Green Bay Packers Way Too Early 2020 Record Prediction

With the NFL schedules now out, let’s make a way too early prediction for the Green Bay Packers’ 2020 record.

As we all know, this is a Green Bay Packers team that is coming off of an excellent 2019 season that resulted in them making it all the way to the NFC Championship Game. But a fair question to ask given how free agency and the draft played out is, are they any better than they were in January?

Well, based solely on their additions the argument could easily be made that they are about the same. However, what needs to be taken into consideration is the development of players already on the roster such as Jace Sternberger, Rashan Gary, Darnell Savage, and a number of others.

After winning 13 games with several of them being one score victories, in terms of wins and losses, Green Bay is already a prime regression candidate. And if they hope to make another Super Bowl push, draft picks from the 2018 and 2019 classes are going to have to take steps forward and produce. Not to mention that we will need to see a noticeable improvement from the offense in Year 2 under Matt LaFleur.

Although additions can still be made – as long as there are corresponding cuts – the Packers roster is pretty much set and their schedule has now been released. So this feels like a perfect time to make my way too early record prediction for the 2020 season.

Week 1 at Minnesota: Win (1-0)

The Vikings lost several contributors from previous years during this offseason but they were able to replenish their roster with an excellent draft. And although Green Bay will be at U.S. Bank Stadium which has given them fits up until last season, with several rookies likely playing meaningful snaps for Minnesota, the Packers can take advantage of that and come away with the win.

Week 2 vs. Detroit: Win (2-0)

Detroit did improve this offseason and once again this will be a close game, but at Lambeau Field, I will take the Green Bay Packers.

Week 3 at New Orleans: Lose (2-1)

This is a tough road environment and this Saints’ offense is going to be too fast and too much for the Packers’ defense to handle while the offense won’t be able to keep up.

Week 4 vs. Atlanta: Win (3-1)

Atlanta still has some weapons on offense but their defense is suspect and they appear to be caught between trying to compete and deciding whether or not to rebuild. While they shouldn’t be taken lightly, Green Bay wins at home.

Week 6 at Tampa Bay: Win (4-1)

Yes, the Buccaneers now have Tom Brady and some solid targets for him to throw to. However, he isn’t the Brady of old, the Tampa defense really struggled last season, and the Green Bay Packers are coming off of their bye week.

Week 7 at Houston: Win (5-1)

This will be the Packers second straight road game and Texans do have Deshaun Watson at QB who can erase many mistakes. With that said, this is a Houston team now without DeAndre Hopkins and one that oftentimes gets in their own way.

Week 8 vs Minnesota: Lose (5-2)

The Vikings are coming off their bye and those rookies that I mentioned earlier will be much improved. Minnesota steals a win at Lambeau.

Week 9 at San Francisco: Lose (5-3)

I mean, there’s not much to say, is there? While I’m hoping this time around the Packers put up a much better fight, on the road I just don’t see them coming away with the win.

Week 10 vs Jacksonville: Win (6-3)

A nice home game against a Jaguars team that once again appears to be back in rebuild mode helps get things back on track for Green Bay.

Week 11 at Indianapolis: Win (7-3)

This will be a hard-fought game and one that will really test the Packers’ run defense. But with that said, while the Colts have a talented roster, quarterback Phillip Rivers had plenty of weapons around him last season and Los Angeles missed the playoffs. In a close game, I’m going with the better quarterback, Aaron Rodgers.

Week 12 vs Chicago: Win (8-3)

Once again the Bears will have a stout defense but whether it’s Nick Foles or Mitch Trubisky under center I don’t think it matters that much.

Week 13 vs Philadelphia: Win (9-3)

The Eagles came away with the win at Lambeau last season – although it’s one the Packers could have easily had – and Philly has also added some speed to their receiving corps. This is another game that could go either way, but the Eagles are coming off a Monday Night game and have to travel to Lambeau. I believe that will give the Packers the edge and this time around they will hopefully have Davante Adams for the entire game as well.

Week 14 at Detroit: Lose (9-4)

Every year the Packers have a game that we expect them to win but they ultimately don’t. And on top of that, the Lions always seem to play Green Bay really tough, especially at Ford Field.

Week 15 vs Carolina: Win (10-4)

Last season the Panthers gave Green Bay a run and this offseason they were able to add Teddy Bridgewater at quarterback and beef up their defense through the draft. However, despite the upgrades, their defense is still fairly young and it is Green Bay in December after all, which will play to the Packers’ advantage.

Week 16 vs Tennessee: Lose (10-5)

We saw the Green Bay run defense get worked last season and although they’ve added a few new players this offseason, I’m not sure how much they’ve actually improved that aspect. Stopping Derrick Henry in the cold is going to be a chore and one that the Packers aren’t able to do very well.

Week 17 at Chicago: Win (11-5)

If Green Bay’s season actually plays out the way that I’ve predicted, there will very likely be playoff implications with this game. But as I said above, I don’t believe the Bears will have enough firepower on offense, and the Green Bay Packers come away with another win against their rival.