Week 4 NFL futures odds, predictions: Packers ready to launch with Jordan Love nearing return
Even before Jordan Love went down with an MCL injury in Week 1, the Green Bay Packers made a trade before the season opener, acquiring Malik Willis from Tennessee to be the team’s backup quarterback.At the time, some questioned why Green Bay would give up a draft pick — even a seventh-rounder — for a quarterback who had flopped in his first two NFL seasons.But after going 2-0 as Love’s stand-in, Willis could end up saving Green Bay’s season of high expectations.Think the Dolphins or Chargers could use him right now? Or the Titans?In this week’s NFL futures column, I’m focused on the Packers and Love, who is on course to return Sunday to face the first-place Vikings at Lambeau Field.But before we get there, here’s a look at my growing NFL futures portfolio from the first three weeks:The NFC North might be the best division in the NFL this season, with the Vikings a surprise 3-0 and the Lions and Packers both at 2-1.
Minnesota is coming off impressive home wins over Super Bowl contenders San Francisco and Houston, but this week, the Vikings travel to Green Bay for their first real road test of the season.The Packers were panicked after a Week 1 loss to the Eagles, during which Love suffered his MCL injury.However, the quarterback pushed hard to play last week and looks to be a full go for this pivotal divisional matchup Sunday.It’s important to remember just how dominant Love was to finish last season.
So dominant, he came into this season tied for the fifth-shortest odds (14/1) to win NFL MVP.From Week 11 to Week 18 last year, Love had 23 passing touchdowns to just three interceptions.Over that span, he led all qualified quarterbacks in PFF’s passing grades and ranked second in EPA+CPOE composite.
Coach Matt LaFleur discovered how to make the youngest offense in the league tick, and Love set the league ablaze.Green Bay hired defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley in the offseason to fix a unit that struggled last year, and early returns are promisin...