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[Green Bay Packers]

NFL Week 7 Sunday Schedule & Discussion Thread

For the fourth consecutive week, the NFL has a quadrupleheader this week, thanks to a game in Europe. This morning, the league gets underway from London once again with the Jacksonville Jaguars hosting the Los Angeles Rams at Wembley Stadium.

That game looks like one of the better matchups on paper that fans in Europe will get on their side of the Atlantic this year, with both of those two teams coming in with 4-2 records and in playoff position.

There are only a few other other good games on paper today, however. Just two other contests feature a pair of teams with winning records: the Vikings hosting the Eagles in the early afternoon window and then Atlanta (3-2) at San Francisco (4-2) on Sunday Night Football. Meanwhile, the Green Bay Packers play in between those two games, with their visit to 2-4 Arizona coming in the late afternoon time slot.

Tune in for all of today’s games and discuss all of the action here in our Sunday open thread!

Visiting Team	Home Team	Venue	City, State	Time (CT)	TV Network
Los Angeles Rams	Jacksonville Jaguars	Wembley Stadium	London, England	8:30 AM	NFL Network
Las Vegas Raiders	Kansas City Chiefs	Arrowhead Stadium	Kansas City, MO	12:00 PM	CBS
New England Patriots	Tennessee Titans	Nissan Stadium	Nashville, TN	12:00 PM	CBS
Miami Dolphins	Cleveland Browns	Huntington Bank Stadium	Cleveland, OH	12:00 PM	CBS
Philadelphia Eagles	Minnesota Vikings	U.S. Bank Stadium	Minneapolis, MN	12:00 PM	FOX
New Orleans Saints	Chicago Bears	Soldier Field	Chicago, IL	12:00 PM	FOX
Carolina Panthers	New York Jets	MetLife Stadium	East Rutherford, NJ	12:00 PM	FOX
Indianapolis Colts	Los Angeles Chargers	SoFi Stadium	Inglewood, CA	3:05 PM	CBS
New York Giants	Denver Broncos	Empower Field at Mile High	Denver, CO	3:05 PM	CBS
Washington Commanders	Dallas Cowboys	AT&T Stadium	Arlington, TX	3:25 PM	FOX
Green Bay Packers	Arizona Cardinals	State Farm Stadium	Glendale, AZ	3:25 PM	FOX
Atlanta Falcons	San Francisco 49ers	Levi’s Stadium	Santa Clara, CA	7:20 PM	NBC

Source: https://www.acmepackingcompany.com/.../nfl-week-7-sunday-schedule-discussion-thread

 

[Green Bay Packers]

NFC Playoff Picture, Week 8: Buccaneers vs. Lions matchup is huge

For the most part, the teams at the top of the NFC won in Week 7, and the teams at the bottom of the conference lost. Among the top 10 seeded teams, those who played all won their games this week. Meanwhile, all of the teams ranked 11th or lower lost in Week 7.

NFC Standings – Week 8​

1. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (5-1) – MNF
2. Green Bay Packers (4-1-1) – won 27-23 vs. Cardinals
3. San Francisco 49ers (5-2) – won 20-10 vs. Falcons
4. Philadelphia Eagles (5-2) – won 28-22 vs. Vikings
5. Los Angeles Rams (5-2) – won 35-7 vs. Jaguars
6. Seattle Seahawks (4-2) – MNF
7. Detroit Lions (4-2) – MNF
8. Chicago Bears (4-2) – won 26-14 vs. Saints
9. Carolina Panthers (4-3) – won 13-6 vs. Jets
10. Dallas Cowboys (3-3-1) – won 44-22 vs. Commanders
11. Atlanta Falcons (3-3) – lost 20-10 vs. 49ers
12. Minnesota Vikings (3-3) – lost 28-22 vs. Vikings
13. Washington Commanders (3-4) – lost 44-22 vs. Cowboys
14. Arizona Cardinals (2-5) – lost 27-23 vs. Packers
15. New York Giants (2-5) – lost 33-32 vs. Broncos
16. New Orleans Saints (1-6) – lost 26-14 vs. Bears

The widening gap means it’s becoming a lot clearer a lot earlier which teams are actually in the playoff race. Hint: If you have three losses by Week 7 in an 18-week season where few teams with more than six losses advance to the playoffs, you’re in deep trouble.

Below are the current playoff percentages brought to you by NFL Pro:

NFC Playoff Odds​

• 90%: Los Angeles Rams
• 89%: Tampa Bay Buccaneers
• 88%: Philadelphia Eagles
• 84%: Green Bay Packers
• 78%: San Francisco 49ers
• 73%: Detroit Lions
• 63%: Seattle Seahawks
• 34%: Atlanta Falcons
• 25%: Chicago Bears
• 21%: Dallas Cowboys
• 20%: Minnesota Vikings
• 16%: Washington Commanders
• 12%: Carolina Panthers
• 3%: Arizona Cardinals & New York Giants
• 1%: New Orleans Saints

For whatever reason, NFL Pro has the Green Bay Packers with the second-best odds to earn the top seed in the NFC this year, only behind the Los Angeles Rams, who currently have the fifth seed. Yeah, it’s been a weird start to the season.

By the way, it’s another doubleheader for Monday Night Football this week. The number one seed Tampa Bay Buccaneers will play the number seven seed Detroit Lions. If the Buccaneers lose, the Packers will sit in the top spot in the NFC going into Week 8. If the Lions lose, they’ll drop to third in the NFC North race behind the Chicago Bears.

In the second game of the doubleheader, the 4-2 Seattle Seahawks, currently the sixth seed in the NFC, will play the 2-3 Houston Texans. Don’t sleep on the Texans, whose three losses came by a combined 13 points while their wins were by 60 points. Their margin of victory (+47) is more than three times that of the 5-1 Tampa Bay Buccaneers (+14) in 2025.

Pick your poison in Buccaneers-Lions, but you’re a Texans fan tonight, Packers faithful.

Source: https://www.acmepackingcompany.com/...re-week-8-buccaneers-vs-lions-matchup-is-huge

 

[Green Bay Packers]

Lucas Havrisik stands alone in Packers history after massive kick

It may not go down as the play of the year, but Lucas Havrisik’s 61-yard field goal is definitely one of the most unlikely.

As recently as two weeks ago, Havrisik’s kicking career had stalled and his substitute teaching career had yet to take off. Now he’s a freshly minted Packers record holder, having booted the longest field goal in team history during the Packers 27-23 win over the Arizona Cardinals.

Field goals from 60 or more yards aren’t nearly as rare as they used to be. The NFL’s relaxed rules on kicking balls have made attempts from the 50-yard range a practical walk in the park; kickers no longer need a gargantuan leg to connect from half a field away, and the 60-yard range is consequently a lot more accessible as well.

But in Packers history, Havrisik still stands alone. He’s not only the first Packers player to connect from 60-plus yards, he may be the first ever to attempt a field goal from that distance.

Pro Football Reference only has play-by-play data going back to 1978, but in that span, they only have evidence of one kick of 60 or more yards being attempted by a Green Bay kicker: Mason Crosby’s 69-yard attempt in 2008.

However, Crosby’s mammoth attempt (which sadly came up just short) technically wasn’t a field goal attempt — it was a free kick. Or, even more technically, it was a fair catch kick, as explained by Article 4 (Putting Ball In Play After Fair Catch) of Section 2 (“Fair Catch) of the NFL Rulebook:

After a fair catch is made or is awarded as the result of fair catch interference, the receiving team has the option of putting the ball in play by a snap or fair catch kick (drop kick or place kick without a tee) from the spot of the catch or succeeding spot after enforcement of any applicable penalties

Fascinating reading, the NFL Rulebook. You should give it a look sometime. There are all sorts of little nuggets in there you can use to impress your friends, such as the circumstances in which holding is legal, legal guidelines for players’ undershirts, and the tolerance of error in the width of the painted lines on the field (one quarter inch, if you’re wondering).

Anyhow, since Crosby’s kick technically wasn’t a field goal, that means Havrisik stands alone in Packers history as not just the only kicker to make a 60-plus yard field goal, but the only one, as far as we can tell, to even attempt a field goal from that distance.

And what a kick it was. Havrisik had room to spare on the boot; it might have been good from 63 or 64 yards, had that been what the situation required. And that’s despite the fact that Havrisik wasn’t really feeling it when he lined up for the kick, saying his “body didn’t feel great” on gameday.

“I didn’t have a great pregame, if I’m being honest,” Havrisik said postgame, via Packers.com. “You just gotta have confidence.”

Apparently, that’s all it takes, along with a coach willing to put a would-be substitute teacher on the field for a high-pressure kick.

Source: https://www.acmepackingcompany.com/...s-alone-in-packers-history-after-massive-kick

 

[Green Bay Packers]

The Green Bay Packers are tops in the NFC

After a 24-9 Detroit Lions win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the Green Bay Packers hold the top seed in the NFC with a 4-1-1 record. Yes, the Packers are the only team in the conference that has only lost just once in the 2025 regular season.

Despite their flaws, the Packers have cost themselves fewer games than the rest of the NFC. We actually have to give head coach Matt LaFleur credit for the tie in Dallas in Week 4, even if you do it through gritted teeth.

Below is the full breakdown of the NFC, as it stands this second:

NFC Standings after Week 7​

1. Green Bay Packers (4-1-1)
2. San Francisco 49ers (5-2)
3. Philadelphia Eagles (5-2)
4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (5-2)
5. Detroit Lions (5-2)
6. Seattle Seahawks (5-2)
7. Los Angeles Rams (5-2)
8. Chicago Bears (4-2)
9. Carolina Panthers (4-3)
10. Dallas Cowboys (3-3-1)
11. Atlanta Falcons (3-3)
12. Minnesota Vikings (3-3)
13. Washington Commanders (3-4)
14. Arizona Cardinals (2-5)
15. New York Giants (2-5)
16. New Orleans Saints (1-6)

The reason why the Lions, who just beat the Buccaneers, are ranked lower than Tampa Bay in the current standings is because the Buccaneers are the top seed in their division, which automatically earns them one of the top four seeds in the conference.

Source: https://www.acmepackingcompany.com/...s-tampa-bay-buccaneers-green-bay-packers-2025

 

[Green Bay Packers]

Mike Holmgren advances as Hall of Fame candidate

It’s probably not going to happen for him this year, because of Bill Belichick joining the pool of coaching candidates, but former Green Bay Packers head coach Mike Holmgren has advanced to the group of 12 for the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s coaching candidates going into the next stage of Class of 2026 voting. While in Green Bay, Holmgren posted a 75-37 record from 1992 to 1998, before taking over as head coach and general manager of the Seattle Seahawks.

In Seattle, he went 86-74. In total, his teams reached three Super Bowls, one of which he won with the Packers during the 1996 season.

Here’s a breakdown of the coaches who made the cut for the group of 12, including their head coaching records:

• Clark Shaughnessy: 14-7-3 (.667)
• George Seifert: 114-62 (.648)
• Bill Belichick: 302-165 (.647)
• Marty Schottenheimer: 200-126-1 (.613)
• Mike Holmgren: 161-111 (.592)
• Buddy Parker: 104-75-9 (.581)
• Chuck Knox: 186-147-1 (.558)
• Mike Shanahan: 170-138 (.552)
• Dan Reeves: 190-165-2 (.535)
• Tom Coughlin: 170-150 (.531)
• Bill Arnsparger: 7-28 (.200)
• Alex Gibbs: N/A

Only one coach, at most, will ultimately end up in Canton in this class. This year, it’s almost certain that it’ll be Bill Belichick, who won six Super Bowls as a head coach and two more as an assistant.

The way the Hall of Fame works now, beyond the modern player pool, there are three ways to make it into Canton: as a senior player candidate, as a contributor candidate or as a coach candidate. The lists will be whittled down to three senior candidates, one contributor and one coach. From there, those three groups are merged into a single group of five candidates, of which one (minimum) to three (maximum) will earn a gold jacket per class.

Last year, Holmgren was the lone head coaching finalist, but he fell short of the 80 percent vote needed to become enshrined in Canton. Instead, the committee put in Sterling Shapre (senior player candidate) as the lone non-modern player in the 2025 class, alongside just three modern players in Antonio Gates, Jared Allen and Eric Allen.

Source: https://www.acmepackingcompany.com/...ren-hall-of-fame-class-of-2026-bill-belichick

 

[Green Bay Packers]

Wednesday Cheese Curds: Packers got key performances from stars against Cardinals

The Packers’ win over the Cardinals has spawned no end of takes. It was a very Rorschach test of a game — people see what they want to see.

Without weighing in on the overall quality of the game or the win, here’s my perspective: this was a game where the Packers’ best players made big plays when it mattered most.

Micah Parsons got three sacks and had a fourth taken away by a penalty that has only been called three times since it was introduced. Josh Jacobs battled through illness and injuries to make a difference on every one of his 13 carries, scoring two touchdowns. Tucker Kraft caught five passes on a season-high 10 targets, including the most important completion of the game: his fourth-down catch that set up the go-ahead touchdown.

If that’s what it takes to win, the Packers are in good shape. If your best players are consistently making big plays, you’re going to end up doing just fine. Certainly, the Packers would like to put together more complete performances than they’ve been putting up lately, but if their stars are doing their jobs, they’ll be ahead of most teams in the league that don’t find themselves quite as flush with talent.

Micah Parsons had a Reggie White moment, and there’s likely a lot more coming | Packers News ($)

Parsons showed everybody why you pony up for a premier pass rusher, and there may be on the way.

Tucker Kraft’s role in Packers offense is changing: More downfield targets are paying off | Packers Wire

Kraft is on pace for his best statistical season, and he’s just getting started.

Packers Have No Breathing Room in Breathtaking NFC Playoff Race | Sports Illustrated

The Packers are nominally on top of the NFC North, but there’s very little wiggle room.

How Aaron Rodgers boosted a young Micah Parsons’ confidence and what it still means | The Athletic ($)

Parsons credits some of his development to an early vote of confidence from Aaron Rodgers.

2025 NFL trade deadline: Ranking top 25 players who could move | ESPN

Are the Packers going to be sellers at the trade deadline?

This seat taken? Thieves busted for stealing over 1,000 restaurant chairs in Spain | Associated Press

They were told to take a seat, so they did.

Source: https://www.acmepackingcompany.com/...key-performances-from-stars-against-cardinals

 

[Green Bay Packers]

Packers WR Christian Watson plans on playing vs. Steelers

After practice today, Green Bay Packers receiver Christian Watson stated, “It’s my goal and plan to play this week,” per Packers.com’s Weston Hodkiewicz. Watson is coming off his late 2024 season ACL injury, which landed him on the physically unable to play list to start the 2025 season. Currently, Watson is playing through his 21-day practice window, which by the end of the Packers must decide whether to activate him to the 53-man roster or place him on season-ending injured reserve. On Wednesday, Watson was listed as a limited participant in practice.

The return of Watson probably couldn’t have come at a better time, considering that Dontayvion Wicks (calf) has dropped out of the last two games with injuries. Wicks was a non-participant in Wednesday’s practice, which means that there’s a real chance that he won’t be suiting up for the team against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Without Wicks or Jayden Reed, who is currently on the injured reserve as he recovers from foot surgery and a broken collarbone, the room is pretty thin. Romeo Doubs and Matthew Golden have held down the position recently, with Golden mostly playing a slot role, but the injury of Wicks forced Malik Heath, who was on the roster bubble just two months ago, into a heavy rotation at receiver. For the most part, rookie third-round pick Savion Williams has been playing a gadget role on offense to go along with his kick returns this season.

So if Watson does play this week, the Packers can’t really afford him to be on a pitch count, as Heath has 268 career receiving yards in three NFL seasons, and Williams is already sort of being played in a limited role.

Hopefully, the speed that Watson and Golden bring to the field can make the Steelers’ man coverage-heavy defense pay for being aggressive.

For Watson to be added to the gameday roster, though, the Packers will need to make a corresponding roster move to get Watson on the 53-man active roster. At some point, they’re going to have to release a player this week.

Source: https://www.acmepackingcompany.com/...christian-watson-plans-on-playing-vs-steelers

 

[Green Bay Packers]

Thursday Night Football, Week 8: Vikings vs. Chargers game thread

The NFL gets week 8 underway this evening on Thursday Night Football, with this week’s game matching up a pair of playoff teams from a year ago. The Chargers and Vikings both finished second in their respective divisions last season but lost in the first round of the postseason and are looking for more in 2025.

The Vikings moved on from their quarterback, however, and have struggled to put together any continuity this season. Second-year pro J.J. McCarthy remains on the rehab track from an injury suffered a few weeks ago, with Carson Wentz backing up and starting in his place recently. Meanwhile, the Chargers have dropped three of four games after jumping out to a 3-0 start, and now sit a game back of the Broncos in the AFC West.

Join us for tonight’s game and follow along in the comments!

WHO?​

Minnesota Vikings (3-3) vs. Los Angeles Chargers (4-3)

WHERE?​

SoFi Stadium
Inglewood, California

WHEN?​

Thursday, October 23, 2025
5:15 PM Pacific Time (7:15 PM Central)

HOW?​

TV Broadcast/Streaming​

Amazon Prime
Commentators: Al Michaels, Kirk Herbstreit

Radio Broadcast​

Westwood One Sports

WHAT ELSE?​

Odds​

Point spread: Chargers -3.5
Over/under total: 44.5

All-Time Head-to-Head​

Vikings lead 8-7-0

Last Meeting​

2023, Week 3: Chargers 28, @Vikings 24

Source: https://www.acmepackingcompany.com/...otball-week-8-vikings-vs-chargers-game-thread

 

[Green Bay Packers]

The Packers struggle with situational football

There is this one Green Bay Packers sequence from last week that continues to piss me off, and I want to talk about it a little more. Specifically, this sequence is at the end of the first quarter.

Now, it’s unfair to judge individual plays in a vacuum, especially in this offense, where giving certain looks now can open up huge splash plays later. But!

This sequence just makes no sense whatsoever. It’s ridiculous. The best thing I can say is they were maybe trying to take the Cardinals by surprise, because only a complete idiot would possibly call this. Let us count the sins before proceeding.

1. This play came out of a timeout. They gave it a lot of thought!
2. It’s third and four, and while you should occasionally run on third and four, you should run a “keep them honest amount” because picking up four yards on any given run play is hard!
3. Emanuel Wilson (who is fine) is in the game for a high-leverage, crucial play, not Josh Jacobs.
4. Here is Wilson’s RAS card.

5. Please note that he is Red (that’s bad) on agility, yellow (that’s “meh”) on speed, and Green (that’s good, or in this case, high) in being heavy.

6. Wilson, who is again, big, medium fast, and not agile, is running sideways.

7. This play takes forever to get going.

8. Had this been some trickeration where Love had kept to the ball and booted out, he would have died as the edge on that side kept contain.

9. This running play came from shotgun, which is almost always less effective than running under center, especially for horizontal running plays.

10. Had Matt LaFleur told all of us before the play that he was going to run Emanuel Wilson on a slow, horizontal play out of shotgun on third and four, everyone would have replied, “I bet that gets stuffed well short of the line.”

The Packers were apparently shopping around for speed backs this week, and they don’t really have one right now with Marshawn Lloyd perpetually out, but if the goal is to run this play, just don’t.

The Packers have been making calls leading up to the deadline, including at the Running Back position, pet source. The Packers have called 4 teams about RBs, those being: Miami Dolphins, New York Giants, New Orleans Saints and the Baltimore Ravens. De'Von Achane was one of the… pic.twitter.com/Hey3vUqCOa

— Easton Butler (@Easton__Butler) October 22, 2025

This was an extremely low success rate play. It was unlikely to pick up a first down. It was unlikely to result in a splash play because of Wilson’s limited speed. It was even pretty unlikely to pick up one or two and set up a fourth and short. It WAS likely to lose yards, which it did.

And to add injury to injury, the Packers then ran a bomb to Romeo Doubs on fourth down. Just like you should, sometimes run on third and four, you should also sometimes throw deep on fourth down, but it shouldn’t be the default! If you just complete a high percentage five-yard pass, you get four more downs. If you miss on the bomb, the other team gets the ball! This is not hard!

More than anything, I wanted to bring it up because this was hardly ex post facto commentary. I think everyone I follow on Bluesky in the moment predicted/dreaded a dumb shotgun run, and then also complained after the fact. This makes it the worst of all worlds: A predictable, stupid, high-leverage play.

The Packers are hardly unique in calling the occasional stinker, but I kind of thought we were past the dumb run/fourth down bomb combo in the post-Rodgers era, and we are very much not. They really do struggle with situational football.

Source: https://www.acmepackingcompany.com/...-packers-situational-football-third-down-runs

 

[Green Bay Packers]

Packers vs. Steelers: How is the Aaron Rodgers experience going?

It’s game preview time, folks. Thanks to Behind the Steel Curtain, our sister site covering the Pittsburgh Steelers, and Ryland Bickley for answering a couple of questions going into this week’s Sunday Night Football matchup against the Green Bay Packers. If you want to read our answers to their questions, the corresponding article to this one, you can find that HERE.

Everyone and their mother is going to be talking about the Aaron Rodgers angle, so let’s start there.

So, how is the whole Aaron Rodgers experience going? Going into the year, I thought there would be a bit more of a revenge game feel to this game. So far, both sides seem to be more appreciative of their time with each other more than anything else.

“The Rodgers experience has been better than most expected in Pittsburgh. He’s had his struggles dealing with pressure at times, but against Cincinnati last week he had time to throw and looked incredibly sharp outside of one pass. Surprisingly, he even had the longest toss in Next Gen Stats history on the end-of-game Hail Mary.

He’s not as otherworldly as he was during his prime in Green Bay, but this looks like the version of late-career Rodgers the Jets thought they’d be getting. Still, against better defenses like the Packers, I’d expect the Steeler offense to be more of its usual quick-game self.

As for the revenge game narrative, both sides have been saying all the right things headed into the game and it legitimately feels like there isn’t much bad blood. But I have a hard time believing this will be treated like any other game. When Rodgers and Justin Fields faced their former teams in Steelers-Jets Week 1, the leadup to the game was diplomatic but there was a bit of fire during the game and in the press conferences afterwards.

Honestly, Rodgers has been nothing but likable during his short tenure in Pittsburgh so far. I had my doubts with his fit with the Steelers, but it’s looked like a good move so far.”

What’s the feeling on T.J. Watt’s injury? He popped up on the injury report on Thursday with a hip issue after not having a status on Wednesday.

“There was never much of a worry that Watt wouldn’t play, and reports on Friday indicate he’ll be good to go Sunday night. If the hip injury is nagging at all though I think it’s worth keeping an eye on.

Now over 30 years old, Watt is still a high-level defender who commands a lot of attention up front, but he hasn’t been quite as much of a game wrecker as he was during his prime. Dealing with an ankle injury late last year, it certainly impacted his production, especially as a pass rusher who primarily wins with speed.

The good news for Pittsburgh is the team has one of the best pass rusher rotations in the NFL with Watt, Alex Highsmith, and Nick Herbig (who actually leads the team in sacks). In my opinion, the team doesn’t spell the starters Watt and Highsmith enough, but there’s certainly depth there if Watt can’t play his usual number of snaps.”

Update: Watt has not been given a game status on the final injury report of the week.

I know that the Steelers like to play the heaviest personnel in the league right now, with six offensive line looks and multiple tight end sets. How would you describe the offense right now to someone who hasn’t seen them play much this year?

“It’s a bizarre offense that’s felt a little too gimmicky at times for my taste, but it’s been working so far so I can’t help but love its wacky structure.

As you point out, in recent weeks the Steelers have relied on using a sixth offensive lineman as well as 6’7, 300-ish-pound tight end Darnell Washington on a good number of snaps.

It has boosted the outside run game in a big way, as the team’s extra offensive tackle Spencer Anderson is a good athlete who can pull and Washington is the rare tight end who can handle defensive ends one-on-one on the edge. That’s given what could be a one-dimensional offensive package some variety, especially as Washington is a solid pass-catching option when the team runs a play-action pass out of it.

Pittsburgh doesn’t have great wide receiver depth behind D.K. Metcalf, even if the speedy Calvin Austin III is expected back in the lineup this week after missing the last two games. As a result, receiving tight ends Jonnu Smith and Pat Freiermuth see a lot of snaps as bona fide wide receivers as well as in-line (although Washington is the only plus blocker of the position group – thus the heavy six-O-line usage).

As a result, you get a lot of 13 personnel that looks like 11 personnel at first glance.

The Steelers have a wide variety of skill sets at the tight end position. Washington is a gargantuan blocker; Smith is a yards-after-catch specialist; Freiermuth is best as a vertical threat down the seam; and TE4 Connor Heyward is an H-back hybrid who’s used a lot as the backside blocker on split zone.

So far, offensive coordinator Arthur Smith has done a good job maximizing these different playing styles to get a lot of what could look like a straightforward offense on paper. His weirdest ideas have ranged from jumping the shark a bit too much (Metcalf lined up at fullback for a snap against the Browns for some reason) to unexpected but functional (jet sweeps with Jonnu Smith have moved the chains this season).

Maybe the clock will strike midnight at some point. But it’s been a blast watching a Steeler offense with an identity this year, as unorthodox as it may be.”

Head coach Matt LaFleur brought up the fact that the Steelers have been a man-heavy defense this year. How has that been going for Pittsburgh?

“Like all NFL teams, the Steelers still run zone the majority of the time (primarily cover-3 but they’ve mixed in some more cover-2 this year) but they do use man concepts at a higher rate than most of the league.

The results have been very up and down, and some of that has to do with the Steelers bringing in two decorated but aging corners in Darius Slay and Jalen Ramsey this offseason. They’ve looked like their past elite selves at times but can be hung out to dry by an overconfident coaching staff against better passing attacking. (The younger Joey Porter Jr. has looked good in man coverage, although penalties can be an issue, when healthy this season).

Ultimately, most of the blame falls on the Pittsburgh defensive scheme that just hasn’t caught up to the rest of the NFL when it comes to pre-snap disguises, communication, and match coverages. That’s how they were sliced and diced by the veteran Joe Flacco in Week 7.

And while not defensive backs, the weakest part of the Steelers’ pass defense this year has been the inside linebackers, who have really struggled with feel in zone this season. That’s a big part of why Pittsburgh continues to struggle against the quick game.”

If you guys beat the Green Bay Packers, what do you think that game looks like?

“On defense, I think it comes down to slowing down the Packers’ run game, which is still a big part of the Green Bay offense, cleaning up some communication and disguise issues on the back end, and taking advantage of turnover opportunities when Jordan Love goes deep.

On offense, the Steelers need to establish the run game and stay ahead of the sticks to survive. Some successful deep shots need to keep the defense honest. And they need to avoid the turnovers that cost them last week.

On paper, I think this game looks like a Packers victory. But Green Bay hasn’t always lived up to its standards in 2025 and Pittsburgh remains a weird team that certainly has enough firepower to get the win at home. Sunday Night Football could really go either way this week.”

Source: https://www.acmepackingcompany.com/...-2025-snf-sunday-night-football-aaron-rodgers

 

[Green Bay Packers]

College Football Week 9 Discussion Thread

Surprise surprise. It’s another big SEC week for college football in Week 9. All three of the top 25 matchups this week are in-conference SEC games, all of which will be broadcast on ABC. As always, let’s take you through who the top 2026 draft prospects are in these games, using the consensus draft board’s rankings.

#8 Ole Miss @ #13 Oklahoma (11 am CT, ABC)​

• Ole Miss
  • #122 DT Zxavian Harris
  • #146 QB Trinidad Chambliss
  • #147 LB Suntarine Perkins
• Oklahoma
  • #28 QB John Mateer
  • #57 ED R Mason Thomas
  • #114 WR Deion Burks
  • #154 DT Gracen Halton
  • #195 OL Febechi Nwaiwu
  • #238 RB Jaydn Ott

Oklahoma is in a very weird situation going into this game. Yes, they took care of business against South Carolina last week, but they also dropped a game to then-unranked Texas the week prior. Quarterback John Mateer, a transfer from Washington State, is coming off in-season hand surgery. Since coming back, he’s completed 38 of 64 passes for 352 yards, one touchdown and three interceptions (along with six sacks).

The Sooners also have one of the more disappointing stories from the transfer portal this year, as former Cal running back Jaydn Ott was considered a top-100 pick coming into this season, and is now hovering around being an undraftable prospect. On the year, he has just 21 carries for 68 yards, including just one attempt over the last two games.

Meanwhile, Ole Miss is coming off a one-score loss to Georgia in Athens, while head coach Lane Kiffin deals with rumors surrounding him possibly being the next coach at Florida. From a Green Bay Packers perspective, it might be worth checking out quarterback Trinidan Chambliss, a transfer from Division II’s Ferris State. The only senior quarterbacks ranked between 50th and 170th on the consensus draft board right now are Miami’s Carson Beck and Chambliss, not a great sign for a Packers team likely in the search for their next backup quarterback via the draft.

#15 Missouri @ #10 Vanderbilt (2:30 pm CT, ABC)​

• Missouri
  • #100 ED Zion Young
  • #103 OL Cayden Green
  • #110 ED Damon Wilson Jr.
  • #200 TE Brett Norfleet
  • #247 DT Chris McClellan
• Vanderbilt
  • #119 TE Eli Stowers

There aren’t many draftable prospects in this particular matchup, but this game should be interesting if you’re tracking who will or won’t make the college football playoff. Both of these teams have only lost to Alabama this year, Missouri by 3 points and Vanderbilt by 16. According to ESPN’s playoff projector, Vanderbilt has a 34 percent chance to make the playoff — good for 15th in college football — while Missouri is at 32 percent — 16th. Certainly, the result of this game should make a big difference in each team’s chances.

For what it’s worth, seven teams have a better than 50 percent chance to make the playoff this year: Ohio State, Indiana, Alabama, Texas A&M, Georgia, Oregon and BYU. Football powerhouses Indiana and BYU, just like we all drew it up.

#3 Texas A&M @ #20 LSU (4:30 pm CT, ABC)​

• Texas A&M
  • #36 ED Cashius Howell
  • #56 WR Kevin Concepcion
  • #70 CB Will Lee III
  • #116 OL Chase Bisontis
  • #138 OL Dametrious Crownover
  • #140 LB Taurean York
  • #180 OL Ar’maj Reed-Adams
  • #202 TE Theo Melin Ohrstrom
  • #229 RB Le’Veon Moss
  • #244 S Bryce Anderson
• LSU
  • #16 QB Garrett Nussmeier
  • #18 CB Mansoor Delane
  • #59 LB Harold Perkins
  • #87 LB Whit Weeks
  • #108 S A.J. Haulcy
  • #128 WR Aaron Anderson
  • #176 WR Nic Anderson
  • #194 ED Patrick Payton

This game is probably the best scouting opportunity that there is this week, and don’t be surprised if the Packers send a scout to pay a visit — despite the team already seeing LSU live multiple times this season. The Tigers’ best player is probably Virginia Tech transfer cornerback Mansoor Delane, as quarterback Garrett Nussmeier is clearly pushing through an injury. Meanwhile, Patrick Payton, who had a lot of NFL hype going into last season when he was a member of Florida State’s team, has completely tanked his stock. The 2022 ACC rookie of the year has only recorded five sacks over the last two years.

He’s no longer listed as a draftable player, as he’s ranked 275th on the consensus board, but when I picked the brains of people in the industry about centers in this class, one name that came up was A&M tackle Trey Zuhn III, who split time practicing at tackle and center this summer. There’s an expectation that Zuhn will kick inside to center at the next level.

As far as true centers go, here are the players currently in the consensus board’s top 250 prospects:

• #33 Connor Lew, Auburn (just tore his ACL)
• #79 Parker Brailsford, Alabama (undersized)
• #80 Iapani Laloulu, Oregon (inconsistent)
• #105 Jake Slaughter, Florida (there are some thoughts that he’s more of a PFF darling than Day 2 NFL prospect)

After that…the next center up is Kansas’ Bryce Foster at #259. So…it’s safe to say this center class isn’t exactly loaded.

–

As always, we’ll update you on where the Packers are traveling to this week, whenever that information comes. So far, here’s where we know Green Bay has sent scouts:

Where Packers scouts have been in 2025​

Week 1

• Texas @ Ohio State
• LSU @ Clemson
• Marshall @ Georgia
• South Carolina vs. Virginia Tech
• West Texas A&M @ Western Colorado

Week 3

• Kansas State @ Arizona
• Youngstown State @ Michigan State
• Florida @ LSU
• Clemson @ Georgia Tech

Week 5

• Tennessee @ Mississippi State
• Auburn @ Texas A&M

Week 6

• Penn State @ UCLA
• Michigan State @ Nebraska
• Iowa State @ Cincinnati

Week 7

• Indiana @ Oregon
• Arizona State @ Utah

Week 8

• Western Kentucky @ FIU
• SMU @ Clemson
• Ohio State @ Wisconsin
• Texas Tech @ Arizona State
• USC @ Notre Dame
• Missouri @ Auburn

Feel free to discuss any college football game as you please in the comment section.

Source: https://www.acmepackingcompany.com/...260/college-football-week-9-discussion-thread

 

[Green Bay Packers]

Packers opponent preview: The Pittsburgh Steelers

Coaching Staff​

Head Coach: Mike Tomlin
Offensive Coordinator: Arthur Smith
Defensive Coordinator: Teryl Austin
Special Teams Coordinator: Danny Smith

Key Additions​

QB Aaron Rodgers
RB Kaleb Johnson (3rd Rd, 83rd Overall)
RB Kenneth Gainwell
WR D.K. Metcalf
TE Jonnu Smith
DL Derrick Harmon (1st Rd, 21st Overall)
DL Daniel Ekuale
DL Yahya Black (5th Rd, 164th Overall)
EDGE Jack Sawyer (4th Rd, 123rd Overall)
LB Malik Harrison
CB Darius Slay
CB Jalen Ramsey
CB Brandin Echols
S Juan Thornhill
S Chuck Clark

Key Losses​

QB Russell Wilson
QB Justin Fields
RB Najee Harris
WR George Pickens
WR Van Jefferson
TE MyCole Pruitt
LT Dan Moore Jr.
DL Larry Ogunjobi
LB Elandon Roberts
CB Donte Jackson
CB Cameron Sutton
S Minkah Fitzpatrick
S Damontae Kazee

The 2024 Steelers​

The Pittsburgh Steelers opened their 2024 season on a strong note, winning their first three games against the Falcons, Broncos, and Chargers — their first 3–0 start since 2020. Their defense set the tone early, holding opponents to 10 points or fewer in each contest and showcasing the trademark toughness that has long defined Mike Tomlin’s teams. The early success gave fans hope that Pittsburgh could reassert itself as one of the AFC’s top contenders after a few years of inconsistency.

Justin Fields started the season as the starting quarterback with Russell Wilson, former Seahawks and Broncos quarterback, nursing a calk injury through the first six weeks. As the season progressed, the Steelers faced some adversity but managed to keep themselves in the playoff mix with Fields and Wilson.

A narrow loss to the Indianapolis Colts in Week 4 snapped their unbeaten streak, but the team responded well and climbed to a 10–3 record by early December. At that point, they looked like one of the more balanced and disciplined teams in the conference with Kansas City, Buffalo, and Baltimore.

Offensively, the Steelers were efficient but unspectacular, averaging 22.4 points per game, right in the middle of the league. Russell Wilson, who made his first start in week seven, started the remainder of the season and threw 16 touchdowns, while Justin Fields contributed 10 total touchdowns in his starts.

The offense leaned heavily on its ground game and heavier personnel groupings, reflecting a run-first philosophy that often limited explosive plays but helped control the clock. Still, the unit’s inconsistency on third downs and red-zone inefficiency prevented it from taking the next step. The offense ranked 20th overall in EPA/play (19th in passing efficiency, 24th in run game efficiency).

The defense remained the Steelers’ backbone throughout the year. The unit ranked in the top half of the league in points allowed and excelled at generating turnovers, finishing with 33 takeaways. T.J. Watt continued to anchor the pass rush with another double-digit sack season, while Minkah Fitzpatrick and Joey Porter Jr. helped stabilize the secondary.

Even as injuries mounted late in the year, the defense kept the team competitive in most games, often compensating for the offense’s lack of production.The defense ranked 9th overall in EPA/play (8th versus the pass, 17th versus the run).

However, the season’s promising start unraveled down the stretch. The Steelers lost their final four regular-season games, falling to 10–7 and finishing second in the AFC North. The slump carried into the playoffs, where they were eliminated in the Wild Card round by the Baltimore Ravens, 28–14. The late-season collapse turned what could have been a special year into another frustrating ending, extending the franchise’s playoff win drought.

Looking ahead, the Steelers faced critical offseason decisions, particularly at quarterback. Both Wilson and Fields showed flashes but failed to cement themselves as the long-term answer. The roster, one of the league’s older groups, required an infusion of youth and speed on both sides of the ball. The 2024 team was a gritty, well-coached squad that battled every week but couldn’t find the offensive spark to make a deep playoff run.

2025​

The Pittsburgh Steelers’ 2025 season has begun with renewed optimism and tangible improvement. Through five games, they hold a 4–2 record and sit atop the AFC North, showing early signs of balance and resilience. The team has scored 150 points while allowing 140, averaging 23.8 points per game on offense and surrendering 21.4 on defense.

While their scoring output ranks around league average, the efficiency on both sides of the ball has translated into wins. Their offense has produced 1,389 total yards, including 553 on the ground and 1,033 through the air, though their 38.6% third-down conversion rate remains an area for improvement. However, it hasn’t translated to even league average efficiency. The Steelers currently sit at 24th overall in EPA/play (19th in the pass, 24th in run game efficiency).

Aaron Rodgers vs Cincy 1 pic.twitter.com/9UeXr6pSW0

— Forbidden Tape (@forbiddenall22) October 25, 2025

Aaron Rodgers’ arrival has somewhat elevated the offense, adding experience to a previously uncertain quarterback position. Rodgers has thrown for 1,270 yards, 14 touchdowns, and 5 interceptions in his first six games as a Steeler, including a thrilling comeback win over the Jets in Week 1 and a four touchdown performance in a week 7 loss to the Bengals.

Running back Jaylen Warren has emerged as the lead back and continues to contribute effectively despite battling a knee injury. Rookie defensive tackle Derrick Harmon has impressed early, showing flashes of dominance and improving the interior run defense, while T. J. Watt remains the cornerstone of the defense after signing a record extension in the offseason.

Statistically, the Steelers have positioned themselves well within their division. However, divisional games have been tightly contested — most notably, their 33–31 loss to the Bengals, which underscored how razor-thin the margins are in the AFC North.

Aaron Rodgers vs Cincy 2 pic.twitter.com/oxptRFCxiz

— Forbidden Tape (@forbiddenall22) October 25, 2025

The Ravens and Bengals continue to loom as threats with Lamar Jackson coming back and the Bengals recently trading for Joe Flacco in Joe Burrow’s absence, Pittsburgh’s defense may still be the best in the division and help propel them into the postseason.

The defense has done an excellent job keeping opponents out of the end zone, as seen in the convincing 23–9 win over Cleveland, which showcased their ability to control games even when the offense isn’t firing on all cylinders. The mix of veteran stability and youthful energy has created one of the most balanced Steeler rosters in recent memory. They struggled in week 7 versus the elite pass catching duo Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, as teams often do, including the Packers recently.

Aaron Rodgers vs Cincy 3 pic.twitter.com/SKWKvjj0nW

— Forbidden Tape (@forbiddenall22) October 25, 2025

However, weaknesses persist that could determine whether they sustain their early success. The rushing attack, averaging roughly 84 yards per game, ranks near the bottom of the league, and the team’s third-down efficiency remains inconsistent. These issues have occasionally stalled drives and put added pressure on Rodgers to deliver in high-leverage moments.

Aaron Rodgers vs Cincy 4 pic.twitter.com/wavcycR07g

— Forbidden Tape (@forbiddenall22) October 25, 2025

Injuries, particularly to depth players on both sides of the ball, also pose a potential risk as the season progresses. With a difficult upcoming schedule featuring multiple playoff contenders, the Steelers will need to tighten their execution in key situations to hold their divisional lead.

Final thoughts​

The 2025 Steelers are a team trying to break through a plateau that has eluded them since they won the Super Bowl over a decade ago. They’re a balanced, well-coached, team beginning finding their rhythm under new field leadership. The defense remains their calling card, while the offense, though still finding its identity, has shown enough firepower to win meaningful games.

If Pittsburgh can improve its efficiency on the ground and maintain Rodgers’ health and chemistry with his playmakers, the franchise could finally break through in the AFC North. For now, their 4–2 start has rekindled belief in a team that looks capable of returning to playoff relevance — and perhaps even contending for something more substantial as the season unfolds.

They face the Packers though, every bit as eager to show who they are and what their identity is: also a tough, gritty team willing to do whatever it takes to pull out a close win. And they’ll certainly be eager to get a shot at their former star quarterback on Sunday Night Football.

Source: https://www.acmepackingcompany.com/...kers-opponent-preview-the-pittsburgh-steelers

 

[Green Bay Packers]

Aaron Rodgers’ most recent win against every team as Packer

Only four quarterbacks in NFL history have defeated all 32 teams in the league: Brett Favre, Peyton Manning, Drew Brees, and Tom Brady. This Sunday, Aaron Rodgers can become the fifth. The only team the future Hall of Fame QB hasn’t beaten is the Green Bay Packers, the team that drafted him and called him QB1 for nearly 2 decades.

Ahead of the Sunday Night Football showdown, let’s look at Rodgers’ most recent win against every NFL team while he was a Packer.

Arizona Cardinals​

Record: 3-2 (0-2 playoffs)

Date: 10-28-21
Score: 24-21
Stat Line: 22/37, 184 Yds, 2 TD
Highlights

Better known as the Rasul Douglas game. The Packers were up 24-21 with just over 3 minutes left. After stopping the Packers at the goal line on 4th down, Kyler Murray drove the Cardinals down the field on what felt like an inevitable scoring drive to either end the game or send it to overtime. However, Rasul Douglas snagged an interception thanks to a confused DeAndre Hopkins in the end zone to ice the game.

Atlanta Falcons​

Record: 4-4 (1-1 playoffs)

Date: 10-5-20
Score: 24-21
Stat Line: 27/33, 327 Yds, 4 TD
Highlights

Rodgers connected with Big Bob Tonyan on 3 of his 4 touchdowns and had a 147.5 passer rating. The Packers were without Davante Adams and Allen Lazard in this game, which explains why Jamaal Williams had the second-most receiving yards behind Tonyan. This game also set a franchise record of opening a season with 30+ points in 4 straight games.

Baltimore Ravens​

Record: 3-0

Date: 12-19-21
Score: 31-30
Stat Line: 23-31, 268 Yds, 3 TD
Highlights

Revisiting this game made my chest tight. The Packers’ defense made Tyler Huntley look like Lamar Jackson out there. With 45 seconds left and a 31-24 lead, the Packers’ defense gave up a rushing touchdown to Huntley. The Ravens elected to go for two to win the game, and somehow, the Packers’ defense came up with a stop. Despite the stress, this game was fairly significant. The win clinched the NFC North for the Packers, and Rodgers tied Brett Favre for most touchdowns in franchise history at 442. He’d break the record on Christmas Day in 2021 and would end his tenure with the team with 475 touchdowns.

Buffalo Bills​

Record: 2-2

Date: 9-30-18
Score: 22-0
Stat Line: 22/40, 298 Yds, 1 TD, 1 INT
Highlights

Remember Ty Montgomery? Remember Geronimo Allison? Remember Jimmy Graham as a Packer? Well, those were the Packers’ 3 top offensive players in this game. Jimmy Graham caught Rodgers’ only touchdown. The key takeaway from this game was that the defense shut out Josh Allen and the Bills, a feat that sounds almost impossible in 2025.

Carolina Panthers​

Record: 4-3

Date: 12-19-20
Score: 24-16
Stat Line: 20/29, 143 Yds, 1 TD, 1 rushing TD
Highlights

This game gave the Packers their 4th win in a row at the time. Rodgers’ 143 yards would be his season-low in 2020; however, his touchdown throw to Tonyan was his 40th on the season. This game was an Aaron Jones show as the running back rushed for 145 yards and a touchdown. The biggest play of the game, however, came on the goal line when Packers LB Krys Barnes, who is now a Panther, forced a fumble on an attempted QB sneak by Teddy Bridgewater.

Chicago Bears​

Record: 24-5 (1-0 playoffs)

Date: 12-4-22
Score: 28-19
Stat Line: 18/31, 182 Yds, 1 TD
Highlights

Rodgers didn’t beat anyone more than he beat the Bears, unsurprisingly. This game was one of the few bright spots in Rodgers’ last season. They were 4-8 going into this game and had lost 7 of their last 8 (woof!). The Packers defense gave up over 400 yards to the Bears, but at least they picked off Justin Fields twice. This game started a 4-game win streak for the team, but it wasn’t enough to get them into the playoffs. At least Rodgers got the win his last time facing them as a Packer.

Cincinnati Bengals​

Record: 2-2

Date: 10/10/21
Score: 25-22 (OT)
Stat Line: 27/39, 344 Yds, 2 TD, 1 INT
Highlights

Neither of these teams wanted to win this game. At least their kickers didn’t. Mason Crosby and Evan McPherson missed a total of 5 FGs, including 3 on back-to-back-to-back drives at the end of regulation (2 by Crosby, 1 by McPherson). De’Vondre Campbell picked off Joe Burrow on the opening play of the OT period, setting the team up for a 40-yard field goal to end the game. Crosby missed again. Thankfully, McPherson missed a 49 yarder on the next drive. Crosby finally made the game-winning field goal with just 2 minutes left in OT. I maintain that the Packers have never had a normal game against AFC North opponents.

Cleveland Browns​

Record: 3-0

Date: 12/25/21
Score: 24-22
Stat Line: 24/34, 202 Yds, 3 TD
Highlights

The Packers had quite a few nail-biters against the AFC North in 2021. Despite a 3-touchdown performance by Rodgers, the game still came down to the final drive, like the previous week against the Ravens. With just under a minute left, Rasul Douglas picked off Baker Mayfield to ice the game for the Packers. Aaron Rodgers broke the franchise record for most touchdowns in this game, beating Brett Favre’s previous record of 442.

Dallas Cowboys​

Record: 6-2 (2-0 playoffs)

Date: 11/13/22
Score: 31-28 (OT)
Stat Line: 14/20, 224 Yds, 3 TD
Highlights

This was arguably the most fun game of Rodgers’ final season with the team. The Packers were on a 5-game losing streak with the 6-2 Cowboys coming into town for Mike McCarthy’s first return to Lambeau Field since he was fired in 2019. Needless to say, it was a big one. The Packers were down 28-14 to start the 4th quarter. Christian Watson put on a show as a rookie, racking up 3 TDs and 107 yards. The Packers defense made a crucial 4th down stop in OT that led to the Packers driving down to win it on a 28-yard field goal.

Denver Broncos​

Record: 2-1

Date: 9/22/19
Score: 27-16
Stat Line: 17/29, 235 Yds, 1 TD
Highlights

I know this is an article about Rodgers, but this game gave us one of the coolest Jaire Alexander moments of his career. He basically ripped the ball out of the hands of Noah Fant after a catch. The Packers had 6 sacks on Joe Flacco (I know, I forgot that he played for the Broncos too), and rookie S Darnell Savage got his first career pick. The Packers improved to 3-0, and all seemed good at 1265 Lombardi to start the 2019 season.

Detroit Lions​

Record: 18-8

Date: 9/20/21
Score: 35-17
Stat Line: 22/27, 255 Yds, 4 TD
Highlights

The Aarons had a monster game in Week 2 of the 2021 season. Rodgers threw for 4 TDs, 3 of them went to Aaron Jones, who also had a rushing TD. Rodgers put up a 145.6 passer rating after missing only 5 passes the entire game. Davante Adams had 121 receiving yards. It was a complete 180 from their season-opening performance, where they lost 38-3 against Jameis Winston and the New Orleans Saints. This was also the game where Aaron Jones lost his necklace with his father’s ashes in the end zone. It was eventually found by a team trainer at 1:45 am after the game.

Houston Texans​

Record: 3-1

Date: 10/25/20
Score: 35-20
Stat Line: 23/34, 283 Yds, 4 TD
Highlights

Davante Adams had himself a game, with a career best 196 receiving yards to go along with 2 touchdowns. Malik Taylor and Jace Sternberger caught the other two TDs, which is a crazy sentence to type. The Packers had a 28-7 lead early, but the Texans made things a little interesting late. After a late touchdown, the Texans were able to recover an onside kick with 90 seconds left (Packers special teams doing Packers special teams things). However, on the very next play, Henry Black forced a fumble that Adrian Amos recovered to seal the game for the Packers.

Indianapolis Colts​

Record: 1-3

Date: 10/19/08
Score: 35-20
Stat Line: 21/28, 186 Yds, 1 TD
Highlights

We have to go back to Rodgers’ first year as a starter to find his first and only win against the Colts. Despite the Packers playing without two of their starting backs in this game, the secondary still managed to pick off Peyton Manning twice and return both for a touchdown. The Packers defense extended its league lead in pick-sixes, with Nick Collins and Aaron Rouse each returning one for a touchdown. Rodgers was playing through a strained shoulder as the team headed into their bye with a 4-3 record. The Colts are the only team Rodgers has beaten only one time (including playoffs).

Jacksonville Jaguars​

Record: 3-1

Date: 11/15/20
Score: 24-20
Stat Line: 24/34, 325 Yds, 2 TD, 1 INT
Highlights

The Packers avoided losing to the 1-7 Jaguars thanks to a 4th quarter comeback. The Packers played a sloppy game overall, including giving up a punt return TD, a fumble by Davante Adams, and an interception by Rodgers. I can’t imagine how Packers fans would have reacted if they lost to a team led by Jake Luton.

Kansas City Chiefs​

Record: 2-1

Date: 10/27/19
Score: 31-24
Stat Line: 23/33, 305 Yds, 3 TD
Highlights

An injured Patrick Mahomes prevented the Rodgers-Mahomes match-up everyone was hoping for. Instead, we got Matt Moore. However, Rodgers still put on a show. This game includes, in my opinion, one of the most insane touchdown throws we’ve ever seen from Aaron Rodgers. On 3rd and 1 early in the 4th quarter, with the game tied at 17, Rodgers scrambles and eventually tosses a pass into the back corner of the end zone. To most, including Al Michaels on the call, it looks like a throwaway. However, Jamaal Williams snags it for a touchdown. Rodgers placed the ball in the only place Williams could get it.

Los Angeles/San Diego Chargers​

Record: 2-1

Date: 10/18/15
Score: 27-20
Stat Line: 16/29, 255 Yds, 2 TD
Highlights

This win brought the Packers to 6-0 on the season, but it all came down to the final play. Rookie Damarious Randall (remember him?) knocked away a 4th down goal-line pass by Philip Rivers with just seconds left in the game that allowed the Packers to kneel it out. It was a big day for Rodgers’ career too. He reached 30,000 passing yards in the fewest attempts in league history during this game, despite what started out as an underwhelming performance.

Los Angeles/St. Louis Rams​

Record: 6-1 (1-0 playoffs)

Date: 12/19/22
Score: 24-12
Stat Line: 22/30, 1 TD, 1 INT
Highlights

The Packers were basically playing playoff football throughout December in 2022 since they were playing to keep their playoff hopes alive. They received some help in the form of injuries. The Rams were missing Aaron Donald, Cooper Kupp, and Matthew Stafford. It became Rodgers’ ninth straight win on Monday Night Football. This game also had Mason Crosby tie a Brett Favre record for most consecutive regular-season games (255).

Miami Dolphins​

Record: 3-1

Date: 12/25/22
Score: 26-20
Stat Line: 24/38, 238 Yds, 1 TD, 1 INT
Highlights

Like the previous one, this win was crucial for keeping the Packers’ 2022 playoff hopes alive. The Packers were down 20-13 at the half, and things weren’t looking good. However, Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa gave the Packers a few Christmas gifts (3 to be exact) in the form of 4th quarter interceptions that helped the Packers cruise to their 3rd win in a row.

Minnesota Vikings​

Record: 15-11-1 (1-0 playoffs)

Date: 1/1/23
Score: 41-17
Stat Line: 15/24, 159 Yds, 1 TD
Highlights

This game was more of a defensive statement. The Packers picked off Kirk Cousins 4 times, including one for a touchdown. They held Justin Jefferson to just 15 yards. To top it off, Keisean Nixon had a 105 yard kickoff return for a touchdown. The Packers were firing on all cylinders on New Year’s Day 2023 and had complete control of their playoff fate. All they had to do was beat the Lions….

New England Patriots​

Record: 2-1

Date: 10/2/22
Score: 27-24 (OT)
Stat Line: 21/35, 2 TD, 1 INT
Highlights

This started to look like one of Aaron Rodgers’ first games of his career. In the first half, Rodgers went 4/11 for 44 yards and an 11.2 passer rating. Rodgers and the offense rallied in the second half and won the game in overtime thanks to a Mason Crosby field goal.

New Orleans Saints​

Record: 3-3

Date: 9/27/20
Score: 37-30
Stat Line: 21/32, 283 Yds, 3 TD
Highlights

In a game that saw two future Hall of Famers in a shoot-out, Aaron Rodgers prevailed over Drew Brees. This was the Packers’ 3rd win in a row to start the 2020 season. Adams was sidelined with a hamstring injury, which put Allen Lazard in the spotlight. The WR went for 146 yards and a touchdown.

New York Giants​

Record: 4-2 (1-1 playoffs)

Date: 12/1/19
Score: 31-13
Stat Line: 21/33, 243 Yds, 4 TD
Highlights

Packers fans got to watch the Packers dominate in the snow against Daniel Jones and the Giants. Rodgers had a whopping 4 TDs and had some help with a defense that picked off Daniel Jones 3 separate times. This game came off of a brutal 37-8 loss to the 49ers.

New York Jets​

Record: 3-1

Date: 12/23/18
Score: 44-38 (OT)
Stat Line: 21/33, 243 Yds, 2 TD, 2 rushing TD
Highlights

Rodgers was banged up for this one, playing through a knee injury he sustained in the home opener against the Bears (aka the “no it’s Cobb again” comeback victory). It turned into a shoot-out quickly in this one, with Rodgers throwing 55 total passes for 2 TDs and rushing for 2 more TDs. Sadly, the defense was cut up by Sam Darnold, who threw for 3 TDs. Thankfully, the Packers held on into overtime.

Las Vegas/Oakland Raiders​

Record: 3-0

Date: 10/20/19
Score: 42-24
Stat Line: 25/31, 429 Yds, 5 TD
Highlights

This was a masterful offensive game from Aaron Rodgers (and Matt LaFleur). Rodgers put up over 400 passing yards and 5 TDs, without Davante Adams and Robert Tonyan. Rodgers ended the game with a perfect 158.3 passer rating, and the team improved to 6-1.

Philadelphia Eagles​

Record: 4-2 (1-0 in playoffs)

Date: 12/6/20
Score: 30-16
Stat Line: 25/34, 295 Yds, 3 TD
Highlights

Aaron Jones scored a 77-yard touchdown with just over 2 minutes left to put the Eagles away. The Packers’ defense smothered Jalen Hurts and sacked him 7 times. Rodgers also scored his 400th touchdown during this game, which went to none other than Davante Adams.

Pittsburgh Steelers​

Record: 1-1 (1-0 in playoffs)

Date: 10/3/21
Score: 27-17
Stat Line: 20/36, 248 Yds, 2 TD, 1 rushing TD
Highlights

Rodgers took down his future team in a Super Bowl XLV rematch against Ben Roethlisberger. Randall Cobb hauled in 2 TDs and the Packers won their 3rd game in a row.

Seattle Seahawks​

Record: 6-3 (1-1 in playoffs)

Date: 11/14/21
Score: 17-0
Stat Line: 23/37, 292 Yds, 1 INT
Highlights

This game was Rodgers’ return after sitting out against Kansas City due to a positive COVID-19 test. The offense only put up 3 points through 3 quarters before AJ Dillon, who had over 100 all-purpose yards, ran in 2 touchdowns in the 4th quarter. The defense picked off Russell Wilson twice, including a crucial end-zone pick by Adrian Amos in the 4th quarter.

San Francisco 49ers​

Record: 6-3 (0-4 in playoffs—ouch)

Date: 9/26/21
Score: 30-28
Stat Line: 23/33, 261 Yds, 2 TD
Highlights

This was a tense game that had all of us thinking Davante Adams was dead after Jimmie Ward drove his helmet into Adams’ head on a long throw downfield (that wasn’t flagged, by the way). Miraculously, Adams returned to make the 2 clutch catches on the final drive to set up the Mason Crosby game-winning field goal. We won’t talk about the rematch in the playoffs of that year…

Tampa Bay Buccaneers​

Record: 3-3 (0-1 playoffs)

Date: 9/25/22
Score: 14-12
Stat Line: 27/35, 255 Yds, 2 TD, 1 INT
Highlights

This game was not the shootout fans were expecting from the two future Hall of Fame QBs, but the Packers got it done nonetheless. Rodgers threw touchdowns on their first two drives, and the offense never scored again. The Bucs were without Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, and Julio Jones, which made things a little easier on the Packers defense. Brady and the Bucs attempted a 4th quarter rally, but De’Vondre Campbell tipped a pass on the 2 pt. conversion that would have sent the game to overtime.

Tennessee Titans​

Record: 2-3

Date: 12/27/20
Score: 40-14
Stat Line: 21/25, 231 Yds, 4 TD, 1 INT
Highlights

This game gave us one of my favorite Packers photos of all time, thanks to the snowy night at Lambeau Field. The Packers absolutely trounced the Titans in this game. Davante Adams had 142 receiving yards and 3 TDs, AJ Dillon ran for over 100 yards and 2 TDs, Rodgers had a 128.1 passer rating and only missed 4 passes the entire night. The defense picked off Ryan Tannehill twice. Just an overall fun game to watch as a Packers fan.

Washington Commanders​

Record: 3-4

Date: 10/24/21
Score: 24-10
Stat Line: 27/35, 274 Yds, 3 TD
Highlights

This win gave the Packers their 6th win in a row. This was also the team’s first time wearing their fan-favorite 1950s throwbacks. Rodgers reportedly woke up with some back soreness on Saturday ahead of the game, but it seemed to be worked out by game time because the MVP looked great throwing touchdowns to 3 different receivers.

There you have it! Rodgers’ most recent win against every team in the NFL, except for the Packers. As a Packers fan, I hope this list of teams stays at 31.

Source: https://www.acmepackingcompany.com/...rodgers-most-recent-win-as-a-green-bay-packer

 

[Green Bay Packers]

Aaron Rodgers said Packers fans forced the Steelers into the silent count

Last week, Arizona Cardinals quarterback Jacoby Brissett said that Green Bay Packers fans making the trip out west forced the Cardinals’ offense to have to use their silent count at home. This isn’t anything new for the Packers, one of the bigger fan bases in the league, but it does seem to be a recurring theme for the 2025 season.

When asked about the “Go Pack Go” chants in Pittsburgh on Sunday night in his post-game press conference, former Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers, now the signal caller for the Steelers, said the following:

“I’ve heard that chant for 18 years. Packers fans travel really well. First time in a while I’ve used silent count for a home game. It’s a credit to those Packers fans.”

So congrats to those of you who made the trip out to western PA for the game. You guys made a difference in this one.

Beyond just talking silent count, Rodgers added that he believed that the Steelers didn’t get as much out of their play-action game as they had expected, based on what they had done previously this season. He also gave this evaluation of quarterback Jordan Love’s 29 of 37 for 360 yards and three touchdowns performance:

“I thought J Love played great. He was super efficient. You know, he didn’t get sacked, moved around really well, made some plays outside the pocket. Thought he played outstanding.”

Later, Rodgers mentioned that Love was playing “opportunistic” in the game, consistently taking checkdowns and run alerts when given good looks for those plays. That’s probably one reason why Love was able to make 20 straight completions on Sunday, a mark that tied Brett Favre for the most consecutive completions ever in Packers history.

Source: https://www.acmepackingcompany.com/...on-rodgers-green-bay-packers-fans-jordan-love

 

[Green Bay Packers]

Minnesota Vikings claim former Green Bay Packer on waivers

The Minnesota Vikings placed quarterback Carson Wentz on the injured reserve on Monday, due to a shoulder surgery that will end his 2025 campaign. Without Wentz, the 3-4 Vikings are left with just J.J. McCarthy, who is coming off “an ankle injury,” and undrafted rookie Max Brosmer at the position.

With the open roster spot that Wentz made available, the Vikings picked up former Green Bay Packers tight end Ben Sims off of waivers today. This is the second player plucked from Green Bay on Monday, following the Tennessee Titans taking rookie draft pick Micah Robinson off the Packers’ practice squad.

Sims had only played offensive snaps for the Packers this year on kneels, with his contributions to the team in 2025 coming as a kickoff return blocker. Sims actually signed with the Vikings as an undrafted free agent in 2023, but when the team released him at the 2023 roster cutdown deadline, Green Bay — who had brought in Sims in on a pre-draft visit — picked him up immediately.

Up until Saturday, Sims has been a Packer. Sims was waived, instead of offensive lineman Donovan Jennings or kicker Lucas Havrisik, two healthy scratches on Sunday, to make room for the activation of receiver Christian Watson from the physically unable to perform list.

Without Sims, Green Bay still has Tucker Kraft, John FitzPatrick and Luke Musgrave on its 53-man roster. The team’s practice squad tight end is Josh Whyle, a 2023 fifth-round pick who was waived at the cutdown deadline by the Tennessee Titans this summer.

Source: https://www.acmepackingcompany.com/...gs-claim-ben-sims-tight-end-green-bay-packers

 

[Green Bay Packers]

Monday Night Football Game Thread: Commanders and Chiefs wrap up Week 8

This evening, the NFL brings its week 8 schedule to a close with a single game on Monday Night Football.

Out of the 13 games across the NFL in week 8, eight of them featured cross-conference matchups. However, it was a brutal week for the NFC against AFC opponents, as NFC teams went just 1-6 in those games so far. The only win for the NFC was the Packers’ 35-25 win over the Steelers on Sunday Night Football, so tonight the Washington Commanders will look to change that narrative a bit and pull an upset over the heavily-favored Kansas City Chiefs tonight.

To make matters worse for the NFC, none of the conference’s six losses to AFC teams were close — all six were by 11 points or more. That’s just fine for the Packers, though, who continue to move forward as the conference’s top seed with a 5-1-1 record.

Tonight, Washington will try to not only turn that trend around but also their own lack of success against the Chiefs franchise. In 11 games between these two teams all-time, Washington has won just once, way back in 1983. Can they overcome a double-digit point spread tonight with backup quarterback Marcus Mariota in for Jayden Daniels, or will Kansas City continue their hot streak after a tough start to the season? Tune in to find out.

WHO?​

Washington Commanders (3-4) vs. Kansas City Chiefs (4-3)

WHERE?​

GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium
Kansas City, Missouri

WHEN?​

Monday, October 27, 2025
7:15 PM Central Time

HOW?​

TV Broadcast​

Channel: ESPN or ABC
Commentators: Joe Buck, Troy Aikman

Online Streaming​

ESPN app
NFL app

Radio Broadcast​

Westwood One Sports

WHAT ELSE?​

Odds​

Spread: Chiefs -11.5
Over/under total: 47.5

Last Meeting​

2021 Week 6: Chiefs 31, @Washington Football Team 13

All-Time Head-to-Head​

Chiefs lead 10-1
Current Streak: Chiefs have won 8 straight

Source: https://www.acmepackingcompany.com/...e-thread-commanders-and-chiefs-wrap-up-week-8

 

[Green Bay Packers]

Packers work out 2 international players

The Green Bay Packers worked out only two players on Tuesday, with the surprise being that neither was a cornerback. At the moment, the Packers have just five cornerbacks on their 53-man roster, and the team no longer has a practice squad cornerback after the loss of Micah Robinson, who was poached by the Tennessee Titans on Monday.

Instead, the two players that the Packers brought in, per the NFL transaction report, were offensive lineman Laekin Vakalahi and defensive tackle Dante Barnett.

The 6’5”, 320-pound Vakalahi is a former rugby and basketball player who was discovered by Philadelphia Eagles scout Chris Naeole. He was signed by the Eagles before training camp in 2024, was the team’s designated international exemption throughout that year and was eventually waived by the team at cutdowns this August. The Eagles’ current international exemption is offensive lineman Luke Felix-Fualalo, another Aussie who counts as an international player despite playing at Hawaii, Utah and Mater Dei High School in the States.

The Packers have had an open international exemption spot available on their practice squad since the release of kicker Mark McNamee two weeks ago. When the team added Lucas Havrisik to the 53-man roster due to injury concerns over Brandon McManus’ quad, the team simply parted ways with McNamee.

The fact that Green Bay is looking at positional players to fill their international spot, not a kicker, may give us a hint that the team is planning on hanging onto both McManus and Havrisik for a while. Two of Green Bay’s three international player pathways program players (IPP) to date have been kickers, with the only exception being their first international signing, defensive end Kenneth Odumegwu.

Barnett is also a potential IPP player. The Englishman played football at the NFL Academy, the league’s international prep program, for three seasons. Barnett received college offers from power programs, but grades forced him to play Division III, non-scholarship, football at Dickinson College before dropping out of school due to the cost of attendance.

He reemerged years later, once he was eligible to play NFL football after being three years removed from high school, via the IPP program. According to numbers on the ground, he ran a 4.59-second 40-yard dash at his Pro Day this offseason with the IPP program.

The 6’1”, 275-pounder was originally signed by the Cincinnati Bengals post-draft as their international exemption, but was released by the team in July. Barnett previously had a workout with the Denver Broncos on September 19th. That was the only other official workout that either of these players has had with NFL teams since their releases from the squads that originally signed them.

Source: https://www.acmepackingcompany.com/...alahi-dante-barnett-international-ipp-workout

 

[Green Bay Packers]

Packers QB Jordan Love named NFC Offensive Player of the Week for Week 8

Green Bay Packers QB Jordan Love was named the NFC Offensive Player of the Week for Week 8 after his stellar performance in the team’s 35-25 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday night.

Love went 29/37 for 360 yards, 3 touchdowns, no interceptions, and a passer rating of 134.2, which is a career-high for any regular season start. Love also tied a franchise record with 20 straight completions originally set by Brett Favre in 2007.

JORDAN. LOVE.

WEEK 8 NFC OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK! pic.twitter.com/NuPPSQeqjK

— Green Bay Packers Football Club (@packers) October 29, 2025

According to Wes Hodkiewicz of Packers.com, Love is the first quarterback in franchise history to have 350+ passing yards, 3+ passing touchdowns, no interceptions, no sacks, a 75+ completion percentage, and 9.5+ yards per attempt in a single game. Love is now 11-0-1 as a starter when he has a 115+ passer rating.

This is the third time Jordan Love has won the award. Previously he won during weeks 17 and 18 in 2023 for his performances against the Minnesota Vikings and Chicago Bears, respectively. That was also the last time any Packer won Offensive Player of the Week.

However, this is the second week in a row that a Packers player has won a player of the week award. Micah Parsons won NFC Defensive Player of the Week last week after recording three sacks against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 7.

Source: https://www.acmepackingcompany.com/...d-nfc-offensive-player-of-the-week-for-week-8

 

[Green Bay Packers]

Micah Parsons is named the NFC Defensive Player of the Month for October

For the first time in a year, a Green Bay Packer has been named the NFC Defensive Player of the Month. This time, it’s newcomer Micah Parsons. This is his second time winning the award, first receiving the honor in September of 2023 as a member of the Dallas Cowboys, though I suspect this won’t be his last time winning the award as a Packer (how great does it feel to be able to say this?).

In the month of October, Parsons played 82% (167) of the Packers’ defensive snaps. He amassed 9 tackles (5 TFL), 4 sacks, and 6 QB hits in wins against the Cincinnati Bengals, Arizona Cardinals, and Pittsburgh Steelers. He also recorded his first-ever 3-sack NFL game against Arizona, in one of the most dominant defensive performances we’ve seen from a Packer in years.

Upcoming opponents in the month of November are the Carolina Panthers, Philadelphia Eagles (nationally televised on Monday Night Football), New York Giants, Minnesota Vikings, and Detroit Lions (nationally televised on Thanksgiving Day).

MICAH FOR -10 YDS

: NBC pic.twitter.com/LDKAM5afE6

— Green Bay Packers Football Club (@packers) October 27, 2025

The last Packer to win Defensive Player of the Month was S Xavier McKinney in 2024, who also won the award in October for his performances against the Los Angeles Rams, Arizona Cardinals, Houston Texans, and Jacksonville Jaguars. The Packers went undefeated for this stretch of games as well.

Source: https://www.acmepackingcompany.com/...fc-defensive-player-of-the-month-october-2025

 

[Green Bay Packers]

Hafley: ‘Nate Hobbs isn’t benched’

Green Bay Packers defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley hasn’t given up on cornerback Nate Hobbs, and he wants you to know it. Hobbs struggled at outside cornerback in extended looks against the Dallas Cowboys, Cincinnati Bengals and Arizona Cardinals, but both Hafley and head coach Matt LaFleur sang his praises going into last week’s action against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Then Hobbs hardly saw the field.

In place of Hobbs, Carrington Valentine made the start and had a career game opposite Keisean Nixon, who might have had the worst performance of his career. This week, LaFleur said that competition would continue at the outside cornerback position, between all three players.

Here’s the point in time where I beg the reader to give Hobbs a little bit of a break. First of all, most of the NFL considered him to be a slot defender, not an outside cornerback, when he hit the free agency market this offseason. When playing limited snaps in the slot this year, Hobbs has looked like a much more efficient player than he has been on the outside.

On top of that, Hobbs is also coming off meniscus surgery, which cost him time in both training camp and to start the regular season. This is all to say two things: I’m not sure Hobbs is 100 percent, and I’m not sure he’s playing his best position. Neither of those is his fault.

On Thursday, Hafley went back to bat for Hobbs, even after saying that Valentine “played one of the best games” in their time together in Green Bay. On the subject of Hobbs losing playing time in Week 8 against the Steelers, Hafley stated, “Nate Hobbs isn’t benched. This isn’t the last you’re gonna see of Nate Hobbs. There’s no confidence lost in Nate Hobbs. I said that last week. I have not lost confidence in him.”

I don’t think there’s a big difference between a benching or a sitting of a player, personally, but I also don’t think the Packers are just going to give up on the $48 million signing. In that respect, if that’s the case that Hafley is making, I agree with him.

What you can’t doubt, though, is that there was a clear change on the depth chart last week. In Week 7, Valentine played just 2 snaps at outside cornerback compared to Hobbs’ 74. In Week 8, Valentine played 76 to Hobbs’ 1, which came on a two-point conversion attempt, the last time we saw any Packers cornerback on the field defensively. On that one play, Hobbs subbed in for Nixon, not Valentine.

Hobbs also only played three snaps in the slot last week, one in a dime look, where the Packers play two slot defenders, and two as a direct substitute for safety Javon Bullard in obvious passing situations.

If Hobbs wasn’t benched on Sunday, he was at least sat. Either way, I don’t think this competition is over by any means. Look for the rotation to continue in the secondary, one way or another.

Source: https://www.acmepackingcompany.com/analysis/73641/news-nate-hobb-depth-chart-update-jeff-hafley