The Green Bay Packers are hosting the New Orleans Saints in Week 3 for their home opener at Lambeau Field. This will be a stiff test for the 1-1 Packers as the Saints enter the game with a 2-0 record.
New Orleans is bringing a very stingy defense to Wisconsin, as they will be looking to cool off the high-scoring offense led by Jordan Love. Green Bay could have their full allotment of skill position players available for the first time, which will make for a fun matchup.
What can we expect to see in the game on Sunday afternoon? Here are five bold predictions for the Saints vs. Packers Week 3 matchup.
5. Chris Olave and Jaire Alexander Battle To Stalemate
Another one of the key matchups people will be keeping an eye on is wide receiver Chris Olave vs. cornerback Jaire Alexander. The Packers have been willing to shadow the opponent’s best receiver with Alexander in the past, but with Michael Thomas also making an impact, they may opt to play sides.
But, you can be sure that Olave and Alexander will be crossing paths throughout the game. In a star-studded matchup, both players are going to make some plays, but the game will be played to a stalemate between the two.
Olave will record 60 receiving yards, getting one up on Alexander a few times. But, Alexander will return the favor, breaking up at least two passes.
4. Christian Watson Has An Explosive Debut
The Packers have been patiently awaiting the return of their No. 1 wide receiver, Christian Watson. He has missed the first two games of the season with a hamstring injury but was able to get in some work on the practice field this season.
He is trending toward making his season debut, which Green Bay has to be thrilled about. The passing offense has been functional without him as Jordan Love is tied for the NFL lead with six touchdown passes.
But, the aerial offense hasn’t created many big plays. Watson will change that in his debut, catching at least one 50-yard pass in the game. He won’t play a full allotment of snaps yet but his presence will be felt right away.
3. Saints Streak Comes To An End
The Saints are coming into Week 3 riding a very impressive streak. They have held their opponents to 20 or fewer points in 10 straight games, which is the best mark in franchise history. Only the New England Patriots have had a longer streak in recent years.
But, streaks are made to be broken and New Orleans’ will come to an end on Sunday afternoon. The Packers are going to score 24 points in the game, snapping the streak their defense has put together and putting them in a position to win the game.
2. Packers Pass Rush Steps Up Again
Arguably the most impressive part of the Packers start to the season has been their pass rush. That was a real weakness for them in 2022, especially after Rashan Gary injured his knee in Week 9. Without him, their pass-rushing numbers fell off a cliff.
Thus far this season, what was once a weakness is now a strength. The Packers have one of the most fearsome pass rushes in the NFL, consistently getting into the backfield and creating havoc for the opposing offense.
That will continue against a Saints offense that hasn’t been great at pass blocking this season. New Orleans is 25th in pass-blocking grade according to PFF, presenting Green Bay with a golden opportunity to get after Derek Carr.
1. Packers Pull Off The Win
Head coach Matt LaFleur was not shy when hiding his displeasure with how Week 2 ended for his team. The Packers blew a 12-point lead in the fourth quarter as the Atlanta Falcons wore them down defensively. Without any offensive support down the stretch, the game got away.
Heading to Lambeau Field for their home opener, expect some of those issues to be cleaned up. The team will be motivated to play in front of their fans for the first time and will feed off of that energy.
Green Bay’s strengths thus far this season match up well against the weaknesses of New Orleans. That will result in a solid victory at home, as the Packers will win 24-13 in a low-scoring affair.
