2022 Packers Week Four Preview: Packers host Patriots
The Green Bay Packers will host the Mac Jones-less New England Patriots Sunday afternoon.
After a thrilling 14-12 win last Sunday in Tampa Bay, the Packers head back to Lambeau Field to take on the New England Patriots, who will be without starting quarterback Mac Jones. Veteran quarterback Brian Hoyer is expected to start. The New England Patriots (1-2) look to try to avoid a 1-3 start while the Green Bay Packers (2-1) have a real chance at starting 6-1 before their highly anticipated matchup in Buffalo. Their schedule includes the New York Giants, New York Jets, and Washington Commanders.
Quarterback Matchup: Aaron Rodgers Versus Brian Hoyer
After defeating Tom Brady last week, Rodgers now looks to defeat Tom Brady’s former backup. Brian Hoyer is a 36-year-old quarterback who has made his way around the league. He has over 10,000 passing yards and 50-plus touchdown passes. His last start was a 26-10 loss against the Kansas City Chiefs in 2020, a game he struggled and got benched.
Players to Watch: Romeo Doubs (GB) and Damien Harris (NE)
Romeo Doubs had a stellar game last week but can the rookie receiver keep it up? One of the most underrated running backs Damien Harris takes the field and he shouldn’t be overlooked. Expect him to get many carries this week with quarterback Mac Jones out.
Matchup To Watch: Patriots WRs Versus Packers DBs
The Patriots are interesting. They don’t have a true WR1 and usually, they have a receiver go off any given day. Last week it was Devante Parker, the week before it was Nelson Agholor. The Packers’ defensive backs might be without Jaire Alexander so it is important that everyone is covering the right guy and not letting a big play happen.
Last Time Around: New England 31, Green Bay 17
A Sunday Night Football game in 2018 that featured Aaron Rodgers and Tom Brady for the second time ever was one that could have gone better. It was one of those games where one play changed the whole game. That was when Aaron Jones fumbled and a once 17-17 game finished 31-17 with a Patriots win as the Green Bay offense couldn’t do much after the fumble.
Interesting to Note:
Zach Kruse on Twitter (@zachkruse2) looked back at this year and last year’s schedules and noticed something very interesting:
“2021 and 2022!
Week 1: Packers non-competitive on the road
Week 2: Convincing win at home in primetime vs. division rival
Week 3: Late dramatics and win vs. contender on the road + ST Player of the Week
Week 4: Formerly dominant AFC team coming to Lambeau.
It’s a bit odd.”
It is very odd and hopefully, it doesn’t end the same way as last year, an embarrassing divisional loss at home. If so, then it looks like we haven’t seen the last of Tampa Bay.
Official Game Prediction: Green Bay Packers 27, New England Patriots 17
America’s Pick of the Week: Green Bay over New England. This one isn’t that hard to agree with. Sure Bill could scheme up a good game plan and upsets happen, but most of America thinks this is Green Bay’s third win of the season.
In a game that will be closer than it should be, Green Bay should be able to get a win at home versus a team they rarely play. New England will still put up a tough fight but the Packers will win in the end. Catch the Packers and Patriots on CBS this week! The game will air at 4:25 pm this Sunday.