Predictions for the Green Bay Packers have begun shifting in recent weeks. Earlier in the offseason, many people were writing them off because of the change that they made under center.
The Packers’ brain trust decided it was time to start the Jordan Love era. He is set to take over as the team’s starting quarterback, replacing Aaron Rodgers. Rodgers was traded to the New York Jets in the biggest blockbuster of the offseason.
With a change of that magnitude, it was easy to understand why people were skeptical of the success the Packers could have. No one knows what to expect from Love, a 2020 first-round pick who sat behind Rodgers for three seasons.
However, Love’s performance in training camp and preseason has people changing their tune. There are now analysts who believe that the Packers may be one of the more overlooked teams in the NFL heading into the 2023 season.
Over at ESPN, Seth Walder put together some bold predictions for each team in the NFL. For the Packers, the bold prediction that Walder made is that the NFC North division title will return to Green Bay.
“The Packers will win the NFC North. Is it so far-fetched? Love is supported by a strong offensive line and has at least one good receiver in Watson. This team has real talent defensively, too. And LaFleur got more than expected out of the Packers’ roster prior to last season.”
Last season it was the Minnesota Vikings who ran away with the NFC North, going 13-4. There are skeptics who believe their success was a fluke as they went undefeated in one-score games in the regular season and finished with a negative point differential.
The Detroit Lions are a popular team this offseason; will they be able to handle expectations for the first time in a long time? The Chicago Bears should be improved but are still in the earlier stages of their rebuild.
So, why not the Packers? They have the ingredients to success, possessing a strong running game and potentially dominant defense. Leaning on those two things will help take pressure off of Love in his first season as the starter.
A few months ago, selecting the Packers to win the NFC North would have gone beyond a bold prediction. But, with just a few days until the regular season kicks off, it is plausible should a few things break in Green Bay’s favor.
