The Green Bay Packers enter the 2024 season as a trendy Super Bowl pick after rebounding from a 3-6 start and an impressive playoff run in the first year of the Jordan Love era in 2023. Love is currently the highest-paid quarterback in college football, the juvenile offense is coming off a year of growth and the defense is moving forward with an aggressive novel defensive coordinator and the addition of defensive quarterback Xavier McKinney.
The highly anticipated season will begin on Friday night with a match against the Philadelphia Eagles in Brazil.
Packers Wire editors make predictions for WL results and performance before the start of the 2024 season:
Zach Kruse, Managing Editor
11-6: It all has the makings of a special season. The Packers’ offense could be one of the best in the NFL, given the combination of Jordan Love’s dominance delayed last season, the depth of the defense around the quarterback position, the potential of the offensive line and Matt LaFleur’s animated, versatile scheme. While there are question marks about the defense, particularly at linebacker and cornerback, the talent level is much better heading into 2024, and Jeff Hafley’s scheme could finally unlock the disruptive ability of a deep front. On paper, the Packers should be great at both rushing the ball and defending the pass, two significant factors in winning football every week. There will be bumps along the way. The NFC North is improved, and the schedule isn’t as forgiving as it was last year. But there’s no reason the Packers, if fit, can’t post double-digit wins and be in contention to win the division all the way. At best, the Packers start brisk and climb to the top of the NFC, securing the No. 1 seed in the postseason. I think they probably have a few hiccups that prevent them from having the easiest path to the playoffs. Still, this team has what it takes to make it to the Super Bowl, especially in a conference where the top teams — namely the 49ers and Cowboys — have been dealing with off-the-field turmoil this summer. The Packers are juvenile, talented and hungry after nearly making it to the NFC title game last January. My guess: The Packers win 11 regular-season games and two playoff games but fall just miniature of a Super Bowl appearance.
Brandon Carwile, Associate
10-7: I expect the offense to get going faster than it did last year. Jayden Reed, Dontayvion Wicks, Luke Musgrave and Tucker Kraft are no longer rookies, and after a year of experience, they should feel much more confident entering their second seasons. If Christian Watson can truly overcome his hamstring issues, Green Bay’s biggest threat should be on the field much more often. Jordan Love’s chemistry with Romeo Doubs is obvious, and the addition of Josh Jacobs to the defense provides another animated weapon. Together, these pieces surrounding the rising quarterback could form a top-10 offense. The majority of the question marks are on the defense, where novel defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley will implement a completely novel scheme in 2024 that includes more aggressive coverage. Much like the offense did last year, the defense may need some time to adjust. Still, this unit is as well-rounded as it has been in years and should make the playoffs. A tougher schedule could prevent them from dethroning the defending NFC North champion Detroit Lions, but the Packers are capable of making a deep playoff run if all goes well.
Brennen Rupp, Associate
13-4: I am all for Jordan Love and this juvenile offense. This offense took off when Aaron Jones got fit and finished the season as a terrorist with five consecutive 100-yard rushing games, including two in the playoffs. Josh Jacobs will step into that role and flourish. Jacobs is not far off from a season in which he led the league in rushing yards and is a quarterback to miss. In a year in which Jacobs led the league in rushing yards, he forced 90 fumbles and amassed over 1,000 yards after contact. After a year of working together, it is reasonable to expect Love and his group of juvenile pass catchers to continue to put up impressive numbers.
Jeff Hafley takes over a defense that has a ton of talent. I expect Rashan Gary to have a season with 10 or more sacks, while Kenny Clark could enjoy the best season of his career. If Eric Stokes stays fit and regains his rookie form, the Packers could have two cornerbacks on the border. The safety room went from the worst in the league to a position that looks forceful on paper thanks to free agent Xavier McKinney and the additions of Javon Bullard and Evan Williams via the draft.
Greg Williams, Associate
12-5: The Green Bay Packers are poised for a deep run in 2024, building on last year’s playoff victory over the Dallas Cowboys and a forceful offseason. With key players returning to full health and impactful additions, the team is poised to elevate its play on both sides of the ball. The addition of Josh Jacobs gives the offense a potent, animated running attack, while Xavier McKinney brings leadership and playmaking ability to a defense anchored by a fit Jaire Alexander. The defense, now under novel coordinator Jeff Hafley, may have had a snail-paced start but has the potential to quickly find its rhythm and become a dominant force as the season progresses.
While the Packers are well-prepared for the fight, they are fully aware of the challenges that lie ahead. They face one of the league’s tougher schedules, with high-stakes games against top teams, and will have to navigate an improved NFC North where the Detroit Lions and Chicago Bears are intriguing teams to watch. Nevertheless, with Jordan Love continuing to improve and a roster more balanced than ever, the Packers are shooting for 12-5, poised to make a deep run in the playoffs and compete for the Super Bowl.
