Packers limp into Buffalo looking for a major upset win
The Packers, looking to get their season moving back in the right direction, face a tough challenge as they visit the Buffalo Bills this Sunday night.
The Packers are 3-4 after their 23-21 road loss to the Washington Commanders last Sunday. The Bills are 5-1 and are coming off a bye week. Their last game was an impressive 24-20 road win over the Kansas City Chiefs.
Josh Allen leads the #1 offense in the NFL. They aren’t rated highly at running the ball, but that is something the Packers have struggled with defending this year. Stefon Diggs has had big games vs the Packers in the past when he was with the Minnesota Vikings. The Packers would be wise to keep him in check and force someone else to beat them. Allen is a much better quarterback than when the Packers last saw him 4 years ago. The Bills are a much better team too. The Packers need to stay disciplined on defense and get off the field.
Aaron Rodgers isn’t putting up the numbers he did in his last two seasons, both of which resulted in MVP Awards. The Bills are #1 in run defense, but that could be partly because opposing teams often abandon the run and look to pass to keep up with (or come from behind) the Bills’ high-powered offense. They need to trust their running game and at least try to get something going on the ground. The good news is that Christian Watson has been practicing, and getting his speed into the game would be a boost to their offense. This offense has to do something out there. They cannot afford to run three plays and then punt the ball, turning it back over to their defense. They will likely get blown out if that happens.
We cannot afford any blunders on special teams. The Bills thrive on turnovers, especially at home. Giving the Bills good field position is a recipe for disaster.
The Bills have won 2 AFL Championships in their history (in 1964 and 1965), but they are better known for going to 4 straight Super Bowls and going 0-4. They haven’t been to any since then. The team has an excellent chance to not only go back to the Super Bowl, but to finally win it.
It has not been a very fun October for the Packers. After surviving 27-24 in overtime vs the Patriots, they went 0-3, starting with that game in London. Rodgers has been criticized for his comments, but he stands by them, pointing out that players and coaches are fine with it. Whatever the case, something has to happen to get this team to play better and more disciplined football.
This isn’t the ideal opponent for the Packers to face when they are looking to turn their season around. The Bills have won their previous 2 home games by scores of 41-7 and 38-3. They won at Kansas City, the team that defeated Buffalo 2 straight years in the playoffs, and are now coming off their bye week. Could they be rusty and/or due for a letdown? Call me crazy, but this just might be the right time for the Packers to see them.
I wish I could give some strong evidence why I think the Packers can win this game, but I don’t have any. The Packers are double-digit underdogs for the first time with Rodgers as the starter. They are not expected to win and could get blown out. Strange things have happened in the NFL before. We have been used to the Packers being on the other side of these games and were hoping they wouldn’t mess it up. Sooner or later, the Packers were going to find themselves on this end of it. Let’s go out and shock the world on Sunday night!
Go Pack Go!
@DieHardPackrFan #DHPF #GregGoshaw @gg901
