Despite the disappointment in 2022, the Green Bay Packers recovered some poise in the 2023 NFL by making their 36th play-off with a 9-8 regular season. They will look to challenge for the NFC North title in September. A team that has the heritage of the most Championships in history has to be in the equation. NFL odds for a fifth Super Bowl may be a stretch.

The Packers were so close to a shot at glory in 2023, but mistakes in the red zone and dropped interceptions cost them in the divisional playoff. The 24-21 defeat by the San Francisco 49ers was a glimpse into a glittering future and an uncertain present. A young team came up short. Lessons were learned. The project is one of sustainable growth.

Jordan Love Moving Up a Grade

Jordan Love is probably going to be a megastar quarterback. When the result was on the line against the 49ers, his passing completion went west. However, the 25-year-old is following on from the legend of Aaron Rodgers. Rodgers, who is now with the Jets after 18 years at Lambeau Field, said that his successor “has all the talent in the world”. Love’s 32 touchdown passes across the campaign were only inferior to the Cowboys' Dak Prescott’s.

Chances of Green Bay Packers NFC Glory

The Packers’ odds of divisional glory are not unrealistic. Detroit are understandable favorites, having landed their first title in 30 years. However, Green Bay made up some ground and the difference between their 9-8 record and the Lions’ 12-5 could well be narrowed. The Packers have loaded up on safeties and linebackers, making them good favorites in many of the NFL betting picks.

Chicago’s strong finish in 2023 will make them another contender. That strength will be further boosted by the acquisition of Caleb Williams at quarterback. If Minnesota Vikings can finish like they started, they can burst into contention also, potentially with a newr QB,  J.J. McCarthy.

On a positive note, Green Bay were ahead of schedule in 2023 in what was a transitional season. Their incoming free agent running back Josh Jacobs will certainly set the tone, although new draft pick Marshawn Lloyd will be vying for the RB1 option. The headline signing is Xavier McKinney, who did not miss an entire snap in the whole of last season with the Giants.

Former safety trio Darnell Savage, Jonathan Owens and Rudy Ford have all moved on. To illustrate the step up in quality, McKinney enjoyed a season of 116 tackles, three interceptions and 11 passes defensed. In comparison, Owens and Savage contributed 124 tackles between them with zero interceptions and four passes defensed.

The squad pre-draft was one of the most youthful in the NFL. General Manager Brian Gutekunst had to look for some sharp signings that could tighten up a defense that is very vulnerable to electric attacks. Green Bay’s run defense has been stalling for some time. During the five-year tenure of Matt LaFleur, no team has allowed more rushing yards per attempt.

Safety First Rules for Green Bay’s New Season

Javon Bullard from Georgia is a good choice for safety in most metrics. He has good coverage, superior pursuit speed and an excellent instinct for angles. Anthony Johnson will recover from a rough first year and with the cover of Ewan Williams, the case for safety first will provide more ballast.

Defensive coach Jeff Hafley is overseeing a switch from a 3-4 to a 4-3 base front to ensure that the leakage stops. He prefers a press-man defense and the recruits are swelling up in that direction.  Edgerrin Cooper has all the explosiveness needed of a linebacker. The Draft Network described him as someone who has “the ability to play on all three downs, and a defense in need of a highly instinctive athlete should evaluate Cooper among the premier linebackers in the class.” NFL odds for improved Packers security at the back is sound.

Gutekunst and Green Bay used the draft to create competition for places, adding value and talent. The wide receiver positions are balanced out with consistency from the likes of Romeo Doubs, Christian Watson, Jayden Reed and Dontayvion Wicks last season. Offensive Coach Adam Stenavich is confident that can be carried over, especially as rookies and second years are older and wiser.

Anders Carlson had a mixed season in place kicking. It’s not sustainable to miss the kind of kicks the current incumbent does. Veteran Greg Joseph and Jack Podlesny will be watching closely for opportunities.

LaFleur thinks the team is bonding well after minicamps. It’s the serious business of training camps next. NFL odds are pointing to another transition year that could take a further leap in the right direction.