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Green Bay Packers: 4 Bold Predictions For The Regular Season

By Matt LeVene

MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - SEPTEMBER 13: Quarterback Aaron Rodgers #12 of the Green Bay Packers waits for the snap against the Minnesota Vikings during the game at U.S. Bank Stadium on September 13, 2020 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Packers defeated the Vikings 43-34. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - SEPTEMBER 13: Quarterback Aaron Rodgers #12 of the Green Bay Packers waits for the snap against the Minnesota Vikings during the game at U.S. Bank Stadium on September 13, 2020 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Packers defeated the Vikings 43-34. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /
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The Green Bay Packers’ heavily anticipated Week 1 matchup against the New Orleans Saints is set to take place in Jacksonville this Sunday. With the off-season wait for football in Titletwon almost over, the expectations for this year’s squad are sky-high.

This 2021-2022 Packers roster will have a lot of familiar faces but also some new additions who will look to contribute. Excitement levels for Green Bay Packers football are at an all-time high, so let’s dive into 4 bold predictions.

Marquez Valdes-Scantling Eclipses 1,000 Receiving Yards and 10 Touchdowns

MVS has a perfect opportunity in front of him this season. The former USF standout enters his 4th NFL campaign and his first contract year with the Green and Gold. With no clear-cut number two receiving target behind Davante Adams, Valdes-Scantling’s speed and 6’5″ frame gives him the potential to be a star in the Aaron Rodgers-led offense.

Throughout his young career, the knock-on MVS has been his inconsistent play and all too frequent drops. However, throughout the preseason and training camp gauntlet this year, number 83 has very much looked the part of a player about to take a big step. He has had big games in prior years, but this year I would bet the breakout year comes for Valdes-Scantling.

Lastly, it is a contract year for the young wideout. A solid season where he proves to be a reliable deep threat and overall consistent pass catcher will earn him a hefty payday following this season.

Be on the lookout for a big season from the Green Bay Packers’ speedster.

Rashan Gary Leads the Green Bay Packers in Sacks

In the 2019 NFL Draft, Brian Gutekunst and Co. decided to take a chance on the physically gifted Gary with the 12th overall pick. Since then, personnel and coaches within the Packers have been raving about the young edge rusher’s potential. Coming into this season, I fully expect this will be his breakout year.

Za’Darius Smith, Kenny Clark, and Preston Smith are all proven difference-makers in the Packers’ relentless pass rush. This opens up a prime opportunity for Rashan Gary. Without having to face double teams on a weekly basis, if Gary can burst onto the scene this season and emerge as a legit force in the pass rush, the league’s best pass-rushing unit might just reside in Green Bay.

Darnell Savage Jr. Has the Most Interceptions in the NFL

I have been a big fan of Savage since he has entered the league. The 2019 1st round pick has all the tools to dominate opposing offenses and looks poised to do just that in 2021. The perfect storm seems to be brewing for the former Maryland Terrapin to emerge as an elite ball-hawking safety.

The Green Bay defense, under new defensive coordinator Joe Barry, has the talent to be an elite unit. With a proven pass rush, a lockdown corner in Jaire Alexander, and a stud safety duo of Adrian Amos and Darnell Savage, this team could be special.

I expect Savage to be the beneficiary of numerous rushed and hurried throws, courtesy of Za’Darius Smith and Rashan Gary, which will make for a few easy interceptions.

On top of that, I would not be surprised to see Darnell Savage play similarly to what Eddie Jackson did for the Bears when Adrian Amos was his counterpart at safety. Amos is one of the most consistent players in the league, which allows Savage to take some risks and go for the big interception that will change the course of the game.

Look for Darnell Savage to also find himself in the endzone at least one time this year.

The Green Bay Packers Go Undefeated in Their Division

Through the first two years of the Matt LaFleur era in Titltown, the Packers have dominated the NFC North. With a combined record of  11-1 against Minnesota, Chicago, and Detroit since 2019, LaFleur’s teams have been nearly unbeatable by their rivals. I expect this trend to continue, even though the Bears and Vikings promise to be more competitive this season than the previous two.

The talent on the roster is there, and with Aaron Rodgers still at the helm of the offense, I see no reason why the NFC North will not be run by the Green Bay Packers.

What are some bold predictions you have for the season?

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