Packers vs. Falcons preview and prediction: Who comes out on top in Week 2?

After a convincing win in week one of the NFL season, the Green Bay Packers look to build on their momentum and channel that into a victory in Atlanta. The Falcons are also coming off a convincing win of there own, beating the Carolina Panthers at home 24-10. This game is setting up to be one of the more intriguing matchups during the early window of week two.

The Packers are going into this week with more questions on the injury front. Aaron Jones injured his hamstring during a 35-yard touchdown catch-and-run last week. Jones has not practiced all week, meaning AJ Dillon will be getting more touches if Jones is not available on game day.

Dillon had one of his worst games as a pro last Sunday in Chicago. Leading the team in carries, Dillon was only able to muster 19 yards rushing on 13 attempts, a staggering 1.5 yards per rush. If the third-year player is the lead back this week with Jones potentially being out, look for him to bounce back and perform better with his extra touches. If the run game doesn't improve, the Falcons defense could spell trouble for the Pack.

Continuing on the injury front, second-year receiver Christian Watson is questionable. If Watson is a no-go against the Falcons, Romeo Doubs and Jayden Reed have to step up. When Watson was out week one, Doubs and Reed combined for six catches, 74 yards, and two touchdowns. Look for the young receivers to step up again if the Packers' number one option is out for a second consecutive week.

Packers vs. Falcons Week 2 prediction

Jordan Love seemed to do just fine in week one when he missed his number one receiver, going 15/27 for 245 yards and three touchdowns. Leading the NFL in passer rating after just one week, Love was poised and looked extremely comfortable working with an "unproven" receiving corps.

The Falcons, however, have a much better defense then the Bears. Under first-year defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen, Atlanta forced three turnovers, made two sacks, and limited the Panthers to only 281 total yards of offense. If the Packers don't come prepared against this defense, Atlanta could feast against the young Green Bay offense.

This looks to be the first real test of the 2023 season for the Packers. Playing on the road in a dome usually spells trouble for young quarterbacks. If Jordan Love can stay calm, cool, and collected in the pocket like he did in week one, there is no reason why the Packers should lose this game.

With a stifling defense and efficient offense, the Packers should be able to open the season with two consecutive road wins before heading back to Green Bay for their week three home opener against the New Orleans Saints.

With a final score prediction of 28-16, Green Bay leaves Atlanta with a big road win, with huge days from rookie tight end Luke Musgrave, catching his first career touchdown, and the defense bringing down Falcons quarterback Desmond Ridder four times.

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