Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers were able to pull out a crazy comeback against the Detroit Lions to improve to 5-1 on the season in Week 6. It was a game that looked to be a loss, but Mason Crosby kicked the game-winning field goal as time expired for a 23-22 win. Unfortunately, the fallout from a couple of bad calls by the officials has clouded the win.
Regardless of missed calls, the Packers are 5-1 on the season and are looking ahead to their Week 7 matchup against the Oakland Raiders.
It has been a huge start to a new era of football in Green Bay. Matt LaFleur has taken over as the new head coach and things are starting to look very good for the proud franchise. The offense is coming around and for the first time since their Super Bowl winning season, the Packers have an apparently elite defense.
Jon Gruden and company have been impressing over their last two games. They defeated the Indianapolis Colts and Chicago Bears in those two wins. Now, they have a tough matchup with the Packers on the schedule and are looking to make yet another statement.
All of that being said, here are four reasons why the Packers will come away with the win this week and will move to 6-1.
4. The Running Back Duo Has Become Dominant
One of the best things the Packers have developed this season has been their ability to run the football. Not only can both of their running backs make big plays on the ground, they are both capable receivers out of the backfield as well.
Aaron Jones had a massive game against the Dallas Cowboys with over 100 rushing yards and four touchdowns. Jamaal Williams returned to the field against the Lions and racked up 104 yards on the ground and a touchdown as a receiver. Oakland simply will not be able to stop these guys.
3. Derek Carr Is Going To Get Hit….A Lot
Green Bay's pass rush has been deadly this season and Mike Pettine has shown no signs of slowing down. The additions of Preston and Za'Darius Smith has paid off well and Derek Carr will be under pressure all game long this week.
Carr has shown flashes of big play potential, but he has also turned the ball over at times as well. Whether Green Bay forces turnovers or punts, the defense is going to make things difficult on the Raiders. The pass rush is going to be coming after Carr all day long and will have a major impact on slowing down the Oakland offense in a big way.
2. Green Bay's Secondary Will Be Too Much for Oakland
While the Raiders have some quality weapons in guys like Tyrell Williams and Darren Waller, they are not going to have a good game against a talented Packers' secondary.
The Packers have seen Jaire Alexander and Kevin King play extremely well so far this season. Add in a safety group that includes talents like Adrian Amos, Darnell Savage, and Will Redmond, and they are going to be hard to pass against all year long. Oakland's receivers will be unable to get things going this week.
1. Aaron Rodgers Is Playing Like an MVP Once Again
Finally, the offense has been coming around and Aaron Rodgers appears to be back. After a rough first couple of weeks to the season, Rodgers has been figuring things out and has been moving the football well. He looks to be on the same page with LaFleur, which will only get better with more time.
Oakland doesn't have a great defense and Rodgers will take advantage of that. Whether Davante Adams plays or not, the Packers have a ton of talent for their superstar quarterback to work with. Green Bay is going to put up numbers offensively and Rodgers will look like an even more legitimate MVP candidate after his performance this week.