Predictions for the Packers' next 5 games without Jordan Love

Matt LaFleur faces arguably the biggest challenge of his head coaching career.

For the first time, he will likely enter a game without Aaron Rodgers or Jordan Love running the offense. The Packers chose not to sign an experienced quarterback to back up Love and instead pin their hopes on Malik Willis, who has made only three career starts and arrived in Green Bay less than three weeks ago.

The season is only one week old, but the Packers must find a way to win without Love to avoid their playoff hopes fading before we even reach October.

LaFleur left the door open for Love to play in Week 2, but a multi-week absence is the more likely outcome.

How many games can the Packers win without their star quarterback?

Predicting the Packers' next 5 games after Jordan Love injury

Week 2: Packers vs. Colts

The Indianapolis Colts allowed a league-high 213 rushing yards in Week 1, which should bode well for the Packers. However, it won't be that simple, as Indianapolis will build its gameplan around stacking the box and taking away Josh Jacobs. They couldn't do that a week ago against the C.J. Stroud-led Houston Texans, who boast one of the league's best passing offenses.

The Packers need Willis to make plays, but that's a big ask for a quarterback who only joined the team three weeks ago. He is still learning the playbook. The Colts almost beat the Texans, and the challenge could be too great for the Packers without Love.

Prediction: Loss (0-2)

Week 3: Packers at Titans

It doesn't get any easier in Week 3 with Willis' revenge game against the Tennessee Titans. They should've left Solider Field with a Week 1 win.

It's over to Jeff Hafley in this one. His defense must step up against a Titans offensive line that struggled to protect Will Levis. Per ESPN, Tennessee ranks last in the NFL for pass block win rate after the opening weekend. If the Packers' pass rush can generate pressure, they will have a chance to win a low-scoring game.

Prediction: Win (1-2)

Week 4: Packers vs. Vikings

Jordan Love could return in time for this game, but we'll stick with the initial timeline of three to six weeks, which rules him out.

The Minnesota Vikings are without first-round quarterback J.J. McCarthy, but Sam Darnold shocked the world with his Week 1 performance. He threw for 208 yards and two touchdowns with one interception, completing all but five of his 24 pass attempts.

The question is whether Darnold can continue to play at that level and if he can do it against a team not named the New York Giants. However, Green Bay's defense faces the daunting task of slowing down Aaron Jones, who will be determined to make a statement in his return to Lambeau Field.

Prediction: Loss (1-3)

Week 5: Packers at Rams

Here we go. The Love return game. After missing three weeks, there's a good possibility he could return for Week 5.

Matthew Stafford won't have Puka Nacua to throw to, giving Hafley's defense one less worry. But it's hard to imagine Love will return to his best after missing three games. Green Bay has dominated this matchup in recent years, but at home, Sean McVay finally beats LaFleur.

Prediction: Loss (1-4)

Week 6: Packers vs. Cardinals

It may only be Week 6, but this is close to must-win territory for the Packers. This could be the game where we start to see Love heat up. The Arizona Cardinals offered little resistance against the Buffalo Bills last week, allowing 34 points and forcing just two punts.

Green Bay will have a tough challenge defensively. Rookie receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. and tight end Trey McBride give Kyler Murray two great options in the passing game. Still, at home, with a healthy Love, the Packers should win this game.

Prediction: Win (2-4)

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