Green Bay Packers v. Titans: Week 16 Predictions

Here are a few Week 16 predictions before the Green Bay Packers host the Tennessee Titans in a heavyweight matchup at Lambeau Field.

This week the Green Bay Packers will have their toughest test since they faced the Indianapolis Colts on the road. The 10-4 Tennessee Titans — along with the Packers — have one of the most productive offenses in the game. At running back is the NFL’s leading rusher Derrick Henry, while at the receiver position, is one of the better duos in the game in Corey Davis and AJ Brown, who have combined for 15 touchdowns and over 1,800 receiving yards.

However, while many fans are concerned about how the Packers’ run defense is going to stop Henry — and understandably so —  an equally important question is, how are the Titans going to stop Aaron Rodgers? As good as the Tennessee offense is, on the flip side, their defense has really struggled this season, ranking near the bottom in many major statistical categories.

As we do each week, our crew at Dairyland Express has put together our predictions for Sunday’s heavyweight matchup, providing our thoughts on how we expect the game to play out along with a final score. Let’s take a look at how the Packers will fare.

Kenny Jilek (10-4)

This will be a tough game until the end and will come down to the Packers being able to stop Derrick Henry from getting first down after first down and draining the clock away while Aaron Rodgers and the offense stand on the sidelines. At the end of the day, I just don’t trust this defense to muscle up and get enough crucial stops to give the offense the ball back so they can score.

The Titans’ pass defense is very weak, but Adoree’ Jackson came back at corner last week to give them a boost. I have no doubts that the offense will look good and rack up yards, but they can’t score without the ball. It will come down to converting when they have the ball on the Titans’ half of the field. They’ve been absolutely money, one could even say golden, inside the 20-yard-line this year, but this might be the week that they can’t put it together and settle for a few too many field goals. It’ll be a great game throughout, and it might come down to who gets the ball last. If it’s in Rodgers’ hands in the last two minutes, I like our odds, but if it’s not, I don’t see us getting the critical stop we need.

Prediction: Packers 26 – Titans 27

Matt LaVene (6-2)

This Sunday Night matchup promises to be one of the best games of the year. The Titans and Packers both have cemented themselves as some of the NFL’s elite. I’m also predicting that this game is a Super Bowl preview, so buckle up.

The Green Bay Packers’ route to winning this game is simple, contain Derrick Henry. This is much easier said than done as Henry is well on his way to capturing his second consecutive rushing title. As difficult as it may be, the challenge of Henry and the Titans’ ground game as a whole provides Mike Pettine’s defensive unit with the opportunity to change their narrative. Look for rookie Krys Barnes and star defensive tackle Kenny Clark to lead the charge on stopping the run.

On top of that, Kevin King and Jaire “Ja Money” Alexander will be tasked with shutting down the dynamic duo of wideouts Corey Davis and A.J. Brown. The moral of the story here is that Ryan Tannehill has plenty of weapons, but their offensive success is dependent on an effective run game. Limit Henry and the Titans will struggle. I predict two or more tackles for loss from Barnes.

Last week, Aaron Rodgers voiced his displeasure with how the offense ended the game against Carolina. He will certainly look to right the ship against the Tennessee defense and continue his quest for the MVP. The Titans secondary has numerous playmakers who could be disruptive and give the Packers fits. Safety Kevin Byard is one of the NFL’s best; paired with cornerback Malcolm Butler who has shown flashes of being dominant, Tennessee has a formidable defensive unit. With that being said, look for Robert Tonyan to take advantage of linebackers in coverage; he will find the end zone again.

I assume the Packers won’t have too much difficulty scoring, and neither will Tennessee; it all comes down to who will make the high-pressure defensive stops. This game could go either way, but I have faith in Aaron Rodgers to put the Pack in a position to win.

Prediction: Packers 31- Titans- 27

Trevor Bender (4-1)

This feels like a playoff dress rehearsal for the Green Bay Packers. The Titans are one of the best teams in the AFC, currently, with a 10-4 record and sitting atop the AFC South. The Titans, however, have not locked up the division as the Indianapolis Colts are also 10-4, with their season series complete.

Everyone knows this Titans offense is a tough test for anyone, but for a team with Super Bowl aspirations like the Green Bay Packers, it is important for them to be able to have a good showing against a good team. Contrary to popular belief, the team from Tennessee is not the Tennessee Derrick Henrys; they are the Tennessee Titans. Derrick Henry is a phenomenal running back, for my money, the best one in the league at the moment.

That being said, the Titans offense has plenty of talent to go around. Corey Davis and A.J. Brown have been fantastic this year; both are closing in on 1,000-yard seasons. Jonnu Smith has been a touchdown machine this year as he has totaled seven, which is tied for 15th in the league and the third-most among tight ends. On top of all the weapons at the skill positions, the Titans have Ryan Tannehill at quarterback. Tannehill has been good this year; he is top five in the league in both touchdowns and passer rating.

I said all of that to say this is going to be a tough game for Green Bay. The offense for the Packers will be able to move the ball and score on the Titans. I think the defense is going to play just well enough to allow the Packers to win their 12th game of the year.

Prediction: Packers 35 – Panthers 31

Paul Bretl (12-2)

Goodness, this is a tough one. As I mentioned at the beginning, this is a very good Tennessee offense led by Derrick Henry at running back along with AJ Brown and Corey Davis at receiver. Not to mention that Ryan Tannehill has been on the NFL’s most productive quarterbacks off play-action.

However, while the Packer defense faces a difficult test, so do the Titans. Defensively, Tennessee ranks 28th in passing yards per game, 21st in points per game allowed, and 28th by Football Outsiders’ DVOA metric. Meaning, Aaron Rodgers and this Green Bay Packers offense should find plenty of success.

This is a matchup between the top-2 red zone offenses in the game, and I believe it will come down to which defense can force a turnover or hold the opposing offense to a field goal. And because the Titans’ defense has struggled in this part of the field — ranking 30th this season — and the fact that the Green Bay defense has been trending in the right direction, I believe the Packers come out on top.

Prediction: Packers 34 – Titans 31