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The Green Bay Packers face the Buffalo Bills in Week 3 of the NFL’s preseason schedule. While fans won’t see Aaron Rodgers and Josh Allen, the quarterback duel between Mitch Trubisky and Jordan Love are among the matchups we’re looking at in our Packers vs Bills preview.
Find out where the Packers and Bills land in Sportsnaut’s NFL power rankings
Packers vs Bills: What you need to know
- The Bills host the Packers at Highmark Stadium on Saturday, August 28 at 1:00 p.m. EST on NFL Network, Packers TV Network and WIVB
- Sportsnaut says the Bills defeat the Packers, 24-13
- Odds: Bills are 9.5-point favorites with the over/under at 37
Jordan Love vs Mitch Trubisky
With Aaron Rodgers likely headed out the door next offseason, Green Bay needs to know exactly what it has in Love. Through two preseason games and a full training camp, the results are rather mixed. Saturday’s Packers vs Bills contest is Love’s final shot to prove he is almost ready to become the face of an NFL franchise.
On the other side of the field, a quarterback who didn’t live up to his first-round status. Trubisky certainly seems more relaxed in Buffalo and the environment is likely far better for his future. In the Bills’ dream 2021 scenario, Trubisky never sees the field after August. So, this is one of his last shots to prove he has the tools to start.
- Love is Complicated: After a sharp preseason debut, reports emerged that Green Bay still isn’t sold on Love as the long-term solution. Preseason games should be relatively easy for talented quarterbacks, especially when they play in a QB-friendly scheme and face backups. If Love doesn’t shine, Rodgers gains more leverage and the Packers’ front office comes under even more scrutiny.
- Redemption Song: Maybe Trubisky’s NFL career looks a lot different if he doesn’t get drafted by Chicago. Buffalo is the ideal environment for him right now, with a strong cast of weapons and an excellent coaching staff. He just turned 27 and if Trubisky caps off the preseason with a great showing, it will be remembered next spring.
Click here for our Green Bay Packers preview and 2021 predictions
Advantage: Jordan Love
Gabriel Davis vs Eric Stokes
Gabriel Davis is easily one of the most underrated wide receivers in recent draft classes. He displayed excellent speed in his rookie season and proved to be an even bigger contributor than anyone expected. With uncertainty around Cole Beasley’s future and Emmanuel Sanders known for durability issues, opportunity awaits.
Click here for our Buffalo Bills preview and 2021 predictions
This also means Eric Stokes has a great opportunity on Saturday. He’s faced receivers like Davis before, some even better. Of course, Green Bay’s first-round pick is still learning the finer points of the position and experience matters. With that said, this will be a fun matchup.
- Here He Comes: Defenses will be so focused on Sanders and Stefon Diggs this season that Davis can’t take advantage of one-on-one coverage in space. He might not see that benefit in the preseason finale, but this is another showcase game for him. Keep an eye on Davis as a 2021 breakout star.
- Opportunity Knocks: Davante Adams took Stokes to school at the start of training camp. Since that ugly stretch, the rookie has made adjustments and is earning respect from veterans at the Packers’ training camp. If he caps off his first preseason with a great showing, maybe even an interception, Kevin King’s hold on the No. 2 corner spot might slip away.
Advantage: Buffalo Bills
Bills’ rookie pass rushers vs. Packers’ offensive line
This is one of the more unheralded matchups in Saturday’s Packers vs Bills contest. On one side, Buffalo’s rookie edge rushers are making some noise in their first months on the job. Meanwhile, Green Bay is shuffling its offensive line to deal with injuries.
Will the Packers or Bills win the Super Bowl? Find out in our NFL playoff projections
- Rookie Sensation: We thought Gregory Rousseau would be a multi-year project, clay that needed to be mold into a great pass rusher. But per The Athletic’s Matthew Fairburn, Rousseau is one of the best defenders in camp this year. While the transition hasn’t been as smooth for Boogie Basham, he can reverse that trend against Green Bay.
- Set the Edge: Injuries have forced the Packers to move guys around. Elgton Jenkins, a future All-Pro guard, is holding his own at left tackle. On the other side, Billy Turner and Dennis Kelly are dependable. While Jenkins might rest in Week 3, to protect Rodgers’ blindside, Turner, Kelly and Yosh Nijman should all see the field against Buffalo’s defensive front.
Advantage: Buffalo Bills
The bottom line: The Packers vs Bills game will be one of the best in Week 3. Jordan Love vs Mitch Trubisky offers plenty of promise as both quarterbacks have enough talent to make plays. There will also be intriguing matchups in the trenches and young players on the outside to keep an eye on throughout the contest.