Packers vs Jaguars Predictions

9/7/2016

Here we have all of our contributors make their predictions as the Jaguars get ready to take on the Packers.

PRESENTED BY

Cody Rainwater:

In order for Jacksonville to get a W to start the season, they'll need a few things to go their way.

Offensively Blake Bortles has to limit the costly turnovers, the offensive line has to play well in both the run and pass game, Chris Ivory and T.J. Yeldon need to run hard through the middle of that defense and Allen Hurns needs to have a good game against everyone not named Sam Shields.

Defensively, up front Malik Jackson needs to stuff the interior of the line, the pass rush need to be decent enough to at least force some hurries. Davon House needs to be lockdown and Tashaun Gipson needs to limit the big plays down the field.

Prediction: The Jags put forth a strong effort but fall just short.

Packers 30, Jaguars 24

Jordan de Lugo:

The Packers are a favorite to make another run at the Super Bowl, while the Jaguars are still trying to become a playoff team. Despite a drastic difference in the expectations for these two teams heading into 2016 they actually have a lot of similarities. Obviously, the Packers have the best player on the field in Aaron Rodgers, but both teams boast high powered offenses and defenses that are looking to improve in 2016. Look for the Jaguars to create pressure with some new pass rush schemes that have yet to be revealed and by winning one on one match ups. Malik Jackson and Sen'Derrick Marks will take advantage of a weak Packers interior offensive line and force Rodgers into some uncomfortable situations. The Jaguars defense will do just enough and the offense will take control of the game in the second half with their new dynamic duo, Chris Ivory and T.J. Yeldon. It's a close one and maybe a little bit lower scoring that you would guess with these two high octane offenses.

Jaguars 27, Packers 24

Zach Weeks:

There is plenty of excitement surrounding The Jacksonville Jaguars this season so it’s only fitting that our season should begin with one of the toughest tests of the year. The Jaguars are fielding one of the youngest teams in the NFL against a veteran-filled and proven Green Bay Packers franchise. However, the Jaguars young players don’t see this as just a tough test, but also as a wonderful opportunity. You better believe guys like Allen Robinson, Blake Bortles, Jalen Ramsey, Dante Fowler Jr. and Telvin Smith see an opportunity to change some opinions and earn the respect they deserve.

We have to remember that the Jaguars are extremely young as a defensive unit and are facing a veteran-filled, high-powered offense led by Aaron Rodgers. On a more positive note, I think we now have the athleticism to hang with the Packers receivers and to force some turnovers. Aaron Rodgers WILL have success on offense but our young players will also have to make some critical stops and most importantly, get to the quarterback. This will be a great test for our defensive line and due to uncertainties on the Packers offensive line I think they can be successful.

Offensively, if we can get the run game going like we did for a majority of the preseason, we can put some points up on the board. The Packers defensive unit is hardly the strongest we will face this season and if we can make the running game efficient we will be able to find some success in the passing game. It seems obvious to say this but Bortles will need to be careful with the football and limit the mistakes against a team that can easily make us pay.

Jaguars 35, Packers 32

Travis Johns:

The season starts out slow for the Jaguars against a very good team in the Packers. This will be the first regular season game that our new-look defense plays as a unit, which could result in a slow start for them. Unfortunately, this slow start will come against a talented Green Bay offense that includes Aaron Rodgers, Eddie Lacy, Jordy Nelson and Randall Cobb. The team will show promise, but end the first week with a loss.

Jaguars 24, Packers 31

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