 points per game, but the offense is averaging just 21 points per game. The Panthers, like the Packers, have struggled with penalties this season - Carolina has 54 going into today (GB leads the league with 58).

Prediction: Carolina 14, Green Bay 20

Sunday, December 7 - vs. Houston, Noon

Houston started the season 0-4, but has rattled off 2 wins heading into today's matchup against the Bengals. But, those wins were against the Dolphins (by 1 point and at the last second), and against the Lions (by 7 points). The Packers should have no problem disposing of the Texans at Lambeau in December.

Prediction: Houston 13, Green Bay 31

Sunday, December 14 - at Jacksonville, Noon

The Jaguars, after nearly making the Super Bowl last year, are still looking for a signature win this season. They beat the Colts on the road in week 3, but the Colts are not the same team we've seen the past few years. That being said, the Jaguars have had a tough schedule so far - losses include at Tennessee, vs. Buffalo, and vs. Pittsburgh. Out of all of the remaining games, this is the one that was the toughest for me to predict.

Prediction: Green Bay 24, Jacksonville 23

Monday, December 22 - at Chicago, 7:30 pm

I think the Packers have a better all-around team this year than the Bears, so I don't think it's impossible to sweep the season series in 2008. But if I have Green Bay winning on the road against Jacksonville, I don't think I can have them win back-to-back road games.

Prediction: Green Bay 24, Chicago 27

Sunday, December 28 - vs. Detroit, Noon

This game will be played assuming the Lions fans (those that remain) do not burn down Ford Field because their team is 0-15. Hopefully the Packers will have a playoff berth locked up and will be able to rest up for the postseason.

Prediction: Detroit 10, Green Bay 27

So from my predictions and calculations, the Pack should end the season 10-6, which should be good enough for 1st place in the NFC North (Minnesota has a pretty tough remaining schedule, though Chicago's doesn't look that daunting). This will of course set GB up for a run to the Super Bowl, where they will undoubtedly encounter Brett Favre and the New York Jets. See ya then!