5-minute guide to Packers-Saints: Predictions, injuries, X-factors, etc

With the Dairyland Express staff working hard every week to bring you all of the angles for the Green Bay Packers’ upcoming games, it makes sense to put it all in one spot for you. Whether that be predictions, injuries to watch, X-factors, and more, we’ll wrap it all up nice and neat (with a bow) for you right here before each game day.

Green Bay is kicking off the season against the New Orleans Saints…in Jacksonville, Florida. Thanks to the awful workings of Hurricane Ida, this game had to be moved to a different location. It kicks off at 3:25 p.m. central and can be watched on Fox with Green Bay currently being favored by 3.5 points.

With the Green Bay Packers taking on the New Orleans Saints in Week 1, here’s everything you need to know about the game in just five minutes.

Injuries seem like a good place to start, as there are some key players missing for both teams. Obviously, the Packers will be without David Bakhtiari as he’s placed on the PUP list, as is star wide receiver Michael Thomas for the Saints. Furthermore, Green Bay will be without safety Vernon Scott and both Za’Darius Smith and Tyler Lancaster are listed as questionable. 

If Smith does miss the game, that presents a huge opportunity for Rashan Gary. Gary, a former first-round pick, has quietly been biding his time, as he makes constant progression. It seems it’s only a matter of time until he earns a full-time starting job.

On New Orleans’ side, they have even more question marks due to injuries. Cornerback Ken Crawley has been ruled out, leaving them without their CB2. Their thin cornerback group will be an issue going against Aaron Rodgers and this dangerous offensive team.

Wide receiver Tre’Quan Smith is also out, meaning they will be without two of their top three receivers. Both of those reasons, plus the huge advantage Green Bay has at quarterback, are why I feel Green Bay will not just beat the Saints, but demolish them.

It won’t be all rainbows and unicorns for the Packers, however, as they will have their hands full with stud running back Alvin Kamara in Joe Barry’s debut as defensive coordinator. The Packers struggled to tackle him last year and will have to prove things are different this time around. Expect to see him early and often for the Saints.

In order for the Packers to get off on the right foot, there are a number of X-factors who must rise to the occasion. These aren’t necessarily the stars on the team, instead, guys who must rise to the occasion and play their role.

Lastly, here are some final predictions for Sunday’s season-opener. Green Bay has a big opportunity to start their Super Bowl quest and the job is there’s to take advantage of. Kick back, (try to) relax, and enjoy that the Pack is back.