Green Bay Packers: 2021 Record Prediction
By Paul Bretl
We’ve made it through the offseason, training camp and the preseason have concluded, and now the regular season is almost here. But before it arrives, I realized that I have yet to make my record prediction for the Green Bay Packers.
Once again, the Green Bay Packers have Super Bowl aspirations and will try to finally get over that NFC Championship hump.
In fact, given the uncertainty surrounding Aaron Rodgers’ future beyond 2021 as well as the team’s cap situation in 2022, this season certainly has an “all-in” feeling to it. Anything less than a Super Bowl is a failure.
But that’s what happens when you have the reigning MVP, an offense that led the NFL in scoring and should be very good once again, as well as a defense with several playmakers and the excitement of a new play-caller.
As you can tell, I’m expecting big things this season, and my record prediction reflects that. Here is my best guess at how this season will play out from a record standpoint.
Week 1: at New Orleans
The Saints’ roster has undergone some changes this offseason, most notably the retirement of long-time quarterback Drew Brees, and at least on paper, don’t appear to be the same daunting football team that we’ve seen in years past. On top of that, they will be without star-wide receiver Michael Thomas.
With that said, there is still plenty of talent on this roster, and Sean Peyton is an excellent coach that will test this Green Bay defense. But, to put it simply, the Packers are the more talented team, and with the game being moved, the Saints also lose their home-field advantage.
Packers win: 1-0
Week 2: vs. Detroit
A new head coach, a number of new players, it’s early in the season, and the Lions downgraded at quarterback going from Matthew Stafford to Jared Goff. While the Lions always seem to play Green Bay tough, the Packers win this one at Lambeau Field.
Packers win: 2-0
Week 3: at San Francisco
The Green Bay Packers were able to win at San Francisco in 2020, but the 49ers were decimated with injuries. While the quarterback position for the Niners remains uncertain, I think that Kyle Shanahan will give this new Packers defense fits–it is going to take time for them to jell, after all. The 49ers win in a shootout.
Packers lose: 2-1
Week 4: vs. Pittsburgh
This is a Steelers team that crumbled after a hot start last season. Ben Roethlisberger is nearing the end of his career, and the offensive line has some serious question marks–that’s a recipe for a Green Bay Packers win.
Packers win: 3-1