3. GREEN BAY PACKERS (A)
The Green Bay Packers are third on this for one main reason: I don’t think quarterback Aaron Rodgers will be playing for them next season.
The two-time MVP was linked heavily with a move out of Green Bay last offseason, and his actions after the game against Detroit definitely looked like those of somebody who knew they had just played their final game for their team.
Aaron Rodgers and Randall Cobb walking off the field and into the tunnel....https://t.co/t0uI3UA2QZ
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) January 9, 2023
Alongside that, there was his response when Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams asked Rodgers for his jersey after the game.
Jameson Williams asked Aaron Rodgers for his jersey after the game.
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) January 9, 2023
Aaron's response: “I’m gonna hold on to this one.”
Let the speculation begin...pic.twitter.com/zU6CmcCfV3
The Packers are almost guaranteed to be worse off without Rodgers. But even if he was to return, they still don’t necessarily loom large as a team the Chiefs would fear.
Rodgers averaged fewer yards per attempt than Taylor Heinicke, Jacoby Brissett, Justin Fields, Zach Wilson, and Mitchell Trubisky last season, he threw the second most interceptions of his career and had his lowest yards total since 2017.
Green Bay was middle of the road on offense, ranking 17th in yards per game, 17th in passing yards per game, and 14th in points per game, and what was meant to be a top-level defense was, frankly, underwhelming.
Okay, maybe this was just a down year for Green Bay. But I think the Packers will continue to struggle next season, even if Rodgers does come back.
Either way, the Chiefs should easily be heavy favorites next season against the Packers, even with the game being in Green Bay.