Packers: Game-by-game predictions for 2021 regular season

Week 3 at 49ers

The 49ers were down last year after appearing in the Super Bowl in 2020. A big part of that was injuries. Nick Bosa was lost for the season early on and they had to play Nick Mullens and C.J. Beathard at QB for 10 games. Not exactly a winning recipe.

Now, they enter the season healthy and ready to compete in 2021. Jimmy Garoppolo will be the starting quarterback, but I’m sure their first-round pick Trey Lance will see some playing time and eventually take over this season.

Green Bay hasn’t played well on the west coast the past couple of years and lost at San Francisco twice during the 2019 season. This is going to be a tough game on Sunday Night Football. I have them losing a close one on the road.

Packers 23, 49ers 27 (2-1)

Week 4 vs. Steelers

After a tough loss in San Francisco, Green Bay will have to face Pittsburgh, but at least this game is at home.

T.J. Watt is going to be a handful for whoever he lines up against. A fully healthy line will be important when they meet the Steelers.

Last year, the Steelers had the worst running attack in football, but first-round pick Najee Harris can help change that. This is going to be another tough game for the Packers, but I think they outlast the Steelers in another close game to push their record to 3-1.

Packers 21, Steelers 16 (3-1)

Week 5 at Bengals

After tough back-to-back games, the Packers will face the Bengals on the road. The Bengals are another rebuilding team, trying to build around the former first-overall pick, Joe Burrow.

The Bengals don’t have much of an offensive line at this point, so I’d look for the Packers’ pass rush to really make a difference in this game. Joe Mixon and Ja’Marr Chase are the two weapons the Packers will need to worry about, but outside of that, there aren’t too many threats.

The way I see it, Green Bay is better at just about every position. Packers roll in Cincy.

Packers 35, Bengals 20 (4-1)

Week 6 at Bears

The Packers get their game at Soldier Field out of the way early this year. By Week 6, I think it’s fair to assume Justin Fields will have taken over the mantle as starting quarterback for the Bears. I just don’t think you can keep a guy like that off the field.

If the Bears are still playing Andy Dalton, I like the Packers’ chances even more. He’s not overly mobile and I’m confident the Packers can shut down their passing game. If Fields is in the game, they have to plan for his running ability.

The Bears will be an improved team from last year, but I don’t think they are on Green Bay’s level yet. The Pack win in Chicago.

Packers 24, Bears 20 (5-1)