Well, here we go again. The Green Bay Packers have a chance to put last week's misery behind them with a bounce-back performance against the New York Jets. And they're going to need it.
The Packers are at MetLife Stadium in Week 2 for a matchup against the *undefeated* Jets. Aaron Glenn's team put in a dominant display to defeat the Tennessee Titans last week, proving why this game won't be easy for the Packers.
Here's everything you need to know ahead of kickoff, including how to watch, the latest injury updates and storylines, and the all-important prediction.
- How to watch Packers vs. Jets in Week 2
- TV map for Packers vs. Jets in Week 2
- Packers vs. Jets injury updates Week 2
- Storylines to watch for Packers in Week 2
- Prediction
How to watch Packers vs. Jets in Week 2
- Date: Sunday, September 20
- Time: 12 p.m. CT
- TV Network: FOX
- Announcers: Kenny Albert, Jonathan Vilma, Jennifer Hale
TV map for Packers vs. Jets in Week 2
Packers vs. Jets injury updates Week 2
Packers injury report
- DT Warren Brinson (calf) - Out
- DT Javon Hargrave (knee/concussion) - Out
- OL Zach Bako-Bewele (knee) - Questionable
- OL Aaron Banks (knee) - Questionable
- CB Benjamin St-Juste (hamstring) - Questionable
The Packers have already ruled out defensive tackles Warren Brinson and Javon Hargrave, which means we could see Anthony Campbell make his regular-season debut. He was a standout performer in the preseason and deserves an opportunity. Green Bay has solid depth along the defensive line.
For the second week in a row, offensive lineman Zach Bako-Bewele and Aaron Banks are questionable. Bako-Bewele played in Week 1 but didn't look at 100 percent, while Banks sat out of the opener. Big questions remain for the offensive line entering Week 2.
Benjamin St-Juste is also questionable, but the Packers' decision not to elevate a cornerback from the practice squad on Saturday is an encouraging sign that he will be good to go.
Jets injury report
- WR Omar Cooper Jr. (ankle) - Out
- S Minkah Fitzpatrick (groin) - Out
- RB Kene Nwangwu (back) - Out
- Edge Joseph Ossai (foot) - Out
- Edge Will McDonald IV (ankle) - Questionable
The Jets have their share of notable injuries this week. Rookie wide receiver Omar Cooper Jr., who had a 30-yard reception before getting hurt in Week 1, will miss time. Pro Bowl safety Minkah Fitzpatrick is also out. That's two big losses for the Jets.
Rookie D'Angelo Ponds is ready to make his NFL debut, though, and could rotate at nickel. He's a player to watch.
Storylines to watch for Packers in Week 2
Can the offensive line bounce back, and who starts?
Last week couldn't have gone much worse for the offensive line. Brian Flores cranked up his blitz-heavy defense to an even higher level. He was willing to leave wide-open space for the receivers because he knew the pass rushers would get home before Jordan Love could even set his feet.
Offensive coordinator Adam Stenavich said Love was hit 18 times, higher than the 15 originally reported.
So, where do the Packers go from here?
The first question is who starts. Aaron Banks and Zach Bako-Bewele are questionable – their status is the first domino. If Banks remains out, will the Packers keep Donovan Jennings in the lineup or turn to rookie Jager Burton? Did Jacob Monk do enough to deserve a second start at right guard? Keep a close eye on the starting lineup.
Aaron Glenn won't be afraid to send a heavy dose of blitzes Love's way, just as he did during his time with the Detroit Lions. The Packers proved early in Week 1 that they could generate explosive plays off the blitz, but in the end, the protection couldn't hold up.
Expect Glenn to test them.
Will rain impact the game?
The weather could also become a factor. Various forecasts point to a high probability of rain at some point during the game – exactly how much we get and when remains to be seen.
That could give an advantage to the Jets, who went run-heavy in their Week 1 win over the Titans. The Packers have an advantage in the passing game, but the forecast may create some challenges. Can Green Bay lean on its rushing attack if necessary?
Josh Jacobs remains on the commissioner's exempt list. Last week, MarShawn Lloyd and Chris Brooks split the workload, rushing for just 66 yards on 20 attempts.
Will we see Kaleb Johnson?
That raises another important question. Will we see running back Kaleb Johnson? The Packers traded for Johnson on roster cutdown day, but he played two special teams snaps in Week 1 and nothing else. That was it.
Perhaps the Packers didn't feel he was ready yet, especially against a Brian Flores defense. Chris Brooks is the most trusted blocker at the position (although he struggled against the Vikings).
There's surely nothing to lose by giving Johnson some opportunities. The run game couldn't get going against the Vikings, and maybe the second-year back can help change that.
Prediction
Packers 23, Jets 21
I can't blame you if you're not feeling too comfortable about this game. You're not the only one. The Packers are the more talented team, but the Jets have nothing to lose. They're perhaps a little underrated, particularly on offense.
It's the Jets' home opener, they have some momentum, and the weather may give them another advantage. New York boasts a talented offensive line and a strong ground game. Green Bay does not.
That's why this game may become far tougher than it seems on paper. In the end, though, the Packers should have just enough. It won't be comfortable, but Jordan Love gets the team into Trey Smack's range, and the rookie ends the game with a walk-off field goal.
Matt LaFleur's team could sure benefit from winning a tense, close game. It's been a while. Honestly, any win will do. I hate to think about how ugly things could get if the Packers lose.
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