The Packers are a popular choice to make the Super Bowl this year
The Green Bay Packers should have high expectations riding into the 2022 season. The team returns quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who comes back from back-to-back MVP seasons. The Packers have had three straight 13-win regular seasons. The only thing the team has missed out on is a trip to the Super Bowl.
If media predictions are correct, that will change this season. Forecasts for the regular season by NFL analysts are buzzing this week as the first NFL game will be played Thursday night. The Packers have been an overwhelming choice to be the NFC representative in Super Bowl LVII.
Matt Schneidman covers the Packers for The Athletic. He made a bold prediction that includes the team making a long playoff run:
I’m going to stick with the same prediction I made this summer and say the Packers beat the Ravens in the Super Bowl. Rodgers goes out like Michael Strahan with the Giants and retires on top, securing that elusive second ring and cementing his legacy as one of the most talented (which he already has shown) and best to ever do it.
Really bold here. Not sure if Rodgers would retire, even if this would be the perfect “swan song.” He enjoys playing football and the spotlight too much to give it up while playing this good.
National Media takes the Packers
Sports Illustrated’s staff went ham on the Packers. Seven of eight writers chose the Packers to make the Super Bowl. The only other NFC team chosen was the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Packers were the choice of three USA Today analysts to make it to February. Three writers at The Ringer also love the Packers’ chances to play for it all.
Can the Packers live up to the hype and make the Super Bowl?
The Packers are an obvious choice in a weak NFC. Their roster is one of the strongest in the league–with the exception of the wide receivers unit. What makes this team special is their defense. If head coach Matt LaFleur and Rodgers use their talents to elevate the offense, the defense will be enough to carry them in the playoffs. A top defense with an MVP-level quarterback is a lethal combination.
This team should be able to outduel teams from the NFC East and North. The Packers’ most significant competition will be from the Buccaneers and Los Angeles Rams. Rodgers should be able to get the best of Tom Brady this year. If healthy, the Rams are the best competition for the Packers in the NFC this year.
