Packers Wire Personnel Predictions Sections: Week 2 vs. Colts

The Green Bay Packers will look to rebound from a Week 1 loss in Brazil when they welcome the Indianapolis Colts — who are also 0-1 — to Lambeau Field on Sunday for their home opener. Will the Packers even their record after two weeks, or will Matt LaFleur’s team have to deal with a terrifying 0-2 start?

Here’s what Packers Wire thinks the Week 2 clash with the Eagles will look like:

Zach Kruse: Colts 24, Packers 16 (0-1)

While there’s a (decreasingly) chance Jordan Love plays, confidence in the Packers’ ability to win the game with Malik Willis under center is low. He may be talented, but Willis is an inconsistent thrower of the football who takes too many sacks and lacks experience in Matt LaFleur’s scheme. Jayden Reed is also dealing with a recent injury, potentially limiting Willis’s key offensive player. While Anthony Richardson has been sporadic, he’s a better candidate to create some huge plays on Sunday. In what could be an overall inconsistent game, I’m betting the Packers struggle offensively and can’t generate enough points to pull off a surprise with a backup quarterback. The results could be reversed if Love plays, which, again, seems increasingly unlikely.

Brandon Carwile: Packers 20, Colts 17 (0-1)

If Jordan Love shows up Sunday, the Packers could put up a decent amount of points. If Malik Willis starts, scoring points will become increasingly complex. Love was listed as questionable on the final injury report, but there’s no need to rush his return this early in the season. Matt LaFleur is a good enough coach to win with Willis under center, especially against a vulnerable Indianapolis defense. Green Bay could be able to cruise to victory, although it might require an All-Pro effort from Josh Jacobs. But hey, that’s why they signed him. The defense doesn’t have to worry about the Colts’ offensive weapons like it did last week against the Eagles. However, Jonathan Taylor, Michael Pittman and Anthony Richardson aren’t bad. I think the defense is on a roll this week, forcing a tardy turnover that helped seal the win. On offense, Jacobs has a great day, getting into the end zone twice, leading the Packers to their first win of 2024.

Brennen Rupp: Packers 20, Colts 14 (1-0)

Anthony Richardson is a talented quarterback. His combination of size, athleticism and arm talent make him an stimulating player to watch. Despite all of those tools, he’s still a work in progress. He’ll miss throws and give the Green Bay defense opportunities to move the ball. They need to take advantage of that, and I think they will. After a disappointing debut as defensive coordinator in Brazil, I think Jeff Hafley’s team will bounce back this week at Lambeau Field to assist the Packers get their first win of the season.

Greg Williams: Packers 27, Colts 24 (0-1)

If Jordan Love was going to sit out a few games, now would be the perfect time. This game against the Colts is winnable, even with Malik Willis starting under center; it won’t be simple, though. That’s not a criticism of Willis, there’s a chance he can have a solid game, especially under Matt LaFleur, who is a good enough coach to put Willis in situations where he can succeed. Plus, outside of the quarterback position, the Packers are probably the better team. I would expect LaFleur and company to rely heavily on the running game, where Josh Jacobs could have a huge day after Joe Mixon rushed for over 150 yards against the Colts in Week 1. That doesn’t include giving Christian Watson and Jayden Reed a few runs to spread out the Colts defense. The biggest concern for me will be the Packers’ defense. They need a good performance after allowing the Eagles to score over 30 points. Now they’re playing with a withering offensive line and a quarterback who could be reckless with the ball, which could lead to a return to form. However, if Willis does play for the first time against the Packers, it’s still a winnable game and he could come in and lead the Packers to their first win of the season.