Publisher Nick St. Denis, associate editor Dan Begnoche and senior writer Sean Donovan pick the Week 2 cross-conference battle between the New York Jets and Green Bay Packers.
Nick's take:
On the surface, it appears the Jets are running into a buzz saw--a hungry, pissed-off Packers squad with 10-days rest coming off a season-opening loss. There's that "in Green Bay" thing, too. However, the Jets' stout rushing offense and (maybe even better) rushing defense should put at least some control in the hands of Rex Ryan. Geno Smith will have to elevate the offense, though, as the Jets may be playing a bit of keep-up with Aaron Rodgers on the other side up against a patchwork cornerback corps. The Jets keep it close, but the Pack win at home.
Prediction: Packers 27, Jets 24
Dan's take:
After a slew of mistakes early on in their home opener, the Packers wound up surrendering more than 200 yards on the ground to the Seahawks in their Week 1 loss. That, plus a stout run defense of their own, has the Jets licking their chops for a shot at Green Bay this week at Lambeau Field. The Pack doesn't lose often in home openers, but they also haven't done much at all against top-tier defenses of late. Expect a trench war in this one, with the more versatile Gang Green attack pulling out another close victory.
Prediction: Jets 20, Packers 17
Sean's take:
Since 2009, the Packers are 24-3 at Lambeau Field when Aaron Rodgers starts. Despite some injury problems on the offensive line, expect the Green Bay offense to get it rolling early against Rex Ryan's squad. A bad showing from Geno Smith in a difficult environment will naturally fire up the New York media quarterback controversy machine, but he'll go on to prove that he, like most visiting quarterbacks, is much better away from Lambeau than on it.
Since 2009, the Packers are 24-3 at Lambeau Field when Aaron Rodgers starts. Despite some injury problems on the offensive line, expect the Green Bay offense to get it rolling early against Rex Ryan's squad. A bad showing from Geno Smith in a difficult environment will naturally fire up the New York media quarterback controversy machine, but he'll go on to prove that he, like most visiting quarterbacks, is much better away from Lambeau than on it.
Prediction: Packers 41, Jets 13
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