Both of the Indianapolis Colts and the Green Bay Packers are looking to avoid falling to 0-2 on the season–a fate that historically hasn’t boded well for a team’s playoff chances.
There are some big unknowns for both of these teams coming into this matchup that can make predicting the winner of this game a difficult task. For the Packers, quarterback Jordan Love hasn’t practiced all week but he is listed as questionable. Obviously, the dynamic of this game changes drastically depending on whether it is Love or Malik Willis under center, especially with the matchup advantage the Packers have at wide receiver.
For the Colts, there are even more question marks around their secondary with JuJu Brents being placed on IR and Julian Blackmon already having been ruled out. Up front, DeForest Buckner is questionable, although there seems to be some optimism around his status, and Kwity Paye is questionable as well. For what it’s worth, the Colts have elevated fellow defensive end Genard Avery.
So, with all of that in mind, here is who the experts have winning between the Colts and Packers:
ESPN
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson (5) throws the ball Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024, ahead of the game against the Houston Texans at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.
ESPN’s Kalyn Kahler, Eric Moody, and Seth Walder all picked the Colts in this matchup. While there was no specific reason provided, I think it’s safe to assume that Malik Willis at quarterback for the Packers will be too much for that offense to overcome, even with the Colts dealing with injuries on the defensive side of the football.
Pro Football Talk
Sep 6, 2024; Sao Paulo, BRA; Green Bay Packers wide receiver Jayden Reed (11) runs during the first half against the Philadelphia Eagles at Neo Quimica Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Both Mike Florio and Chris Simms picked the Packers to win a low-scoring matchup. In short, the decision behind these picks is the confidence that Florio and Simms have in the rest of the Packers roster. Even if the Packers are without Love, there is still a ton of playmakers around Willis–it’s just whether or not he’s able to take advantage.
Bleacher Report
Sep 8, 2024; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor (28) celebrates as he runs in for a touchdown Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024, during a game against the Houston Texans at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Grace Hollars/USA TODAY Network via Imagn Images
Of the eight members of Bleacher Report’s staff who made a prediction, seven of them picked the Colts. It was noted that this game will come down to whichever team can be more effective on the ground and control the clock. With Willis at quarterback, Bleacher Report expects a more aggressive run defense approach from the Colts.
NFL.com
SAO PAULO, BRAZIL – SEPTEMBER 06: Zack Baun #53 of the Philadelphia Eagles sacks Malik Willis #2 of the Green Bay Packers during the fourth quarter to end the game at Arena Corinthians on September 06, 2024 in Sao Paulo, Brazil. (Photo by Wagner Meier/Getty Images)
All five of the NFL.com staff members picked the Colts in this matchup as well. Ali Bhanpuri expects a heavy-dose of Josh Jacobs in this game, but even with Matt LaFleur’s ability as a play-caller, three weeks isn’t enough time to get Willis ready to go and able to overcome past struggles he’s had. The Colts pass rush will be a key factor as well.
CBS Sports
Sep 8, 2024; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson (5) throws a pass during the second half against the Houston Texans at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marc Lebryk-Imagn Images
Pete Prisco of CBS Sports picked the Colts in this one. Again, and as expected, Prisco notes the giant question mark around the Packers’ offense with Willis under center.
