Insider makes Jordan Love prediction amid absence of Josh Jacobs

The Green Bay Packers will be down two key starters for the season opener and beyond, one on each side of the field.

Micah Parsons is still nursing the ACL injury he suffered last season and is targeting Week 6 as his potential return date.

Josh Jacobs, on the other hand, was placed on the Commissioner’s exempt list and won’t be able to practice or play until further notice.

As tough as that might be for the team’s aspirations, Sports Illustrated’s Bill Huber believes it gives Jordan Love the perfect opportunity to make an MVP case.

Jordan Love will have to do all the heavy lifting in Green Bay

“Statistically, Love could have a tremendous year – even an MVP-caliber year (he’s only 13th in the odds at FanDuel Sportsbook) – because some of the goal-line runs by Jacobs will become passes by Love,” Huber wrote.

Love has always been a polarizing figure in the league. The talent is evident, but he’s also made some erratic plays, and it feels like Matt LaFleur’s conservative play calling often has him on a short leash.

But with no certainty regarding the running game, LaFleur’s usually balanced offense will have to take more risks. Love is a gunslinger, and he’s earned the right to get more freedom on the field.

And with their superstar pass rusher also out for a while, this team’s best shot might be to outscore its opposition.

It’s been a while since the Packers had an MVP behind center, but Love can certainly reclaim that spot if given enough freedom.

Considering the context and the notable absences, watching him keep the undermanned Packers in contention early on in the season would certainly work wonders for his case, especially in the stacked NFC North.