3 bold predictions for the Packers in Week 4 against the Vikings

It's time to make some bold predictions.

The Green Bay Packers performed admirably without Jordan Love, winning two straight against the Indianapolis Colts and Tennessee Titans. It was great to watch, but the fun will quickly end if the Packers can't follow it with a win over the Minnesota Vikings.

Minnesota enters Lambeau Field with an undefeated record and ambitions to open up a two-game lead ahead of Green Bay. Jeff Hafley's defense has played great football in the past two games, and that must continue to have a shot at beating the Vikings.

Fortunately, our bold predictions will provide good reading for Packers fans.

Jordan Love's return highlights Packers bold predictions for Week 4

1. Jordan Love returns and throws three touchdown passes

Jordan Love is questionable—that's the official word. However, take your pick of your favorite NFL insider; they are pretty much all saying the same thing. While we don't know for sure that Love will play, it seems pretty likely. Even Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell is expecting No. 10 to make his return.

Less than 100 percent, still recovering from a sprained MCL, and taking on Brian Flores' defense? That sounds like a recipe for disaster, right?

More Packers

No. Matt LaFleur proved his ability to game plan and put his players in position to succeed in the two games without Love. He will do the same to protect his franchise quarterback. Minnesota's defense is no joke, but Love tore it apart in Week 17 last season, completing 73 percent of his passes for 256 yards and three touchdowns.

LaFleur will dial up plays to get the ball out of his hands quickly, and Love's playmaking ability allows the Packers to open up the playbook. He will make up for lost time in Week 4.

2. Kenny Clark enjoys bounce-back game with two sacks

Kenny Clark has zero sacks or pressures in the opening three games of the season. Many Packers fans are concerned, but they shouldn't be. Clark is adjusting to a new defensive system while still regularly seeing double teams.

In Week 4, he gets a great matchup. Clark has dominated against Vikings center Garrett Bradbury in recent games—it's no coincidence that the Week 17 meeting between the two teams last season was one of Clark's best performances and one of Bradbury's worst. Per PFF, Clark made seven hurries and one quarterback hit, while Bradbury allowed five pressures, one hit, and one sack in the game.

Bradbury has made a terrible start to 2024, surrendering 10 pressures, eight hurries, and one sack in just three games.

The Packers' defensive line has the advantage in this contest, and Clark will make an impact.

3. Packers hold Justin Jefferson to fewer than 30 receiving yards

Jaire Alexander's uncertain status for Week 4 makes this prediction a little more challenging. He is questionable with a quad injury, while Carrington Valentine is doubtful to play.

Defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley still has plenty of talent to work with in the secondary. Shifting Xavier McKinney to Justin Jefferson's side is a smart approach. While it could eliminate some of McKinney's ability to make plays on the ball elsewhere, the top priority is to take away Jefferson. Allowing one-on-one matchups is a risky business, even if Alexander plays, as he will be less than 100 percent.

Hafley will force the Vikings to win another way—we could see plenty of Aaron Jones. If the secondary doubles Jefferson and the defensive line can cause chaos up front, Sam Darnold may not have many opportunities to find his All-Pro receiver.

More Packers news and analysis