The preseason is over, the roster is set, and the 2026 Green Bay Packers season is finally here! On Episode #131 of Packers Blitz, John and Andy break down a wild stretch of Packers news before turning their attention to the Week 1 showdown against the Minnesota Vikings. There’s plenty to discuss — roster surprises, new additions, major questions on defense, the running back situation, and whether Jordan Love can carry the offense when Green Bay needs him most. The biggest concern heading into the season is the uncertainty surrounding Josh Jacobs. John and Andy discuss what his absence could mean for Green Bay's offense and why replacing one of the team's most important weapons won't be easy. With Jacobs potentially unavailable, the pressure shifts toward the rest of Green Bay's backfield — and especially Jordan Love. Green Bay hasn't stood still. John and Andy discuss the Packers' moves to strengthen the roster, including the addition of veteran tight end Jonnu Smith and the possibilities he could bring to Matt LaFleur's offense. Could Smith become a dangerous weapon on screens, underneath routes, and even jet-sweep concepts? The guys also break down Green Bay's trades and debate the decision to move quarterback Kyle McCord while adding depth at running back and tight end. Who deserved to make the team? Who was the biggest surprise? And where are the Packers still dangerously thin? John and Andy go position by position through Green Bay's final 53-man roster and examine the strengths and weaknesses heading into the regular season. One area remains a major concern: the secondary. The Packers made some surprising decisions at cornerback, including moving on from Damani Jackson, while John remains concerned about whether Green Bay has enough talent and depth on the back end of the defense. The Packers may have talent, but John and Andy aren't convinced everything is going to click immediately. The potential reliance on softer zone coverage raises concerns that Green Bay will allow opponents to move the football underneath consistently. That's particularly dangerous considering who's waiting in Week 1. It's Packers-Vikings to open the season. John and Andy break down the biggest Minnesota players Green Bay needs to worry about, including Justin Jefferson, Kyler Murray, Blake Cashman, Jalen Redmond, Andrew Van Ginkel, Brian O'Neill and Christian Darrisaw. Then they turn the tables and rank the Packers players who could have the biggest impact on Green Bay's season. Jordan Love sits at the center of the conversation. John believes Love has to become the difference-maker for this team. With Josh Jacobs unavailable, the Packers may have little choice but to put even more responsibility on their quarterback and let him take control of the offense. Don't expect homer predictions from Packers Blitz. Despite being die-hard Packers fans, both John and Andy pick Minnesota to win Week 1. Andy: Vikings 27, Packers 23 Andy believes Green Bay's defensive concerns, playing at U.S. Bank Stadium, and the absence of key Packers players could be too much to overcome. John: Vikings 28, Packers 20 John's biggest concern is the secondary. He expects Minnesota's passing weapons to create serious matchup problems if Green Bay's defense isn't ready.Can the Packers prove them wrong? John and Andy discuss the Josh Jacobs situation, Green Bay's latest roster moves and trades, Jonnu Smith's potential role, the final 53-man roster, concerns about the secondary and defensive scheme, the top Packers and Vikings players to watch, Jordan Love's importance to the offense, and their Week 1 Packers-Vikings predictions. Packers Blitz delivers Green Bay Packers football from the perspective of two die-hard fans who aren't afraid to criticize their favorite team when they think something isn't right. No sugarcoating. No corporate talking points. Just Packers
