The Green Bay Packers have given Jordan Love quite the weapon in 2025 NFL Draft first round pick Matthew Golden.
Selected with the No. 23 overall pick out of Texas, Golden is not just a burner with big-play ability, but also a tremendous route runner who competes for the ball and can outrun any defender when he hits top gear.
Packers rookie has a golden opportunity to shine
In Green Bay, Golden adds excitement to a receiver group that will start the season without Christian Watson who is still recovering from a season-ending ACL injury. There’s a great opportunity for Golden to be gold with the Packers and compete for NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year. It didn’t start off so great in Week 1. Golden had just two receptions for 16 yards in his NFL debut against the Detroit Lions but expect a better performance in Week 2.
Although limited by an ankle injury to start the week of practice, Golden should be a full go when the Packers face off against the Washington Commanders on Thursday Night football.
One of the storylines in this game will be whether the Packers find a way to get Golden some opportunities down the field.
Washington Commanders (1-0) vs Green Bay Packers (1-0) game details: How to watch, odds
- Date: Sunday, September 7, 2025 | Time: 8:15 p.m. ET
- Location: Lambeau Field – Green Bay, Wisconsin
- TV: Prime Videok NFL+ | Live Stream: Fubo TV (try for free)
- Betting Odds: Packers -3.5; over/under 48.5 (via DraftKings)
Matthew Golden vs Commanders’ secondary
The Commanders were ranked 10th in opponent passing yards after Week 1 with 157 yards allowed, but that was against the New York Giants. When Love and the Packers’ offense goes up against the Commanders, expect Green Bay to attack and test Washington’s secondary down the field. That is where Golden should emerge and show the rest of the NFL just why he is a rookie to watch in 2025.
Bold prediction: The Packers will spread the ball around, so there won’t be too many catches for Golden in this game, but when Love and the rookie receiver does connect, expect a couple of big plays of 20-plus yards and a touchdown for Golden. The Packers will outlast the Commanders in this game in a 31-20 win.