5 bold predictions for the Packers' Week 2 showdown with the Colts

As the Green Bay Packers head into their Week 2 matchup against the Indianapolis Colts, the stakes are high as both teams look to rebound from tough Week 1 losses.

The Packers are in uncharted territory as questions surround Jordan Love's availability following his injury. It also doesn't help that the defense surrendered 34 points to the Philadelphia Eagles. Meanwhile, the Colts will look to establish consistency with Anthony Richardson under center while fixing their defensive issues, especially against the run.

With so many storylines to build, this game has all the makings of an entertaining matchup. Here are five bold predictions that could define the outcome of this critical Week 2 matchup.

1. Malik Willis scores three touchdowns

Tennessee Titans quarterback Malik Willis (7) throws on the run against the Seattle Seahawks during their game Saturday, Aug. 17, 2024, at Nissan Stadium in Nashville.

The former Tennessee Titan doesn't have much experience under his belt but has played in eight games including three starts. He was 51 for 100 in passing attempts and threw for 536 yards with zero touchdowns and three interceptions. Willis has 27 carries for 123 yards and a touchdown. You have to go back to his collegiate career at Liberty which made him an attractive NFL prospect. In his final season with the Flames, Willis totaled 2,857 passing yards, 27 passing touchdowns and 13 rushing touchdowns.

Packers head coach Matt LaFleur is no stranger to developing a backup quarterback as he started Jordan Love in Week 9 against the Kansas City Chiefs in 2021 and Blaine Gabbert played for an injured Marcus Mariota for most of 2018 with the Tennessee Titans. In those games, LaFleur put the backup quarterback in position to succeed as Love beat Patrick Mahomes but lost 13-7, then the Titans finished 9-7 and missed the playoffs.

Willis hasn't gotten much of a shot in the NFL, but this becomes a perfect opportunity to show what he can do. He has plenty of talent around him, plus a coach who can put him in the right spots to make a play. Willis will show off his athleticism and dual-threat ability where he could possibly run for two touchdowns and throw for one.

2. Josh Jacobs totaled 150+ all-purpose yards

September 6, 2024; Sao Paulo, BRA; Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs (8) runs in the second half against the Philadelphia Eagles at Neo Quimica Arena. Mandatory credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Malik Willis scoring three total touchdowns may be a long shot, especially given how quickly he's been thrust into the starting quarterback role. However, one thing is for sure, the Packers will rely on running back Josh Jacobs to carry the bulk of the offense.

There are many reasons to believe that Jacobs could have a monster game against the Colts. The first one has already been mentioned about helping Willis and carrying the most offensive plays. We saw against the Eagles that the Packers wouldn't give up the run as the first half was tough but Jacobs started to get some nice runs going in the second half. It's no secret the Packers will rely on Jacobs, but they can't start as slow as they did last week.

Another reason is that the Colts' run defense struggled in Week 1 against the Houston Texans. Former Cincinnati Bengals running back Joe Mixon had 30 carries for 159 yards and a touchdown. Finally, establishing a strong running game early on will not only ease the pressure on Willis but also help the Packers control the clock and keep the Indianapolis offense off the field. A heavy dose of Jacobs could limit the Colts' offense, especially if they want Anthony Richardson to find a rhythm.

3. Packers defense forces three turnovers

September 6, 2024; Sao Paulo, BRA; Green Bay Packers cornerback Zaire Alexander (23) runs during the second half against the Philadelphia Eagles at Neo Quimica Arena. Mandatory credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

The Packers' defense showed an ability to create turnovers in Week 1, forcing three takeaways against the Eagles. Now, this is the first time the Packers will see Richardson; However, he completed just 9-of-19 passes with few turnovers and a critical interception in their loss to the Texans. With Richardson's tendency to make mistakes under pressure, the Packers' front seven will aim to collapse the pocket and force quick decisions. If the defense can generate consistent pressure, they can easily get away with multiple interceptions or forced fumbles and help limit the pressure on Willis.

4. Romeo Dubs breakout game

GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN – JUNE 04: Romeo Dubs #87 of the Green Bay Packers participates in drills during Green Bay Packers minicamp at Ray Nitschke Field on June 04, 2024 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Stacey Revere/Getty Images)

Last week, it was the Jayden Reed show but given the current state of the wide receiver room, anyone could explode for a huge play. In a Week 2 matchup against the Colts, it could be Romeo Dubs, who has developed a strong chemistry with Willis so far in practice.

Like their run game, the Colts passing game has struggled against the Texans and is dealing with injuries in their secondary. Dubs has shown in the past that he's a reliable target on both short and deep routes, and given Willis' versatility, Dubs could approach Willis.

5. Rashaan Gary recorded two sacks

(Photo by Quinn Harris/Getty Images)

Rashaan Gary made his presence felt in Week 1 by recording a sack against the Eagles. To help the offense and lead the defense to better performances, Gary is a player the Packers will have to lean on.

The Colts' offensive line struggled to protect Richardson in Week 1 as he was sacked four times, rushed on several occasions and played a factor in Richardson's errant throws. As a result, Richardson played a lot outside the pocket and was forced to run the ball

If Gary can build on his Week 1 performance, he could record multiple sacks and force Richardson to rush throws or make costly mistakes. His ability to disrupt the Colts' offensive rhythm, give the Packers bounce-back performances and help Willis and the offense to collapse the pocket could be key.