Packers Wire Staff Predictions: Week 2 vs. Colts

The Green Bay Packers will look to rebound from a Week 1 loss in Brazil when they host the Indianapolis Colts — who are also 0-1 — for their home opener at Lambeau Field on Sunday. Can the Packers even their record after two weeks, or will Matt LaFleur’s team get stuck with the dreaded 0-2 start?

Here’s how the Packers Wire team believes the Week 2 duel with the Eagles will play out:

Zach Kruse: Colts 24, Packers 16 (0-1)

While the likelihood of Jordan Love playing is (increasingly) slim, confidence in the Packers’ ability to win a game with Malik Willis at quarterback is low. He may be talented, but Willis doesn’t throw the football consistently, takes too many sacks and has no experience in Matt LaFleur’s scheme. Jayden Reed is also dealing with a new injury, potentially limiting Willis’ key offensive player. Although Anthony Richardson has been used sporadically, he’s the better bet to make some big plays on Sunday. In a game that could be up and down overall, the assumption is that the Packers will struggle on offense and won’t be able to score enough points to pull off the upset with a backup quarterback. If Love plays, which again seems increasingly unlikely, the outcome will likely be different.

Brandon Carwile: Packers 20, Colts 17 (0-1)

If Jordan Love plays on Sunday, the Packers could score a decent number of points. If Malik Willis starts, scoring points will become increasingly difficult. Love was listed as questionable on the latest injury report, but there’s no reason to bring him back this early in the season. Matt LaFleur is a good enough coach to win with Willis at quarterback, especially against a vulnerable Indianapolis defense. Green Bay could run its way to the win, although it might require an All-Pro performance from Josh Jacobs. But hey, that’s why they signed him. The defense doesn’t have to worry about the Colts’ offensive weapons like they did against the Eagles last week. Jonathan Taylor, Michael Pittman and Anthony Richardson are no slouches, though. I think the defense will rally this week and force a late turnover to seal the win. On offense, Jacobs has a great day, getting into the end zone twice, leading the Packers to their first win of 2024.

Brennen Rupp: Packers 20, Colts 14 (1-0)

Anthony Richardson is a talented quarterback. His combination of size, athleticism and arm talent make him an exciting player to watch. Despite all of those skills, he’s not quite done yet. He’s going to miss throws and give Green Bay’s secondary opportunities to play the ball. They need to capitalize on that, and I think they will. After a disappointing debut as defensive coordinator in Brazil, I think Jeff Hafley’s team will bounce back this week at Lambeau Field and help the Packers to their first win of the season.

Greg Williams: Packers 27, Colts 24 (0-1)

If Jordan Love has had to sit out a few games, this is the perfect period. This game against the Colts is winnable even with Malik Willis starting at quarterback; it won’t be easy, though. This isn’t meant to be an attack on Willis, he has a chance to have a solid game, especially under Matt LaFleur, who is a good enough coach to put Willis in situations where he can succeed. Also, the Packers are arguably the better team outside of the quarterback position. I would expect LaFleur and Co. to rely heavily on the running game, where Josh Jacobs will have a great day after Joe Mixon ran for over 150 yards against the Colts in Week 1. That also doesn’t mean Christian Watson and Jayden Reed will get some runs to pick apart the Colts defense. The biggest concern for me will be the Packers defense. They’ll need to put on a good performance after letting up 30+ points to the Eagles. Now they play with a weak offensive line and a quarterback who is sloppy with the ball at times, which could lead to a comeback effort. However, if Willis is the Packers’ first starter, the game is still winnable and he can lead the Packers to their first win of the season.