“The Packers are a very good team,” Rank and Bhanpuri write. “And they will make the playoffs for the third straight time. Adding veteran running back Josh Jacobs to the offense worked out great last season, and rookie receiver Matthew Golden is going to be a stud this year. Plus, Jeff Hafley’s defense might actually be better than the group that ranked fifth overall in 2024.”
Golden’s impact on an offense that already thrives on explosiveness could spark the biggest improvement for Green Bay this season, and if the Packers’ young personnel on defense continues to develop, Hafley’s defense could make major strides, as well.
Given the young core that the Packers have built and the issues surrounding the Lions, uncertainty the Vikings are navigating with J.J. McCarthy taking over at quarterbacks and the potential growing pains the Bears may experience in Caleb Williams’ second season and first with new head coach Ben Johnson, Green Bay may be best positioned to make a deep run.
Green Bay Packers, Josh Jacobs
Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs (8) stiff-arms Houston Texans safety Eric Murray (23) during the third quarter of their game Sunday, October 20, 2024 at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin.