Chris Gallagher | May 11th, 2020
The Green Bay Packers endured a lot of success in the 2019 season, although a little luck fell their way also. The Packers achieved a record of 8-1 in one-score games and had to make several plays in the final moments of games to seal victories. This strong record in these games ultimately led to an NFC North division title and a first-round bye. The Packers were able to knock off the Seattle Seahawks at Lambeau in the divisional round of the playoffs; however, their luck finally ran out in the NFC Championship game against the formidable San Francisco 49ers. The Packers were run off the field and embarrassed by the 49ers, losing 37-20 and giving up 285 rushing yards in a game that was never close.
Make sure to check out all of our other team bold predictions here.
Aaron Rodgers will win his third MVP trophy
Not one player this offseason has had more question marks around them then Rodgers. The Packers created turmoil with their star quarterback in the draft when instead of selecting a wide receiver, something that Rodgers had been clamoring for all offseason, the Packers took Utah State quarterback Jordan Love. The team has appeared to put a clock on Rodger’s time in Green Bay, with many questioning how many more years he has left in a Packer uniform. Ultimately, Rodgers will silence the critics this upcoming season by winning his third MVP trophy and proving everyone he’s still one of the best in the game.
The Packers miss the playoffs
The 2020 NFL season proves to be a disaster for the Packers as they struggle to gain any momentum amidst a tough schedule that sees them pay visits to New Orleans, Tampa Bay, and San Francisco. A difficult schedule and many holes on the roster ultimately proves to be too much to overcome for Rodgers and company. They end up never gaining any momentum on route to a disappointing season that sees them miss the playoffs, adding even more questions to the futures of general manager Brian Gutekunst and head coach Matt Lafleur.
The Packers defense finishes top five in the NFL
The last time the Packers defense finished top five in the NFL was in 2010. The 2020 season will see this streak come to an end. Led by a strong pass rush from outside linebackers Za’Darius and Preston Smith along with steady play in the secondary from ascending cornerback Jaire Alexander and second-year safety Darnell Savage Jr., the team finishes a top-five defensive unit in the NFL.
Two wide receivers on the team finish with over 1,000 receiving yards
A wide receiving core seen by many a few years ago as one of the best in the NFL has quickly fallen off due to the departures of players such as Jordy Nelson and Randall Cobb. The Packers struggled to find any contributions behind star wide receiver Davante Adams last season as Aaron Jones to finish second on the team in receptions. The upcoming season will see the end of this as both Adams and third-year wide receiver Allen Lazard will both finish over the 1,000 receiving yards mark.
Za’Darius Smith wins defensive player of the year
Smith had a breakout year in the 2019 season, recording 13.5 sacks along with 55 tackles, 17 of them being for a loss. This breakout season earned Smith his first-ever Pro Bowl appearance, but only a fifth-place finish on the AP All-Pro team. Smith also did not receive any votes for defensive player of the year in a loaded season full of standout campaigns led by players such as Stephon Gilmore, T.J. Watt, and Tre’Davious White. Next season will see a continuation of his breakout campaign for Smith, leading to his first-ever defensive player of the year trophy and the first one for the Packers since 2009.
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