Zielinski: Packers will need a Herculean effort to beat Eagles

By DAN ZIELINSKI

The Green Bay Packers return to Lambeau Field for a Monday Night Football showdown with the Philadelphia Eagles, looking to rebound from a disappointing loss to Carolina and the season-ending injury to tight end Tucker Kraft.

While the Packers have shown flashes of potential this season, inconsistency and conservative play-calling under head coach Matt LaFleur have held the offense back. Too often, Green Bay has struggled to finish drives and capitalize in the red zone, despite the talent surrounding quarterback Jordan Love. With Kraft out, the Packers will need others — like Luke Musgrave and the running game — to step up and fill the void.

Defensively, slowing down Saquon Barkley and Jalen Hurts on the ground will be a major challenge.

If LaFleur can find a rhythm offensively and open up the playbook, the Packers have a chance to compete under the lights. But against a rested, well-rounded Eagles team, the margin for error is thin.

WHAT THE ODDSMAKERS ARE SAYING: Packers are favorites by 1 point.

DZ’S PREDICTION: Eagles 24, Packers 20.