How far can the Green Bay Packers Go Next Season?
By EdWood
Fresh off the back of a famous Super Bowl LVI win for the Los Angeles Rams, attention naturally turns to which sides will be in contention to claim the crown for the 2022 season.
The 2021/22 NFL season was yet another memorable campaign, with highs and lows enjoyed by all of the sides in contention from the outset.
For the Rams it was unadulterated joy, as they picked up the Super Bowl crown for just the second time in their existence – their first since 2000 and their first one since relocating from St Louis in the mid 2010’s.
Beaten finalists Cincinnati Bengals however, remain without a Super Bowl title to their name but their progress this season has been significant and they will be one to watch next year.
Other than the finalists, there are a whole host of teams that will be looking to recruit shrewdly during the off season and make a run at the title starting September.
The Green Bay Packers are one of those said teams, having impressed throughout the regular season.
Finishing on top of the NFC North, with only 4 defeats in their 17 regular season games, suggested that the Packers were ready to make a serious assault on the end of season playoffs.
However, it wasn’t to be.
The Green Bay Packers were turned back 13-10 in the NFL Divisional Round playoff game at the end of January by the San Francisco 49ers and with that, their hopes of winning a fourth Super Bowl (in addition to 9 NFL regular season titles pre-Super Bowl era) extinguished.
As with all sports though, a new season presents a new opportunity for teams to go again and for the Green Bay Packers, change could be just what they need.
Matt LaFleur will be hoping to get the best out of his team once more in 2022/23 and the Green Bay Packers are +1400 to win Super Bowl XLVII next season.
Elsewhere, the Buffalo Bills look well placed to make another strong charge at a Super Bowl title – following another season of relative disappointment in 2021/22.
In a similar vein to the Green Bay Packers, the Bills romped home in the AFC East division and looked set for a real play-off push in the postseason.
However, they couldn’t find a way past the Kansas City Chiefs in a high scoring encounter at the end of the campaign and their Super Bowl dreams were dashed.
At +650 from the UK’s sports bet apps the Buffalo Bills are currently the favorites to go all the way and win their first ever Super Bowl next year.
Few sides have been able to compete with the consistency shown by the Kansas City Chiefs and the Los Angeles Rams in recent years and once again, they are sure to be in the mix at Super Bowl LVII.
The Kansas City Chiefs lost out in the NFL Conference Championship final to the Cincinnati Bengals this season but their overall record throughout the campaign was superb – making them a good looking prospect next year at +800.
Winning back to back Super Bowl titles is no easy feat and the Los Angeles Rams will be out to etch their names into the history books.
They were ultimately too good for all in front of them this year and at +900, they will be tough to beat again in NFL 2022/23.
Comments (28)
croatpackfan
February 17, 2022 at 08:30 am
I do not think Packers will fall down significantly the next season, but I have no confidence they can be SB champions in 2022 season.
Lot of unknown is at present. How Packers construct their roster will have the utmost influence on final result, no matter who will be QB. Because, both options Packers has at the moment looks little dire.
We are witness that superb QB is not the only important ingrediency to be able to win SB.
After roster construction, next very important thing is health of the team (how many injuries will happen to important players). Healthy teams have better chance to gel together and to perform the best when it counts.
Than we can say that D has to be over average, if not top 10. Than we need offense to have efficiency, that can be achieved through good game plans adapted to QB at the helm. And, not less important, ST needs to be at least average in the league.
After those "ingredients" are accomplished, it is very important that QB play by plan and patience. Also, in clutch moments QB needs to be confident in his team, cool and to deliver.
There is, also, lot of other less important factors. Those factors can impact the outcome of the games (eg zebras, using TO, clock management, etc).
I know I wrote nothing unknown to anybody here, but any options Packers are facing to do in the next month or so, gives me answer that Packers will not be able to put together all the pieces needed to be contender.
I really hope I'm wrong in assessment.,
Coldworld
February 17, 2022 at 10:44 am
The North could be a mess next year, but a weaker roster and other team’s developments in the off season suggests that it will quite possibly be closer whomever starts at QB. That said, winning what may be the worst division in the league next season means very little in terms of potential for the post season. Love could conceivably get us there without being good if other teams don’t take a step forward or have significant transition pains. I can’t honestly say that I believe that is going to be predictive for him or us beyond that.
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou
February 17, 2022 at 06:44 am
Obviously the biggest offseason decision is who the Packers can retain. With that aside, the most important addition the Packers can make is a 'stud' DL to team up with Clark. Clark is double teamed way too much. He wears down in games and should he become injured the GBP's are going to lose most every game because everything on defense begins and ends with Kenny Clark. Funny to constantly read about readers incessant focus on WR's. The Packers have lots of needs such as OLD, ILB, TE, WR, OT, and kick returner but none of those needs compare to picking up a stud DL with their first round pick in 2022.
I absolutely agree anytime you pick a DL or a OL with the #1 pick it isn't sexy. Makes you feel flat and deflated picking a DL when you see all the national hype for WR's, QB's, RB's, etc at the skilled positions. However, a very good DL will be the guy winning more often than not in the trenches for those 70 plays a game with rushing and passing attempts. After DL draft an OLB to compliment the DL. The Packers are set up well in the defensive backfield should they keep Amos.
I'd rate the teams biggest needs in this order 'right at this moment in time:'
DL
OLB
TE
OT
WR/Kick Returner
Thegreatreynoldo
February 17, 2022 at 07:24 am
I feel a little deflated when the first rounder is a safety. IDK, OL are fine: I think about them pancaking some poor sod. Maybe nose tackles if they don't have a lot of pass rush, but first rounders tend to be both stout and have the promise of some pass rush.
Needs:
WR
TE
Edge
DL
OT
IOL
Edge is deep, I hear. WR is pretty good and could wait perhaps.
I've written an article that will be published this evening.
TheKanataThrilla
February 17, 2022 at 08:55 am
To be honest drafting a Safety would shock many, but not surprise me. Amos has a contract that I think we should extend, but do we keep Savage after this upcoming season? After those 2 the cupboard is pretty bare. If a Safety is available that is rated to be a first round pick I can see it being done as Gute tends to look ahead with his draft picks and not for immediate need.
I am guessing that Edge will be the position though. With both Smiths possibly gone we will need another person that can get after the QB either immediately or in the next year or two if we extend either Z or Preston.
packerbackerjim
February 17, 2022 at 07:23 am
It all starts up front. The Niners and Rams showed how to negate a great QB. Interesting a couple of weeks coming up.
Coldworld
February 17, 2022 at 10:48 am
ILB is another key one, I’d say even if we can keep Campbell. I’d add a cover S at some point, since we had zero depth. If Adams goes, we have to add WRs, and I’d say we should anyway. Not all of those have to be the from the draft if Rodgers goes, but they may need to be if he stays, more so if Adams stays too.
It’s not that I disagree with your needs Snot, I don’t. At least as far as the first three, I agree that they are priorities (the others are later moves I think). It’s just that I think that the list is long and fear the draft likely insufficient to meet them in reality, for next season particularly. Not sure where these fills will come from in adequate form (we can fill with UDFAs and SFAs, but that’s not a recipe for success even granting Campbell was).
stockholder
February 17, 2022 at 07:49 am
With Rodgers back. This division is ours. The Cap will go up. So his salary doesn't concern me. The Crash is paying Adams. Let him play with Carr. Let them have him. Don't franchise him. He's got GOLD fever. No WR is worth 30million. If Rodgers Loved this team. He will move on from Adams. Injuries are the concern. we must avoid them.
Alberta_Packer
February 17, 2022 at 11:00 am
I do agree that if Rodgers comes back - the Packers can win the North Division - for he has proven to be a regular season MVP - not a playoff MVP. Typically 3rd contracts are best for the player but worst for the team in terms of value and salary cap. Adams at 30m / yr.? A hard NO. Even Adams at 20m/yr. is an over payment. I believe that it would be easier to separate Linus from his blanket - than Rodgers from Adams (if he chooses to stay in GB). Without Adams, Rodgers would have to practice and play more with others - which he has shown is not his 'thing' these days.
HarryHodag
February 17, 2022 at 09:01 am
The first thing for Packers fans to realize is this team wasn't good enough to win it all. If both Adams and Rodgers return it begins to look like the Packers are doing the exact same thing hoping for another result. In some circles, that defines insanity.
There are 13 free agents besides Adams. Do you let them all go? A new deal for Rodgers and Adams' tag would be about $70 million a year. While you can manipulate the numbers, both of those players would take a too large cut of the pie to make this work. Oh, by the way, they need to make up $50 million salary cap dollars, too.
It's time for a rebuild, like it or not. For the sake of the future, not just now, both players should be dealt. They can be dealt for a cheaper QB and receiver along with picks. That's the future.
By trying to restructure, rework contracts, etc. the Packers are hog-tying themselves for many years to come.
Face it: the party is over and it's time to move forward.
Alberta_Packer
February 17, 2022 at 11:18 am
In the last 3 years, the Packers are 0-3 in the playoffs. Logically and mathematically, 0-4 are the next numbers in this sequence. Rodgers reminds me of a racehorse who can only run 7 furlongs - in an 8 furlong race. Time for a new horse(s) - perhaps a Bronco(s).
TarynsEyes
February 17, 2022 at 10:58 am
"How far can the Green Bay Packers go next season?"
It seems the pinnacle is the Division Title, which seems to be what TitleTown now means, and the bar in which all too many have come to believe to be a successful season.
Alberta_Packer
February 17, 2022 at 11:06 am
This would certainly apply to the FO - if they choose to bring Rodgers back.
Leatherhead
February 17, 2022 at 01:34 pm
I think that winning the division title is a good thing. It guarantees you make the playoffs and you get your first playoff game at home. Beyond that, it's health, officiating, the bounce of the ball, and a clutch play or two that determines how far you go.
There's 31 other teams. You play 17 games, 6 of them against your division. If you can't beat the teams in your division, you don't make the playoffs.
Yes, I'd like to see us in the Super Bowl, but any time we win the division I'm happy.
TarynsEyes
February 17, 2022 at 01:54 pm
"but any time we win the division I'm happy."
This is a way of saying you accept mediocrity or less. It's saying you're OK with being the last one chosen to participate, even if you're not used knowingly and willingly by your teammates. You're OK being the fifth wheel, all the time, watching the other two couples have all the fun, but you get to drive them home.
If just being happy about your teams' limited success, you should just be a fan of football and not team-specific. There's no parade for Division Titles, heck, the Packers won't even hang those banners from the rafters like those other teams' do because that has become their goal, and the NFCN doesn't need another team with that mindset about success.
Leatherhead
February 17, 2022 at 02:46 pm
Winning your division is not a sign of mediocrity, it's a sign that you're the best team in the division.
Limited success? Even by your standard of Super Bowl victories, we have two in 27 years. Statistically, each team should have one every 32 years. So we're still better than twice as successful as an average team.
IMO, the destination is not as important as the journey. You disagree. I'm OK with that.
TarynsEyes
February 17, 2022 at 04:03 pm
If a destination is not important, how is an aimless journey a value?
Leatherhead
February 17, 2022 at 04:50 pm
That’s such an interesting question.
Is the journey “aimless”? I don’t think that putting a product on the field that’s competitive is “aimless”. I think it’s a solid goal. So I guess we look at that differently.
I think journeys have value, even if somebody thinks it’s aimless. On my journey today, I saw a funny video of a bull stomping out a bicyclist, I got to hold a puppy, I made the lady next door laugh, I worked in the garden…….there’s no value in any of that unless there’s a destination?
I guess we see the world with different eyes.
TarynsEyes
February 17, 2022 at 05:33 pm
I'm glad you had a nice journey today, but you confuse the random journey with the objective journey, the planned journey.
Taking a walkabout can be planned or done for many a reason with happenings to make it rewarding. A planned walkabout has structure, reason, which makes it a destination or specific achievement/reward.
Being competitive is part of the objective journey, but it cannot be the accepted destination, but a part of reaching the destination/goal for being competitive in the first place.
Alberta_Packer
February 17, 2022 at 06:08 pm
I'm of both minds on this one. Certainly the regular season should not be discounted as a fan and team experience - especially considering the monies involved. For instance, if the Jets ever won their division, New York would probably throw them a ticker tape parade. In contrast is the GBP, who have generally run roughshod over their North opponents over the last several years. To do so again (with Rodgers) would just be another "been there, done that." Rodgers is not being paid for just this - although this has been the apex of his performances. Now if Love took the team to a division title next year - many of us would be over the moon. In short, it all seems to be about relative expectations.
Coldworld
February 17, 2022 at 04:15 pm
Winning one’s division is nice, but if that is one’s ultimate objective, then there’s a significant problem.
Let me put it this way, if we pay Rodgers and mortgage the future and end up with less than a Super Bowl, it will be an almighty failure for which we will be paying for some time. If Love got us there then that might show positive signs and be worth celebrating as a step on the road to higher aspirations.
TarynsEyes
February 17, 2022 at 05:39 pm
Yes.
Qoojo
February 17, 2022 at 12:48 pm
Pattern is well established. If AR stays, then 1 or 2 and done, as the packers hit a team with a defensive front that can get pressure, and AR looks confused as the teams fails to adjust.
packerbackerjim
February 17, 2022 at 04:54 pm
It isn’t just AR. Every QB who faces fast, unrelenting pressure looks bad, Brady, Unitas, Starr, Montana, etc.
murf7777
February 17, 2022 at 02:00 pm
With Rodgers the SB, without a non- playoff team fighting to be around 500.
SwedeBayPacker
February 17, 2022 at 02:24 pm
Do we even need Rodgers? No, seriously.
The Rams won the super bowl with a mediocre QB, in large thanks to their stellar defense, a stout o-line and one good WR. Apparently that's all it takes, while Mahomes, Rodgers and Brady got to sit at home and watch. Hell, just look how Jimmy Garbage and the 69ers man-handled us.... Much good our one-in-a-generation rah rah QB did.
Tex49
February 17, 2022 at 04:02 pm
Aren’t too many Aaron Donald’s available in the draft or free agency
crayzpackfan
February 17, 2022 at 04:40 pm
Way too many moving parts to answer this question. So I will keep this take short and about as interesting as watching the opening credits of The Vampire Diaries. Somewhere between 8-9 and winning the SB. You heard it here first! With that said, the bar is open, drinks are on me. Have a fantastic lead into the weekend everyone.