Weak NFC North provides Packers clear path to 2022 playoffs

The Packers should sail through the NFC North on their way to the 2022 playoffs.

Following the news that both Aaron Rodgers and Davante Adams will be staying in Green Bay for at least one more year, the Packers are once again in ‘all in’ mode in 2022.

While the Packers gear up for another championship run, their NFC North rivals are very much heading in the opposite direction.

The Packers have whipped up on their division foes in the three years Matt LaFleur has been the team’s Head Coach, establishing a 15-3 record against the Bears, Vikings and Lions in that time.

When you consider one of those losses, to the Lions in the 2021 regular season finale, came with the Packers resting starters ahead of the playoffs, Green Bay’s divisional dominance is even more impressive.

In the NFL, the worst position a franchise can be in is to be a middling team. Not winning meaningful games in January and also not in a position to draft elite talent. That’s where Bears and Vikings in particular have been entrenched in recent years.

The return of Rodgers seems to have spurred the Bears into kickstarting a hard rebuild, in the hope of reaping the rewards in a few years’ time when the boogieman is presumably gone.

Star pass rusher Khalil Mack has been traded to the Los Angeles Chargers, Eddie Goldman and Tarik Cohen have been released. Allen Robinson and Akiem Hicks are set to be free agents.

Rebuilding is probably the right decision, but of course there’s no guarantee it’ll actually work. As Michael Jordan once said: “No one is guaranteeing rebuilding’s going to be two, three, four or five years. The Cubs have been rebuilding for 42 years”.

The Bears do not have a first-round draft pick this year after they traded up in last year’s draft to acquire Justin Fields.

The young QB is certainly talented and his improvement will dictate how competitive the Bears will ultimately be in 2022 and beyond, but his supporting cast appears to have been diminished in the short term.

The Vikings remain stuck in no man’s land, especially at the quarterback position, with the sufficient but underwhelming Kirk Cousins counting $45million against their salary cap this year on a fully guaranteed contract.

The salary cap issues facing the Packers are well documented, but at least the aggressive moves the team has made have been executed in the name of contending for a Super Bowl, albeit unsuccessfully.

Meanwhile, the Vikings are in the third-worst cap position according to Spotrac, sitting $15million over cap. They been a losing team last two seasons.

Minnesota’s once fearsome defense has become less intimidating in recent times, and there have even been rumours of Adam Thielen being traded or released.

The Packers have been beaten twice by the Vikings in the last three seasons, and Dalvin Cook has become a consistent thorn in Green Bay’s side, but his persistent injury issues are a problem for the Vikings in the bigger picture.

The Detroit Lions are a year into their rebuild after going ‘all out’, trading Matthew Stafford last offseason and securing number two pick in this year’s draft after going 3-13-1 in Dan Campbell’s first season.

However, it is not believed to be a banner year for the quarterback position in the draft and there are few options worth pursuing in terms of veteran signal callers.

Campbell’s team plays hard and is capable of knocking off a stronger opponent who underestimates them, but they are still potentially years away from being a genuine threat.

In general, the NFC as a whole appears weaker entering 2022, especially after Tom Brady retired. There are not many true contenders on that side of the league right now.

With Rodgers and Adams in tow, the Packers will return a strong core of players regardless of the tough decisions they face as Brian Gutekunst attempts to build this year’s roster.

As the rest of the division looks towards the future, the NFC North should provide Green Bay with a relatively easy path to the playoffs in 2022.

 

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Mark Oldacres is a sports writer from Birmingham, England and a Green Bay Packers fan. You can follow him on twitter at @MarkOldacres

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Comments (47)

Fan-Friendly This filter will hide comments which have ratio of 5 to 1 down-vote to up-vote.
Coldworld's picture

March 13, 2022 at 02:16 pm

The NFL is a strange beast. What was dross one year can turn into gold the next. At least 2 of the teams in the North are in the midst of radical change, whereas our plan seems to be to try to achieve stasis.

Yes, I’d say we are the favorite at this point, but that’s before we find out who we have retained, gone through the draft and seen who others bring in in FA. Confidence and entitlement aren’t far apart sometimes. One is good, the other not so much.

If we don’t make the playoffs, I suspect it will be the warmest Christmas in Lambeau ever. Here too probably.

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PeteK's picture

March 13, 2022 at 01:55 pm

Niners might be improved if their young, mobile QB develops. Lions will be improved if they hit on their draft, but they are still probably one year away.

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Leatherhead's picture

March 13, 2022 at 02:59 pm

Niners need to make the playoffs, same as us. We have mastery of our division in a way that no other team does. It does help that it’s essentially a 3 team division, because the Lions haven’t been a factor for so long. Minnesota or Chicago is usually in the Wild Card mix.

Win the division, win the home playoff game, and we’re in the final four to go to the Super Bowl. I’d make that bet

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Coldworld's picture

March 13, 2022 at 03:31 pm

The Lions are on their most plausible reconstruction drive since the Reagan era. They and the Bears have new leadership and look y to be unwinding the structural barriers their predecessors created. Yes it’s early, but there are reasons to think that those teams are going to cease wasting parity. This year may be too early, but one is unwise to assure oneself that a division in the NFL will remain bad or that we have a right to dominate it.

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Leatherhead's picture

March 13, 2022 at 04:00 pm

We have the right to dominate the division as long as we can beat them, on our field and theirs. For the last three years, that's just what we've done. And 5 months before the regular season starts, I think we've got a better team.

Of course, we have the draft, and some free agency. But the dominant fact of this division is Aaron Rodgers and the Packer offense. At least for 2022.

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Coldworld's picture

March 13, 2022 at 04:38 pm

If we can’t this year, that will truly mean we are in long term trouble, but it’s still dangerous to assume other teams won’t be improved. We are betting on approximate stasis. In a parity league, that carries risk.

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PeteK's picture

March 13, 2022 at 06:18 pm

I think we are very close to fielding a dominant D. We were solid last year without one of the best CBs in the NFL. Add a good DT and we're on our way. Of course, not signing Campbell and Douglas will ruin that scenario.

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jhtobias's picture

March 13, 2022 at 02:00 pm

Well 1I disagree with your assessment of the packers . We have no idea if King Rodgers is actually gonna sign an extension or not . Will resign Devondre Campbell , will Elgton Jenkins make it back to full health will David B play at an elite level or any level again ?

Here is a bold prediction you tagged Davonte and I'm sure he is not happy nor should he be . I really hope a team signs him tender which they can starting at 12:01 am tomorrow and the packers can't match it . Packers do get 2 first round picks but hardly a great trade off for w win now franchise?

Then King Rodgers will demand a trade or Retirement after Davonte leaves LMAO . Gutey and Murphy are acting like the cool uncles and the parents have to clean up the mess

Give a man to much power and put him in control and you deserve the results you get .

Packer beat writers live in imagenary world

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LLCHESTY's picture

March 13, 2022 at 02:21 pm

Imaginary. Your trolling efforts might have more effect if you spell correctly. Merriam-Webster has a free app.

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Fubared's picture

March 13, 2022 at 07:04 pm

No one is giving up 2 first. I don't think he will get tendered. He is 30. Too much receiver talent to spend big money on him.

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tincada's picture

March 14, 2022 at 12:55 pm

I couldn't agree more. The Cheeseheads, whom I wish I could rejoin, are living in fantasy land, or been to the low bar the 3 musketeers set year in and year out to many times besides the other bars in GB. You'll get whacked but you speak the truth. Now that Brady is back GB has yet another headache. Deal with it!

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mrtundra's picture

March 13, 2022 at 02:35 pm

I do not think it is wise to underestimate our NFC North opponents. We split with both the Lions and the vikings last season and we beat the Bears, twice. Until we beat our division foes, soundly, both games we play each of them, we cannot say we are going to sail through our division. Our last game of the regular season, this past season, was a loss to the Lions. The next game we played, in the play offs, we lost to the 49ers--And that 49ers game was the home field advantage game the Packers craved. We talk about sailing through our division and then we blow home field advantage in the "last dance" season play off game. There is no way this team sails through anything, let alone our division, unless they work at it, and that is easier said than done.

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Swisch's picture

March 13, 2022 at 05:10 pm

Well said, mrtundra.
Lions and Vikings and Bears, oh my, are going to be gunning to kick our butt next season.
A little bit of a letdown, and they will.

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Starrbrite's picture

March 13, 2022 at 10:06 pm

Yep—exactly right.

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TarynsEyes's picture

March 13, 2022 at 02:40 pm

Having this same path, best in the worst Division for so long already can hardly mean anything more since it's awarded the Packers with nothing for as long. Yes, Division Crown holder over 3 dysfunctional teams and then show their own dysfunctional status in the playoffs. I know, I'm putting a dis on the vaunted Division Title and many won't like it, but the truth hurts and I spoke no lies.

No matter what each of us claims as improved chances this season. the same has been claimed yearly in one way or another, and still, the goal has been unclaimed. Don't hate the messenger, hate what has been an annual result, even with the acclaimed, here, best QB ever at the helm. Though that claim has seen a drastic change from many lately, which speaks to the truth I opined.

I will still cheer for the ultimate goal to be had, but I'll need a lot more to believe it possible this season.

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calabasa's picture

March 13, 2022 at 03:25 pm

Yes I know a lot of people tell us to enjoy all of the regular-season wins, but when the team has been this good for so long and utterly failed in the playoffs, it ruins all of that regular-season success for me.

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Coldworld's picture

March 13, 2022 at 03:36 pm

Regular season wins are great for a team on the up, or hoping to be. In our situation, we aren’t, we are at best seeking to keep the status quo before our debts and Father Time call our number. So we win the division; so what. If we don’t, then all hell will break lose, because we know it is so bad or we see that we have been passed by while incurring great and lingering cost.

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TarynsEyes's picture

March 13, 2022 at 03:59 pm

I don't get why some would break hell if the Packers don't win the Division. Most seemed to revel in that wonderous achievement that means nothing, except as a reminder of what the Packers didn't get, SB Championships, or appearances.

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Coldworld's picture

March 13, 2022 at 04:08 pm

Lol, let’s see how things work out, but many think the return of Rodgers almost guarantees the division and more.

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dobber's picture

March 13, 2022 at 03:16 pm

All the Packers can do is win the games put in front of them. They have no control over their schedule. I don't know why we'd faullt them for the coincidence of landing in a division that allows them to meet their in-season goals. There's plenty of challenge in the interdivisional games and in their first-place schedule.

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splitpea1's picture

March 13, 2022 at 03:31 pm

That's exactly why we should have done our own version of a rebuild--there's no better time than when the rest of the division appears relatively weak. It'll be much tougher once our rivals have matured. We also could have found out if Love is our future QB and whether or not MLF is the real deal, not an offensive coordinator obscured by Rodgers' shadow. Instead we have the same questions as we did heading into last season, a financial price to pay down the road, and a much less interesting regular season to look forward to, minus the great hope for special teams improvement.

9 points
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Swisch's picture

March 13, 2022 at 05:06 pm

Awesome analysis, splitpea!

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packer132's picture

March 13, 2022 at 03:32 pm

The NFL is a league of parity, and any of 10-12 teams can win the Super Bowl. It comes down to consistency, few injuries to starters, and winning the close games. The Ravens were 8-9 and had 9 games decided by 3 points or less. Last year the Packers had 7 games decided by 3 points or less and went 13-4. Besides the 6 games against the NFC North, Rams, Cowboys, Bills, Bucs, Patriots, Titans will be tough. The team playing well in January on offense, defense, and special teams has the best chance. I hope Green Bay can re-sign a few of the starters with little money to go after other free agents. September can't come soon enough.

4 points
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KnockTheSnotOutOfYou's picture

March 13, 2022 at 08:45 pm

It also comes down to using all your weapons once available, as well as not allowing the defense to reduce the field to just sidelines. Someone has to do some real soul searching this offseason. It is my utmost hope that they watched the last couple of playoff losses multiple times making notes so those mistakes do not happen again in 2022 should we make the playoffs.

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tincada's picture

March 14, 2022 at 12:59 pm

September can't come soon enough. Be very careful of what you ask for. It's not going to be pretty again.

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Swisch's picture

March 13, 2022 at 05:05 pm

On a side note, I'm not sure what Tarik Cohen has left in him as a kick returner and a versatile weapon on offense, but I'd give him a good look.

1 points
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White92's picture

March 13, 2022 at 08:45 pm

I'd also like to see Eddie Goldman line up next to Kenny Clark. That'd be fun

1 points
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Starrbrite's picture

March 13, 2022 at 10:09 pm

I agree Swisch—he’s worth a look.

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dobber's picture

March 14, 2022 at 08:57 am

Injured midway through 2020 and couldn't get back on the field in 2021. That's a bad sign for a guy who relies on quicks.

1 points
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HarryHodag's picture

March 13, 2022 at 05:45 pm

The first mistake is to assume that 2022 will follow the same path as 2021. Tampa Bay wins the Super Bowl so you assume they will march through and go there again. Wrong. That's one example. The NFL rarely follows an easy to figure out path.

The second mistake is to think the 2022 squad will be like the 2021 Packers team. While Rodgers and Adams will return, there will be enough roster turnover, especially on the defensive side of the ball, that you can't help but think the defense won't be as good as this year.

The third mistake is to not respect the other teams in the NFC North. The Vikings personnel matches up with the Packers very well. They also have a new coach who will emphasize the offense where they have some outstanding weapons. The Bears also have a new coach and jobs are on the line. But look out for the Lions. While the final game of the season meant little, the Lions showed a lot of heart and guts.

The off season is also silly season where rampant speculation replaces hard truth, but lets not assume Aaron Rodgers will be Aaron Rodgers again, and the team will be 100 percent what it was this past season.

5 points
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PeteK's picture

March 14, 2022 at 10:29 am

Let's not forget Tampa, he's back pulling a Favre.

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Coldworld's picture

March 14, 2022 at 10:17 am

So maybe Rodgers should retire and beat him to Canton?

1 points
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egbertsouse's picture

March 13, 2022 at 08:10 pm

Who cares about winning the division? It stinks. Carson Wentz could win the division with the Packers. It’s about the playoffs and now that Grandpa Brady is back, the Packers will get bounced again.

3 points
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Starrbrite's picture

March 13, 2022 at 10:10 pm

Grandpa Brady —that’s good—cracked me up.

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HarryHodag's picture

March 14, 2022 at 09:56 am

Win the division you're in the playoffs...the clearest path to the post-season.

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tincada's picture

March 14, 2022 at 01:01 pm

And GB's recent record on that note with the JERK is what? LMAO!

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BirdDogUni's picture

March 13, 2022 at 08:35 pm

Thinking we are going to breeze through the NFC North because the Bears and Viks have new regimes and Lions are in the 2nd year of a new regime is exactly the recipe that got us beat by the 9'ers in the playoffs. Nobody on the Packers team even thought losing to the 9'ers was a possibility and look what happened.

Bears, Lions, and Vikings will all have plans to beat us. Heavy pressure on AR is usually the answer, so I am hoping even though our OL is a relative strength, we bolster it in the draft or FA if plausible. We have to protect our aging QB if we expect to go anywhere this season.

The Bears, Lions, and Vikings are all on the road back to relevance and to make it, they have to go through Green Bay, which means they have nothing to lose, which means they are all dangerous. They might not be good teams yet, or built for the long-haul, but they are dangerous. Underestimate them at your own risk.

3 points
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mrtundra's picture

March 14, 2022 at 08:01 am

It is imperative that the Packers take care of business in the NFC North!

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tincada's picture

March 14, 2022 at 01:02 pm

DREAMER

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pantz_bURp's picture

March 13, 2022 at 08:46 pm

Yes, special teams will be intriguing this upcoming season. To make the regular season more irregular, let's see if we can get Brett back! I mean, it would be awesome to even watch the sidelines with Brett, Aaron and Jordan (provided all 3 can suit up)...

Yep, I am grabbin' me some popcorn!

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KnockTheSnotOutOfYou's picture

March 13, 2022 at 08:47 pm

Brady returns as expected making the Bucs formidable. Plus, Cousins has resigned with the Vikings.

There are no cake walks in the NFL. It is my assumption the Packers will not be as deep in 2022 as they were in 2021, however we will find out in the next couple of weeks who they resign and who they do not.

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mrtundra's picture

March 14, 2022 at 08:04 am

And today, Davante has said he will not play under the franchise tag. Ought to be several maalox fueled days at the GB FO.

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Spanky65's picture

March 13, 2022 at 10:02 pm

The Packers should sail through the NFC North so the Chicago Bears
GM is going to have to wait another year before HE CAN TAKE THE NFC
NORTH AND NEVER GIVE IT UP as he said when he became the Bears GM

The Biggest concern now is how far the Packers will go in the Playoffs
now that the NFL ( National Fix League) has another FIX to build
now that THE FIX ( Tom Brady) has just announced that he is
coming out of retirement and play another season with the
Buccaneers.

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pantz_bURp's picture

March 14, 2022 at 04:06 am

I had a dream. Now, in no way am I implying that either Rodgers or Adams are ignorant...honestly, I am not. But bear with me a bit...

I dreamt that Rodgers and Davante we're on a moped (not unlike from the movie Dumb and Dumber). They were on a moped heading from the Midwest somewhere to Denver. They finally get to Denver and make their way to the stadium. Once in the stadium, they walk around and check out the field. Both shaking their heads and in unison proclaim, "That John 'Elway' Denver is full of shat." Then you can barely hear one of them say, "The grass is greener where you water it".

To make matters worse, I had another dream a while later. In this case, somewhat similar to The Big Lebowski. It is a little fuzzy but Bahk was John Goodman's character and Rodgers was the Dude. They both looked at someone and said simultaneously, "Shut the f__k up Donnie, you are outta your league!" Now, I don't know who is playing Donnie. I don't want to know...I sure like Coach MF...I sincerely hope it wasn't him. I honestly like Coach.

Then, then...I had on a continuous loop in my head, the song... Sound of Silence by Disturbed. TRY to get that little ditty out of your head!

Nowww, super afraid to go back to bed. Maybe all this Packer commotion is affecting my biorhythms or something....?...?...?

1 points
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stockholder's picture

March 14, 2022 at 08:19 am

Raiders-

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enemy's picture

March 14, 2022 at 04:50 am

Weak NFC means we don't have a chance in playoff

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croatpackfan's picture

March 14, 2022 at 06:26 am

Packers chances in play off suddenly went down a lot. Tom Brady unretire to come back to Bucs. So, nice development for the last dance 1,000,007th time...

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