The Green Bay Packers, with a record of 10-9, enter the upcoming season with high hopes after a surprising NFC divisional playoffs run with the youngest roster in the NFL. The team aims for a shot at the Super Bowl, a title they last won in 2010. Quarterback Jordan Love, coming off an impressive late-season performance as a first-year starter, threw for 4,159 yards and 32 touchdowns. The Packers have high expectations for Love, who had a notable 21-1 touchdown-interception ratio during a crucial nine-game stretch, including an upset win over Dallas in the wild-card game. The team looks to improve its defense under new coordinator Jeff Hafley, the former Boston College head coach.
New additions to the Packers roster include Jeff Hafley, S Javon Bullard, LB Edgerrin Cooper, LB Ty’Ron Hopper, RB Josh Jacobs, RB MarShawn Lloyd, G Jordan Morgan, S Xavier McKinney, and S Evan Williams. Key losses for the team include OT David Bakhtiari, defensive coordinator Joe Barry, LB De’Vondre Campbell, K Anders Carlson, and others.
Strengths of the team lie in Love’s performance late last season, securing the belief that the Packers have a strong future at the quarterback position. Love will have a young and talented group of receivers, including Jayden Reed, Romeo Doubs, Christian Watson, and Dontayvion Wicks. The defense is anchored by three-time Pro Bowl selection Kenny Clark and bolstered by the addition of S Xavier McKinney alongside two-time Pro Bowl CB Jaire Alexander. Despite the departure of RB Aaron Jones, the team is confident in the ability of RB Josh Jacobs to run effectively.
Weaknesses for the Packers include uncertainties in the kicking game after releasing underperforming K Anders Carlson. The backup quarterback situation is also a concern, leading to the acquisition of Malik Willis from the Tennessee Titans. The team hopes to address these issues for a more robust season.
During camp, first-round pick G Jordan Morgan initially slated for left tackle found a position at right guard due to a shoulder injury. The Packers are exploring options at right guard after the departure of Jon Runyan Jr., showing confidence in Rasheed Walker, a 2022 seventh-round pick.
Fantasy players should keep an eye on RB Josh Jacobs, who aims to bounce back after a challenging previous season. Despite not likely matching his past performance, Jacobs is anticipated to be a top-10 running back for fantasy purposes. The team’s odds stand at 16-1 to win the Super Bowl with an over/under win projection of 9 1/2, as per BetMGM Sportsbook.