The Green Bay Packers and Denver Broncos will meet Sunday for just the eighth time since the two teams faced off in Super Bowl XXXII. After beating the rival Chicago Bears at Lambeau Field last week, the Packers are headed on the road to play an uncommon AFC opponent who is riding a 10-game win streak into the Week 15 showdown at Empower Field at Mile High. With a win, the Packers can become the first team to beat the Broncos since Week 3 and the first road team to win a game in this series since Brett Favre hit Greg Jennings for a game-winning touchdown in overtime in 2007.
Here’s how the staff at Packers Wire believes the Week 15 showdown with the Broncos will go down:
Zach Kruse: Packers 20, Broncos 17 (9-3-1)
My mind has gone back and forth on this outcome all week. For a good while, I was convinced that the Packers offensive line would eventually be overwhelmed by a deep and disruptive Broncos front, especially in a noisy environment in Denver and especially if Josh Jacobs can’t go or is limited. Maybe that is still going to happen. But the guess here is this will be a low scoring, back-and-forth defensive battle with some ugly moments, and at that point, the question becomes this: which quarterback do you trust more in a big spot late with the game on the line? Bo Nix has six game-winning drives this season, but Jordan Love is playing the position at an elite level, whether he needs to aggressively throw down field or manage the game down to down or find a big play in a big spot. He’s been terrific against the blitz. He’s dicing up man coverage. I think this is Love’s moment. Against an elite defense and on the road against an AFC contender, Love patiently keeps the Packers in the game and then delivers a signature play late.
Brandon Carwile: Broncos 20, Packers 14 (10-2-1)
The Packers are playing well, but I’m not sure I like this matchup for them. They’re on the road and playing in Denver, where the altitude can be a tough adjustment for opposing teams. Offensively, Green Bay has been able to lean on Christian Watson’s explosive playmaking, but that will be tough to count on this week if he’s being shadowed by Patrick Surtain II. Josh Jacobs’ knee is a concern, and if he doesn’t play, that will hinder Green Bay’s ability to move the ball. Both teams boast elite defenses, though the Broncos’ is probably more well-rounded. Getting pressure on Bo Nix will be crucial, but that could also prove to be difficult against Denver’s offensive line, regarded as one of the best in the league. I’m expecting a close, defensive battle, but I think the Packers’ win streak ends while the Broncos’ continues.
Mark Oldacres: Packers 24, Broncos 20 (10-2-1)
The Broncos defense is fantastic, but has not been tested all that much, facing the easiest schedule in the league according to DVOA. When Denver has faced high powered offenses, they’ve given up a reasonable amount of points, and Green Bay may be the best they’ve played this year. On the other side of the ball, Jeff Hafley’s looks capable of slowing Bo Nix and the Broncos offense down. This will be a great challenge for Green Bay on the road at altitude, but they match up pretty well with Denver.
Brennen Rupp: Packers 20, Broncos 17 (9-3-1)
A prediction inside a prediction. This is a Super Bowl preview. Two young, talented quarterbacks going head-to-head. Two talented defenses. Top flight pass rushers in Micah Parsons and Nik Bonitto. This Sunday I’m giving the edge to the Packers. Jordan Love is playing at a high-level right now and I think that continues in Denver. Give me the Packers in what will be a close affair.
