Packers Wire Podcast

The guys discuss the Packers' defensive dominance under new coordinator Joe Barry, grade Jordan Love's first career start and look ahead to Packers-Vikings with game predictions. Hosted by Ryan O'Leary (@RyanO_Leary) with Packers Wire Managing Editor Zach Kruse (@zachkruse2)

The guys react to the latest Aaron Rodgers drama and look ahead to what is expected to be Jordan Love's first career start. They also discuss last Thursday night's memorable win over the Cardinals and look ahead to Packers-Chiefs with picks against the spread. Hosted by Ryan O'Leary (@RyanO_Leary) with Packers Wire Managing Editor Zach Kruse (@zachkruse2)

Steve Bortstein filling in for Ryan O'Leary. Looking back at an emotional Packers win over the Bears as well as a rejuvenated running game plus a look at this Sunday's home game against the Washington Football team. 

In what was a wild Wednesday, the Packers and former Patriots' cornerback Stephon Gilmore reportedly shared mutual interest before Gilmore was abruptly traded to Carolina for a sixth-round pick. Did the Packers explore every option to get Gilmore to Green Bay? Did they miss a golden opportunity to add an All-Pro corner for this year's Super Bowl run? The guys tackle those topics, along with new Packers LB Jaylon Smith, Aaron Rodgers' potential interest in joining the Steelers and a Packers-Bengals preview with picks against spread. Hosted by Ryan O'Leary (@RyanO_Leary) with Packers Wire Managing Editor Zach Kruse (@zachkruse2).

The guys discuss the Packers' thrilling win at San Francisco and what it means for the team as it gears up for another run at the Super Bowl. Topics include Rodgers' wild reaction to Mason Crosby's game-winner, thoughts on the QB's future and a Packers-Steelers preview with picks against the spread. Hosted by Ryan O'Leary (@RyanO_Leary) with Packers Wire Managing Editor Zach Kruse (@zachkruse2)

For Packers fans, draft weekend was overshadowed by unsettling reports of QB Aaron Rodgers wanting out. Packers Wire editor Zach Kruse gives his take on the latest developments. How did we get here? Is there even a chance for a resolution? The guys tackle all the Rodgers drama before hitting on the Packers’ 2021 draft class. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Draft Wire editor Luke Easterling, with host Ryan O’Leary, give their final takes on Day 1 of the NFL Draft. Could Micah Parsons tumble to the Steelers at pick No. 24? Are the Patriots poised to make a move for their quarterback of the future? Will Patrick Surtain make it past the top 10 picks after the Broncos’ trade for QB Teddy Bridgewater? Elijah Moore or Alex Leatherwood for the Packers at pick No. 30? Happy draft weekend everybody! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The last time the Packers had 10 selections entering draft weekend, they scored the franchise’s best rookie class in recent memory. The guys take a look back at the Packers’ stellar class of 2019, and discuss why the number of picks may be the same for 2021, but the team’s draft capital is not. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The guys react to recent comments by Aaron Rodgers about his future with the Packers, and GM Brian Gutekunst on moving up and down the draft board. Also, three positions of need the Packers should address by the end of Day 2. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Luke Easterling, editor of The Draft Wire, joins host Ryan O’Leary to tackle a variety of topics, including Luke’s most recent mock draft and how he sees things shaking up for the Packers on Day 1. The guys also give their takes on Aaron Rodgers and his stint as the interim host of “Jeopardy!” See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With the calendar turning to April, the guys take a closer look at Day 1 of the draft and what the Packers’ options could be at No. 29. They could easily find themselves taking the fourth or fifth receiver on the board. They could also find plenty of value on the defensive side of the football. Also, the latest on Aaron Rodgers and the unsolved mystery that is his contract situation. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The biggest mystery of the Packers’ offseason lasted another week and grabbed national headlines: What is going on with Aaron Rodgers’ contract? The Packers could have worked out a restructure weeks ago to create valuable salary cap space. The two sides could always come to an agreement on an extension that will pay the reigning league MVP and ensure he retires as a Packer. Team could also put a plan in motion to usher in a new era featuring first-round draft pick Jordan Love as soon as 2022. The guys address the latest on this ongoing story, discuss the team’s latest free agency moves, and hit on the one position everyone seems to expect the Packers to address on Day 1 of the NFL Draft. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The guys discuss Aaron Jones’ new four-year contract with the Packers, and why this deal was a win-win for the team and the player. Other topics include the Packers’ new 1-2 punch at running back, and the team’s apparent reluctance to restructure Aaron Rodgers’ contract to address his league-high cap hit for 2021. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The franchise tag deadline came and went this week, and true to form, the Packers declined to use it. That means star running back Aaron Jones could test free agency when the new league year officially begins next week. The guys cover both sides of the Jones situation, and discuss possible next steps for the Packers in free agency. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the return of the Packers Wire Podcast for the 2021 season, the guys react to GM Brian Gutekunst’s latest media availability, and preview how the Packers could approach one of the most unique offseasons in NFL history. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Packers fielded one of the best teams in franchise history in 2020, but all that’s left to discuss is another painful, all-too-familiar ending. The guys discuss the team’s many failures in the NFC Championship Game, and why Aaron Rodgers’ future with the team is suddenly dominating all the national headlines. We know this roster will look much different in 2021. How concerned should Packers’ fans be about the quarterback? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Aaron Rodgers said this week that he isn’t feeling any extra pressure with Tom Brady and the Bucs coming to Lambeau Field for the NFC Championship Game. Should he? The guys discuss Rodgers’ legacy and what could be a problematic matchup with a Buccaneers team that handled the Packers during the regular season. Episode 21 of the Packers Wire podcast is powered by the USA Today Sports Media Group, with sports betting advice for the NFL playoffs from the Sportsbook Wire. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fresh off their first-round bye, the Packers are preparing to host the Rams in the second round of the NFC playoffs. The guys break down the key matchups, including Davante Adams vs. shut-down corner Jalen Ramsey, and Aaron Donald vs. … everyone in his path. Also, how the Packers could use their secondary options to attack the Rams’ stout defense, and thoughts on the NFL’s first “Super Wild-Card Weekend.” Episode 20 of the Packers Wire podcast is powered by the USA Today Sports Media Group, with sports betting advice for the NFL playoffs from the Sportsbook Wire. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Packers will be exactly where they hoped to be during the first weekend of the NFL playoffs — home watching all the drama unfold as the top seed in the NFC. The Packers are one of the odds-on favorites to win this year’s title. That doesn’t mean it will be easy to maneuver a path that could include dates with future Hall of Famers Tom Brady, Drew Brees and Patrick Mahomes. The guys discuss Green Bay’s Week 17 win over the Bears, and exactly which teams Packers’ fans should be rooting for during wild-card weekend. Episode 19 of the Packers Wire podcast is powered by the USA Today Sports Media Group, with sports betting advice for the NFL playoffs from the Sportsbook Wire. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Packers stand one win from clinching the NFC’s No. 1 seed following their blowout win over the Titans on Sunday night. The guys react to a Green Bay defense that rose to the challenge against star rusher Derek Henry, discuss the team’s acquisition of run-stuffing defensive tackle Snacks Harrison, and preview the Packers’ Week 17 game in Chicago against a Bears team that’s still fighting to secure a playoff berth. Episode 18 of the Packers Wire podcast is powered by the USA Today Sports Media Group, with a fantasy segment from The Huddle and sports betting advice from the Sportsbook Wire. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Esten McLaren, associate editor of the Sportsbook Wire, joins host Ryan O’Leary to cover all the betting angles for the Packers’ Week 16 showdown against the Titans. The guys also highlight some potential fantasy studs in this matchup, including one Packers player who was egregiously left off this year’s NFC Pro Bowl roster. Episode 17 of the Packers Wire podcast is powered by the USA Today Sports Media Group, with a fantasy segment from The Huddle and sports betting advice from the Sportsbook Wire. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With Sunday’s win over the Lions — and the Saints’ stunning loss to Philadelphia — the Packers now control their own destiny for the No. 1 seed in the NFC. For Aaron Rodgers, that just might be the difference-maker in his quest for a second Super Bowl title. Host Ryan O’Leary and Packers Wire editor Zach Kruse discuss first-place Green Bay and drop a handful of stats that should leave any football fan in awe. Episode 16 of the Packers Wire podcast is powered by the USA Today Sports Media Group, with a fantasy segment from The Huddle and sports betting advice from the Sportsbook Wire. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Could Aaron Rodgers win MVP with favorite target Davante Adams alongside him as the Offensive Player of the Year? That might be a stretch with guys like Patrick Mahomes in the mix, but the stats tell the story of the Packers’ dominant year on offense. Host Ryan O’Leary and Packers Wire editor Zach Kruse discuss Rodgers, Adams, and introduce their Nitpick of the Week: Packers punting. Episode 15 of the Packers Wire Podcast is powered by USA TODAY Sports and includes fantasy football smart plays from The Huddle.com, and sports betting advice from USA TODAY Sportsbook Wire. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Green Bay romped the division rival Bears yet again, and now they’re holding down the No. 2 spot in the conference standings behind New Orleans. Host Ryan O’Leary and Packers Wire editor Zach Kruse discuss Green Bay’s third-down efficiency, the Packers’ path to a first-round playoff bye, and the potential impact of new wide receiver Tavon Austin. Episode 14 of the Packers Wire Podcast is powered by USA TODAY Sports and includes fantasy football smart plays from The Huddle.com, and sports betting advice from USA TODAY Sportsbook Wire. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Indianapolis Colts are one of the best three-phase teams in the league, and while the Packers could hang offensively, it was the defense and especially the special teams that did them in. Host Ryan O’Leary and Packers Wire editor Zach Kruse break down Green Bay’s overtime defeat. The guys also give their takes on polarizing wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Thanksgiving Day football, and the Packers’ upcoming date with division rival Chicago. This podcast is powered by USA Today Sports and includes fantasy picks of the week from The Huddle, and sports betting advice from the Sportsbook Wire. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Packers are currently the top team in the NFC, but as of Thursday morning, they were 2-point underdogs in an interesting road spot against the Colts. Host Ryan O’Leary and Packers Wire editor Zach Kruse discuss Packers-Cots, Aaron Jones’ future and Green Bay’s sudden lack of execution when playing in bad weather this year. This podcast is powered by USA Today Sports and includes fantasy advice from The Huddle, as well as a sports betting pick of the week from The Sportsbook Wire. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In a tough spot on Thursday night, the Packers dusted the undermanned 49ers and now are the odds-on favorites to finish as the top seed in the NFC. Host Ryan O’Leary and Packers Wire editor Zach Kruse discuss offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett, Aaron Rodgers, Davante Adams and the current state of the NFC playoff picture. Powered by USA TODAY Sports with fantasy advice from The Huddle and the sports betting pick of the week from The Sportsbook Wire. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Packers' defense got gashed by yet another running back, and now the get the run-heavy 49ers on the road on a short week. The guys discuss the Packers chances at covering a 6-point spread, the 49ers' injuries, Green Bay's COVID-19 situation and more! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Packers, at 5-1, currently occupy the No. 1 spot in the NFC standings, and their schedule looks favorable the rest of the way. Ryan O'Leary and Packers Wire editor Zach Kruse discuss the NFC playoff picture, and one key trade target the Packers should consider at the deadline. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Coming off a bye week, the Packers got punched in the mouth and had no response for the Bucs in a 38-10 beat down on Sunday. Packers Wire editor Zach Kruse sees some considerable holes in the defense, with no easy fix. With Week 7 fantasy football advance from USA TODAY's The Huddle, along with sports bettering picks of the week from the Sportsbook Wire. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We may not have many of these matchups left — Tom Brady vs. Aaron Rodgers. Host Ryan O'Leary breaks down Sunday's marquee matchup with Bucs Wire editor Luke Easterling. Also, 5 questions from around the NFL with Marcus Mosher of the Raiders Wire. (With fantasy football advice from The Huddle, and sports betting tips of the week from The Sportsbook Wire.) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Green Bay Packers are 4-0 — and quarterback Aaron Rodgers is putting up super-human numbers. The Packers' future Hall of Famer QB is on pace for 52 TDs and 0 interceptions in second-year coach Matt LaFleur's offense. Host Ryan O'Leary and Packers Wire editor Zach Kruse discuss the Rodgers Revival that's taking place right now in Green Bay. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Minus his No. 1 wide receiver, Aaron Rodgers and the Packers put on another offensive clinic in Sunday night's win at New Orleans. Green Bay has now scored a ridiculous 122 points in three games. So how on earth does it seem that Rodgers if flying under the radar nationally? Host Ryan O'Leary and Packers Wire editor Zach Kruse discuss all that and more. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Another week, another dominating victory for the Packers, who are 2-0 and leading the NFL in almost every major offensive category. Host Ryan O'Leary and Packers Wire editor Zach Kruse discuss Sunday's blowout win over the Lions, red-hot running back Aaron Jones, and this week's interesting betting line as the Packers head to New Orleans to play the scuffling Saints. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Host Ryan O'Leary and Packers Wire editor Zach Kruse break down Green Bay's 43-34 win over the Vikings, and discuss what made Aaron Rodgers' performance (32-of-44 passing for 364 yards and 4 TDs) so special inside an empty U.S. Bank Stadium. Could the future Pro Football Hall of Famer be extra motivated and primed for a monster season? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Aaron Rodgers has plenty to prove this season as he looks to lead the Packers back to the NFC Championship Game. Host Ryan O'Leary and Packers Wire editor Zach Kruse discuss the Packers' QB and breakdown Sunday's matchup of NFC North rivals. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Host Ryan O’Leary and The Huddle’s Cory Bonini weigh the top fantasy questions surrounding the Green Bay Packers, including why it might be best to let Aaron Rodgers slide down draft boards, where Aaron Jones fits in the RB pecking order, and some possible Packer sleepers.    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ryan O' Leary hosts the Packers Wire Podcast beginning September 3 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.