NFL
By: Matt Brunelli
With the 2025 NFL season just days away, I wanted to share my five predictions for the Green Bay Packers.
Prediction 1: Matthew Golden Wins Offensive Rookie of the Year
I believe rookie wide receiver Matthew Golden will win the Offensive Rookie of the Year award. With fewer elite rookie quarterbacks this year, a wide receiver or running back has a legitimate chance to claim this honor. Golden was my top-ranked wide receiver during the draft process, and his elite playmaking abilities shine through during the preseason and offseason training. I fully expect Matthew Golden to become the Packers’ WR1 by Week 9.
Prediction 2: Rashan Gary Reaches Double-Digit Sacks
For my second prediction, I believe Rashan Gary will finally achieve double-digit sacks in a season. Entering his seventh NFL season, Gary has yet to surpass nine sacks in a single year, though he has come close with multiple nine-sack seasons. With the significant addition of Micah Parsons to the Green Bay Packers and the reported improvement of Lukas Van Ness this offseason, I see a massive breakout year for Gary.
Prediction 3: Romeo Doubs Traded at the NFL Trade Deadline
My third prediction is that Romeo Doubs will be traded at the NFL trade deadline. For the first time in years, the Green Bay Packers have a crowded wide receiver room. The competition is so intense that former wide receiver Bo Melton had to switch to cornerback to make the 53-man roster. Last season, Doubs was benched for a game after missing practice due to dissatisfaction with his target share. I can see this issue resurfacing with the additions of Matthew Golden and Savion Williams in the draft, along with Christian Watson’s return from an ACL injury by the trade deadline. The Packers don’t tolerate selfish play or diva personalities, and Aaron Rodgers has reportedly urged the Steelers to trade for Doubs this preseason. Given these factors, I predict the Packers will move on from Doubs to recoup draft picks from the Micah Parsons trade. While it won’t be a first-round pick, I could see a fourth- or fifth-round pick in return.
Prediction 4: Packers Reclaim the NFC North
My fourth prediction is that the Packers will regain their rightful place at the top of the NFC North and win the division. Last year, the Packers struggled with a 1-5 record in division play, narrowly avoiding 0-6 due to a blocked kick. This season, Matt LaFleur will take back the North with an elite defense and a strong offense led by Jordan Love. I predict the Packers will reverse their 1-5 divisional record to 5-1, starting with a strong win over the Detroit Lions in Week 1.
Prediction 5: Matt LaFleur Named Head Coach of the Year
My fifth and final prediction is that Matt LaFleur will finally be recognized on the national stage as Head Coach of the Year. Despite complaints from Packer fans and writers about LaFleur being overlooked during his tenure, he has been passed over for this honor. Critics have cited Aaron Rodgers’ presence or a weak NFC North as reasons to downplay his success, despite LaFleur being one of the most successful head coaches in his first six years. This is the year he finally gets the recognition he deserves!
