The Green Bay Packers have a lot at stake in their week two game against the Indianapolis Colts, as both teams look to rebound from tough losses in week one.

The Packers are entering uncharted territory as there are questions about Jordan Love’s availability following his injury. It also doesn’t help that the defense allowed 34 points to the Philadelphia Eagles. Meanwhile, the Colts will look to build consistency with Anthony Richardson at quarterback while fixing their defensive issues, especially in the run game.

With so many storylines, this game has all the makings of an entertaining matchup. Here are five bold predictions that could determine the outcome of this crucial Week 2 matchup.

1. Malik Willis scores three touchdowns

Tennessee Titans quarterback Malik Willis (7) throws on the run against the Seattle Seahawks during their game at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Saturday, Aug. 17, 2024.

The former Tennessee Titan doesn’t have much experience, but he has played in eight games, starting three of them. He has completed 51 of 100 passes and thrown for 536 yards, with no touchdowns and three interceptions. Willis has 27 carries for 123 yards and one touchdown. You have to look back at his college career at Liberty, which made him an interesting NFL prospect. In his final season with the Flames, Willis totaled 2,857 passing yards, 27 passing touchdowns and 13 rushing touchdowns.

Packers head coach Matt LaFleur is used to having a backup quarterback in the starting lineup, as he started Jordan Love in Week 9 of 2021 against the Kansas City Chiefs and in 2018 with the Tennessee Titans when Blaine Gabbert played for the injured Marcus Mariota. In those games, LaFleur put the backup quarterback in a position to succeed as Love outplayed Patrick Mahomes but lost 13-7. Then the Titans finished the season 9-7 and narrowly missed the playoffs.

Willis hasn’t gotten many chances in the NFL, but this is the perfect opportunity to show what he can do. He has a lot of talent around him and a coach who can put him in the right position to make a play. Willis will show off his athleticism and ability to score two touchdowns, where he could likely score two touchdowns and throw one.

2. Josh Jacobs totals over 150 all-purpose yards

September 6, 2024; Sao Paulo, BRA; Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs (8) runs during the second half against the Philadelphia Eagles at Neo Quimica Arena. Mandatory Photo Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

It’s unlikely that Malik Willis will score three total touchdowns, especially considering how quickly he was thrown into the role of starting quarterback. One thing is certain, however: The Packers will rely on running back Josh Jacobs to handle the majority of the offense.

There are many reasons to believe Jacobs could have a monster game against the Colts. The first reason has already been mentioned, which is to help Willis and run most of the offensive plays. We saw against the Eagles that the Packers are not going to give up running as the first half was rough, but Jacobs started to make some nice runs in the second half. It’s no secret that the Packers depend on Jacobs, but they can’t get off to a slow start like they did last week.

Another reason is that the Colts’ run defense struggled in Week 1 against the Houston Texans. Former Cincinnati Bengals running back Joe Mixon had 30 carries for 159 yards and a touchdown. And finally, establishing a strong running game early will not only take the pressure off Willis, but it will also help the Packers control the clock and keep the Indianapolis offense off the field. A heavy dose of Jacobs could limit what the Colts’ offense can do, especially if they want Anthony Richardson to get into a rhythm.

3. Packers defense forces three turnovers

September 6, 2024; Sao Paulo, BRA; Green Bay Packers cornerback Jaire Alexander (23) runs during the second half against the Philadelphia Eagles at Neo Quimica Arena. Mandatory Photo Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

The Packers defense showed its ability to force turnovers in Week 1, forcing three turnovers against the Eagles. This is the first time the Packers will see Richardson. However, in their loss to the Texans, he completed just 9 of 19 passes, including a couple of overthrows and a crucial interception. Given Richardson’s tendency to make mistakes under pressure, the Packers’ front seven will look to crowd the pocket and force hasty decisions. If the defense can consistently generate pressure, they could easily score multiple interceptions or forced fumbles, limiting the pressure on Willis.

4. Romeo Doubs Breakout Game

GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN – JUNE 4: Romeo Doubs #87 of the Green Bay Packers participates in drills during the Green Bay Packers minicamp at Ray Nitschke Field on June 4, 2024 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)

Last week, it was the Jayden Reed show, but given the current situation in the wide receiver room, anyone could explode for a big game. In a Week 2 matchup against the Colts, it could be Romeo Doubs, who may have developed strong chemistry with Willis in practice so far.

Just like their running game, the Colts’ passing game struggled against the Texans and they’re battling injuries in their secondary. Doubs has shown in the past that he’s a reliable target on both short and long routes and given Willis’ versatility, Doubs could be Willis’ first choice.

5. Rashan Gary records two sacks

(Photo by Quinn Harris/Getty Images)

Rashan Gary made his presence felt in Week 1, recording a sack against the Eagles. To help the offense and lead the defense to better performance, Gary is a player the Packers will have to rely on.

The Colts offensive line struggled to protect Richardson in Week 1, as he was sacked four times, pressured multiple times, and was involved in Richardson’s missed throws. This also led to Richardson playing outside the pocket a lot and forcing himself to run the ball.

If Gary can build on his Week 1 performance, he’ll be in a great position to record multiple sacks and force Richardson into hasty throws or costly mistakes. His ability to squeeze the pocket could be crucial in disrupting the Colts’ offensive rhythm, allowing the Packers to mount a comeback effort and helping Willis and the offense.