Packers 2021 game-by-game predictions ahead of training camp

Week 8: at Arizona Cardinals

Packers 28, Cardinals 31

Biggest storyline: Does the Joe Barry defense account for rushing quarterbacks?

The Packers will travel to State Farm Stadium for a primetime Thursday Night Football matchup.

Kyler Murray may be tough for the Packers defense to manage as they’ve struggled with rushing QBs in the past, but hopefully some developing ILB depth will help.

The Green Bay defense needs to be ready for Murray’s air attack as well with his targets consisting of veteran wide receivers DeAndre Hopkins and A.J. Green.

Defensive standout safety Budda Baker poses a threat to Green Bay’s passing game, but with the Packers’ depth at WR, Baker can’t be everywhere at once.

J.J. Watt poses a defensive threat to Rodgers that will keep Elgton Jenkins quite occupied throughout the game. The Cardinals’ defense racked up 48 sacks on opposing QBs last season, but I trust one of the best offensive lines in football to protect Rodgers.

Week 9: at Kansas City Chiefs

Packers 27, Chiefs 35

Biggest storyline: Who comes out on top in a long-awaited Rodgers-Mahomes matchup?

The Rodgers-Mahomes matchup we’ve been waiting for has finally arrived. I wouldn’t be surprised if this gets flexed to a primetime spot as two of the all-time greats face off for the first time, assuming one of them doesn’t get injured before that time.

The last time a Rodgers-Mahomes face-off was scheduled in 2019, Mahomes missed the game after sustaining a knee injury the week prior.

Kansas City has been dominating the league for the last couple of seasons, boasting a number of All-Pros and Pro Bowlers.

Green Bay’s rookie CB Eric Stokes adds some much needed depth to the position and hopefully will help to slow down the Chiefs’ outstanding receiving corps.

The Chiefs‘ defense is of average talent, but I’m counting on their offense to outperform the Packers’ defense.