Packers 2018 schedule release: Predicting the final season record
With the announcement of the Green Bay Packers’ 2018 regular season schedule, we’ve made our predictions for the team’s final record.
The Green Bay Packers schedule is here.
They will open up the season with home division games against the Chicago Bears and Minnesota Vikings. A tough stretch of road games at midseason is followed by a return to Lambeau Field in December.
Let’s make some predictions.
Kyle Hoffenbecker
On paper, the Packers have the toughest schedule for 2018. They play many teams who were in the playoffs or just missed the playoffs. The combination of playing the entire AFC East, NFC West, and the NFC North (as always) is tough.
However, the Packers have made many improvements already and will continue to make necessary changes before the season gets underway. Even with the departure of Jordy Nelson, The offense looks as deadly as ever. For the first time in a long time, the Packers have a dependable run game. Jamaal Williams and Aaron Jones will be a forgotten weapon for many defenses as they look to control Aaron Rodgers.
Once again, the amount of success the team has will rely on how well the defense plays. The Packers play some very tough teams who have had great offenses or who have improved their offense in the offseason. The 2018 season will be more of a challenge than what people think. But if this team can get going they can be as dangerous as any team in the league.
Prediction: 10-6
Brad Miller
The 2018 season will be an interesting journey for the Packers. A lot of changes to staff and players will cast some questions to how things will play out.
The Vikings dethroned the Packers for division supremacy last year and they have only added more weapons to an already potent team. The signing of Kirk Cousins should bring stability on offense.
The Bears, after having a tough season last year, are also going through some personnel changes with a new head coach (Matt Nagy) to replace John Fox. The Bears have been aggressive in the offseason bringing in the likes of Allen Robinson, Trey Burton, Bennie Fowler and Taylor Gabriel to name just a few. Second year QB Mitch Trubisky should be poised for a good run to the playoffs this year.
Detroit is Detroit. They could easily be 11-5 or 5-11. They have all the tools to be that 11-win team. They just never seem to put up consecutive winning seasons no matter who is coaching or playing for them. I have to think with Matthew Stafford the Lions can do great things.
With games against the AFC East and NFC West there are winnable games for Green Bay. Sure, they will have to face off against strong teams like the Patriots, Rams and Seahawks but they also will have the downtrodden teams like the Dolphins, Jets and Cardinals.
I predict a split with the Vikings, Lions and Bears this year. Wins against the Jets, Dolphins, Bills, 49ers, Redskins, Cardinals and Falcons.
I see some tough games at New England, Seattle, and LA. Look for a 10-6 record for the Pack and a strong shot to get into the playoffs. They could win the division but they would need to win a game or two that they are not expected to.
Prediction: 10-6
Freddie Boston
The Packers have to like their chances of starting the season strong. They could even enter their bye without a defeat. They can also be pleased with how the schedule concludes. Playing three dome teams at Lambeau in December is good news.
But it’s the middle of the season that’s most concerning. Playing the Rams and Patriots in back-to-back weeks? Visiting Seattle on a short week, then heading to Minnesota? No thanks.
As long as Aaron Rodgers is healthy all season, Green Bay will be tough to beat at Lambeau. I expect them to win around seven of their home games, with potentially four more victories coming on the road.
Eleven wins will comfortably guide the Packers into the playoffs.
Next: Top 30 moments in Green Bay Packers history
Will it be enough to regain the NFC North crown?
Prediction: 11-5