Jacksonville Jaguars Vs. Green Bay Packers: 5 Bold Predictions For NFL Week 1
The Jacksonville Jaguars and Green Bay Packers are set to face off against each other in NFL Week 1 action on Sunday afternoon. Both teams have a lot of excitement surrounding them heading into the 2016 NFL season, although only one of them is viewed as a true contender within their conference.
Green Bay is widely viewed as one of the top contenders in the NFC this season. Aaron Rodgers is still the best quarterback in football, and the team is back to full health. Jordy Nelson is back after tearing his ACL last season, while Eddie Lacy has thinned down and looks to be a 1,000-yard running back again.
Jacksonville, on the other hand, is widely viewed as an up-and-coming team in the AFC. They aren’t expected to make the playoffs in 2016, but they cannot be counted out with all the young talent that will take a big leap forward. Gus Bradley has done an excellent job, and it is beginning to show.
There is no denying who the favorite is heading into Sunday afternoon’s game. Green Bay is expected to start the season with a win, but anything can happen.
All of that being said, what five bold predictions can be made for the Jaguars vs. Packers game in NFL Week 1 action?
Blake Bortles Will Throw for 300 Yards, Three Touchdowns
While the Packers’ defense is definitely improved, Blake Bortles will start the season off in a big way. He will throw for at least 300 yards and three touchdowns on Sunday. That will give the Jaguars a chance to come away with a victory, but it isn’t enough to guarantee them a victory when everything is said and done.
Aaron Rodgers Will Open the Season with a Bang
Perhaps this doesn’t classify as a bold prediction, but Aaron Rodgers will throw for at least 300 yards and four touchdowns. His offensive line is healthy, he has a healthy running back taking pressure off of him, and his wide receiving corps is back together. Rodgers is going to have a huge season in 2016 barring injuries and it will start in a big way on Sunday.
Jacksonville Will Sack Aaron Rodgers Five Times
Rodgers may have a big game, but Bradley and the Jaguars’ defense will do everything they can to make him feel it on Monday. They will be sending blitzes at him all game long and will get to him at least five times. Jacksonville has a solid pass rush, and it will show this week against the Packers’ offensive line.
Eddie Lacy Will Run for Over 100 Yards
After an entire 2015 season filled with drama, Eddie Lacy decided to work with P90X founder Tony Horton to cut down on his weight this offseason. He has done so and appears primed for a big season. Lacy will open the season with a 100-yard performance and will prove that he is back for the Packers.
Green Bay Will Pull Out a Fairly Convincing Win
Mike McCarthy and the Packers cannot afford to take the Jaguars lightly, but they should come away with a convincing win. Green Bay is the better team, and it should show throughout the game on Sunday. Rodgers and company should move to 1-0 on the season as they look to compete for another Super Bowl appearance.
Expect to see both of these teams compete throughout the 2016 season. Green Bay has a legitimate shot to win a Super Bowl, while the Jaguars are hoping to shock the league and make the playoffs.
Do you think the Green Bay Packers will pull out a Week 1 victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars? What are your final score predictions for this week’s game? Let us know your thoughts in the comment box below!
[Photo by Matt Ludtke/AP Images]
