The Green Bay Packers face a high-stakes Week 2 showdown at MetLife Stadium, desperate to avoid a disastrous 0-2 start following a shocking collapse in Week 1.
Must-win games don't exist in Week 2 in the NFL, but it certainly feels like the Green Bay Packers are treading on that territory as they take on the New York Jets.
Starting 0-2 and making the playoffs in the NFL is a rare feat. We're talking about less than 11% of teams in NFL history that have been able to do that.
It's not just the loss, though; it's how it happened. The Packers absolutely collapsed in Week 1 against the Minnesota Vikings, and let's not forget that Carson Wentz was Minnesota's quarterback for most of the game.
If the Packers lose to the Jets here, they'd not only fall to 0-2, but they'd do it against the gauntlet of Wentz and...checks notes...Geno Smith.
No offense to either of those quarterbacks, but back to back losses to Wentz and Smith in 2026 feels a lot different than back-to-back L's against Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson.
One of those you can stomach, and it's not the first pair.
Again, must-wins don't exist in the NFL this early in a season, but the Packers need to win this game. If not, it feels like jobs could be on the line.
Here's everything you need to know about this Week 2 contest against the Jets.
Packers vs. Jets Week 2 Preview
Oct 16, 2022; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur during the game against the New York Jets at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports.Location:
Metlife Stadium (East Rutherford, New Jersey)
Game Time:
12:00 PM Lambeau Time
TV Channel:
FOX
Packers Injury Report:
Questionable: Zach Bako-Bewele (Knee), Aaron Banks (Knee), Benjamin St-Juste (Knee)
Out: Warren Brinson (Calf), Javon Hargrave (Knee/Concussion)
Jets Injury Report:
Questionable: Will McDonald IV (Ankle)
Out: Omar Cooper Jr. (Ankle), Minkah Fitzpatrick (Groin), Kene Nwangwu (Back), Joseph Ossai (Foot)
Betting Odds:
Packers -3.5, per DraftKings
Key Matchup: Packers running back MarShawn Lloyd vs. the Jets defensive front
The Packers need to get something going with their running game, and if MarShawn Lloyd is going to be anywhere near the running back they think he can be if he stays healthy, this would be a good time to start showing it.
In Week 1 against the Vikings, Lloyd rushed 13 times for 37 yards on just 2.8 yards per carry. Perhaps more importantly for him, though, is the fact that he stayed healthy for the first time in his NFL career.
The Jets and head coach Aaron Glenn's defense allowed just 68 total rushing yards to the Tennessee Titans in their Week 1 win, and they've got some legitimate talent up from. That's not to mention legitimate beef.
T'Vondre Sweat checks in at 6-foot-4, 366 pounds. Harrison Phillips is 6-foot-3, 307 pounds. Oh, and there's also this Kingsley Enagbare dude, who is decent against the run (and already has one sack on the season, for what it's worth).
Glenn is going to do everything he can to stonewall Lloyd and take away the Packers running game. If the Pack can't get it going on the ground for the second straight week, that means it will be, once again, open season on quarterback Jordan Love.
Key Quote: Packers center Sean Rhyan on the gameplan this week against the Jets
"F$#%&#@ protect J-Love and F$(%*$# move the ball," Rhyan said.
Prediction:
Packers 31, Jets 10
