Packers (3-1) Clash With Giants (3-1) In London: Stats And Predictions
On Sunday, October 9, 2022, the Packers will play the Giants in London. Both of these teams have already made history by being the first game where two teams both have winning records, here are my stat predictions.
On Thursday, the Packers traveled to London to prepare for Sunday’s game against the New York Giants. This Week five matchup will be early for everyone living in the United States. For fans located in Wisconsin, it’ll be an early morning as kickoff will be around 8:30 am. This game will be the second NFL game that will be played overseas. Both teams will square off at the Tottenham Hotspur stadium. I expect the Packers to put up similar stats in Week five as they did in the Week four win against the New England Patriots.
Packers Air Attack
Aaron Rodgers: 29/36, 272 pass yards, two passing touchdowns, nine rush yards
As the Packers’ offense continues to struggle in the first half of games, it all starts with quarterback Aaron Rodgers and his ability to throw or escape the pocket and allow his receivers to get open. Green Bay exploded in last week’s second half, allowing them to win in overtime against the Patriots. The Giants’ defense isn’t as good as the Patriots, so this should enable receivers to gain space on the defenders and give Rodgers something to throw to.
Packers Ground Game
Aaron Jones: 15 rushes, 88 yards, three receptions, 35 receiving yards, one receiving touchdown
AJ Dillon: 20 rushes, 86 yards, one rushing touchdown, two receptions, 23 receiving yards
Once again, the Packers will lean on their rushing attack to move the sticks and build consistency on offense. Aaron Jones has been annihilating defenses with his running ability and as a skilled receiver. Partner in crime, AJ Dillon, will continue his ground-and-pound style of running and plow through the defensive line. Both running backs shouldn’t struggle in this matchup on the ground.
Packers Receiving Core
Allen Lazard: Seven receptions, 73 receiving yards, one receiving touchdown
Randall Cobb: Four receptions, 37 receiving yards
Romeo Doubs: Seven receptions, 67 receiving yards
Robert Tonyan: Four receptions, 25 receiving yards
Christian Watson: Two receptions, 12 receiving yards, two rushes, 18 yards
Rookie sensation Rome Doubs has quickly become the number two wide receiver for the Packers and gained Aaron Rodgers’ trust on the field. He makes every catch count and has helped immensely throughout the four weeks of this NFL season. Look for Rodgers to target him a lot in this game. Rodgers’s favorite target, Allen Lazard, looks like he’s nearing full health after his ankle injury and will continue to be the top target on the Packers’ offense.
Behind Lazard and Doubs, Randall Cobb and and Robert Tonyan have been the safety blankets for the offense and provides Rodgers with extra options downfield. Robert Tonyan is also nearing full health after his ACL tear halfway through last season. The other rookie wide receiver, Christian Watson, has been used creatively on offense. He’s been included on end-arounds, jet sweeps, and on pitch passes. Rodgers told head coach Matt LaFleur that he wants to take more shots downfield, so maybe we’ll see Watson sprint along the sideline for a hail mary similar to the first drive in Week one.
Packers Special Teams
Mason Crosby: Three extra points, two field goals
Pat O’Donnell: Four punts, 45 punt yard average, three punts inside the 20
Even though the Packers’ special teams group is ranked almost last in the NFL, it has been far better than the previous season. The blocking and tackling still struggle but turnovers have been limited with the exception of one drop that was recovered. With third-string running back Kylin Hill returning from the injured reserve, he may takeover some punt or kick return duties from wide receiver Amari Rodgers.
It was tough to tell how kicker Mason Crosby’s knee scope procedure would affect his kicking this year. He’s been perfect so far, connecting on all four field goals that he’s attempted, and converting all nine extra points. Expect for him to continue this by nailing both field goals against the Giants and converting another three extra points. The surprise off-season addition of kicker Pat O’Donnell has been another bright spot for special teams this year. He has consistently trapped the opposing team deep in their territory which has allowed the Packers’ defense to add additional pressure to force a turnover.
Packers Defense
Green Bay Defense: Four sacks, one interception, one fumble recovery, 13 points against
The Packers’ defense will have another somewhat easy week as they will face an injured quarterback. Starting quarterback Daniel Jones was hurt last week and wasn’t able to return to the game. Backup Tyrod Taylor was also forced out of the game, I’ll be curious to see who all suits up and if there’s a third-string quarterback on the sideline for added insurance.
Linebacker Rashan Gary has been putting on a show every week with his pass rush and ability to get to the quarterback. I expect him to continue his dominance and sack Daniel Jones at least once. Star cornerback Jaire Alexander will return after missing one game due to a groin injury. The Packers’ pass defense has been excellent after rebounding from an ugly loss in Week one to the Minnesota Vikings. The Giants’ receiving group is badly injured so this should be a piece of cake for the Packers’ secondary.
Packers 27-13 Victory Over The Giants
Like every game this season, the Packers will most likely start slow in the first quarter before gaining traction in the passing game to complement the rushing attack. The current line for this game is set at eight points in favor of the Packers and an over-under of 42 points. I expect the Packers to easily cover in this game even though they’ve struggled to cover in the last four games. Vegas set a great line of 42 points but that line is best to avoid since my prediction is only two off of the line. If the Packers can contain and stop the rushing attack of running back Saquon Barkley, this game should be a cakewalk.
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