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The Green Bay Packers saw Jordan Love rise in the MVP conversation after last week’s big win. But they won’t have the trash-talk motivation this week. Still, here are the Packers’ bold predictions for their Week 15 clash against the Broncos.
With a record of 9-3-1, the Packers are one of the best teams in the NFC. Meanwhile, the Broncos stand at 11-2, clearly an elite squad in the AFC.
But whether this could be a Super Bowl preview probably hinges on the play of the teams’ quarterbacks. Is Love ready to deliver in a game of this magnitude?
Before you jump out of your chair and scream about the Broncos’ great defense, understand that this prediction is touchdowns — not yardage. There’s little likelihood Love will rack up a bunch of yardage against the Broncos’ stout defense.
However, the Packers may not be able to rely on Josh Jacobs brutalizing his way into the end zone on the ground. So these passing touchdowns could all be from five yards out or less.
Still, this profiles as a low-scoring game. So touchdowns will be at a premium.
One thing that weighs in Love’s favor is that the Packers have been able to hit plays down the field in recent weeks, thanks to Christian Watson, according to the Pat McAfee Show via NBC Sports.
“The biggest part of our offense is finding those explosive plays,” Love said. “We got some big-time playmakers. Since Christian’s been back and gotten healthy, he’s been stepping up and making some huge plays. Just the speed he has, his ability to create those yards after the catch is something not a lot of guys can do.”
This is no doubt a big test for Love. The Broncos can bring it. But Love has shown he has the tools, according to The Athletic.
“The eye test backs it up,” Matt Schneidman wrote. “The statistics back it up. The odds back it up. There’s no debate worth having anymore about whether Love is the guy, whether the Packers made the right decision in making him their $220 million man, whether he can be the one to help one of sport’s most iconic organizations return the Lombardi Trophy home.”
Head coach Matt LaFleur said Love is doing his thing.
“He’s playing really good football right now,” Matt LaFleur said bluntly on Monday. “That’s obviously important. And it’s going to be important moving forward because we’ve got a hell of a test against this defense. They’re for real, one of the top defenses in the league.”
It will take a chunk play for this to happen. But Watson has delivered big plays of 41, 51, 25, 52, and 33 yards this season. And even though the Broncos are good, Watson should be able to get a big play down the field.
Plus, Love is looking for him and...
