Packers’ offense set to pick up where it left off last season

By GERY WOELFEL

You can go to the bank today’s game between the Green Bay Packers and New Orleans Saints won’t be lacking fireworks.

The two teams have boasted some of the most explosive teams in the NFL in recent years. In fact, the Packers and Saints ranked first and fifth, respectively, in points per game last season. The Packers averaged a league-best 31.5 points and the Saints averaged 29.1 points.

The Packers will once again have their “Big Three’’ of Aaron Rodgers, Aaron Jones and Davante Adams at their disposal. With the aforementioned threesome leading the way, the Packers racked up at least 34 points in eight of their games last season. They lit up the scoreboard for 40 or more points on four occasions.

But as dangerous as the Packers were last season, they could be even scarier this season. Tight end Robert Tonyan is coming off a breakout season and should be even more comfortable in the system, and ditto for running back AJ Dillon, who figures to take the next step after fashioning a solid rookie season.  

And don’t overlook Amari Rodgers, the Packers’ third-round draft pick. He showed he’s capable of making big-time plays while at Clemson and should fit in beautifully with Packers coach Matt LaFleur’s always exquisite game plans.

As for the Saints, Hall of Fame in-waiting Drew Brees has hung up the cleats and standout receiver Michael Thomas won’t play today as he’s on the physically unable to perform list, recovering from ankle surgery.

Yet, Saint still have the electrifying Alvin Kamara, and Sean Payton is still their head coach, meaning he’ll figure out a way to keep his Saints a potent bunch.

All indications point to this being one of those games where the team which has the ball last wins.

Prediction: Packers 34, Saints 27