The Packers hope to contend for the
Super Bowl. It starts with being better in their division
[August 29, 2025]
By STEVE MEGARGEE
GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) — Green Bay Packers (11-7)
Expectations
After making the playoffs with the NFL’s youngest season-opening
roster each of the last two years, the Packers are eager to make a
run at their first Super Bowl appearance since their 2010 title.
That starts with becoming more competitive in their division. Green
Bay went 1-5 in NFC North games last season. The Packers believe
they're capable of more and showed that with their bold move to
acquire Micah Parsons from the Dallas Cowboys just before the start
of the season. Landing one of the game's top pass rushers fills one
of their biggest needs and could help a good defense become great.
Until the Parsons acquisition, the Packers were having a relatively
quiet offseason in which their biggest free-agent additions were
former San Francisco 49ers OL Aaron Banks and ex-Las Vegas Raiders
CB Nate Hobbs. Banks will take over at left guard, with two-time Pro
Bowl selection Elgton Jenkins sliding over to center. Hobbs is
expected to help the Packers withstand the loss of two-time Pro Bowl
CB Jaire Alexander, who was released after playing just seven games
in each of the last two seasons. The Packers are optimistic that a
defense that improved a year ago in its first season under
coordinator Jeff Hafley will get even better now that players have
adjusted to his scheme. Green Bay’s hopes of a deep playoff run will
depend in part on whether Jordan Love stays healthy and recaptures
the form he showed late in the 2023 season. Love had a fine 2024,
but he didn’t make the leap that was expected of him.
New faces
Parsons, Banks, Hobbs, OL Anthony Belton, WR Matthew Golden, DL
Barryn Sorrell, WR Savion Williams.
Key losses
Alexander, DL Kenny Clark, QB coach Tom Clements, RB AJ Dillon, C
Josh Myers, DL TJ Slaton, CB Eric Stokes, LB Eric Wilson.
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Strengths
Josh Jacobs re-established himself as a Pro Bowl-caliber running
back last season. All-Pro selection Xavier McKinney leads an
outstanding safety group that also includes second-year players Evan
Williams and Javon Bullard. Now that the Packers have Parsons to
team up with Rashan Gary, their pass rush should go from
inconsistent to outstanding. Edgerrin Cooper was outstanding in a
part-time role as a rookie last year and can team up with Quay
Walker to form an exceptional linebacker tandem. Brandon McManus was
20 of 21 on field-goal attempts last season after joining the team
in mid-October.
Weaknesses
Although Green Bay already got accustomed to playing without
Alexander for much of the last two seasons, his exit leaves the
Packers lacking cornerback depth. Also, none of the remaining
cornerbacks on the roster has the coverage skills of a healthy
Alexander. Green Bay’s playoff loss to Philadelphia last season
exposed the Packers’ lack of offensive line depth, and that still
may be an issue.
Camp development
Golden spent training camp showing just why the Packers liked him
enough to make him the first wide receiver they’ve drafted in the
first round since Javon Walker in 2002. He seemingly made a
highlight-worthy play in every practice and capped the preseason
with a 39-yard reception that set up a touchdown. He figures to make
an immediate impact.
Fantasy player to watch
Tucker Kraft showed he was a tight end worth starting on fantasy
teams when he caught 50 passes for 707 yards and seven touchdowns as
a second-year pro. It wouldn’t be a surprise if he improves upon
those numbers this year and establishes himself as one of the top
half-dozen or so fantasy tight ends. One concern is that Kraft
delivered those big totals last year while injuries limited Luke
Musgrave to seven games. If Musgrave stays healthy and gives the
Packers two quality pass-catching tight ends, it could cut into
Kraft’s production.
BetMGM Sportsbook
Win Super Bowl: 13-1
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