The Green Bay Packers and the rest of the NFL’s teams released their schedules for the 2024 regular season on Wednesday night. Each team released the highly anticipated news in various ways on social media. Green Bay’s social media team made an entertaining video starring Jordan Love, Jaire Alexander, Preston Smith, and Larry McCarren that featured cameos from both national and local celebrities.
As is the case with just about every fan of every team, many began predicting what the Packers’ record would be at the end of the season. Last season, the team finished 9-8 after winning seven of their last 10 games. This record was just good enough to get the Packers into the NFL Playoffs as a seventh seed.
By all accounts, Green Bay’s roster is even better this year with the free agent signings of running back Josh Jacobs and safety Xavier McKinney. Additionally, Love and his core of young pass catchers are expected to take a leap forward in their second year playing together. Jeff Hafley was hired as defensive coordinator to make the defense more aggressive and effective.
However, one NFL analyst does not think these factors will lead to many more wins for the Packers.
NFL Analyst Does Not Have the Green Bay Packers Improving Much
Wm. Glasheen USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin
In an article that predicted the record of every NFL team following the schedule release, Bleacher Report‘s Maurice Moton spoke glowingly of Green Bay’s offseason moves, but did not predict that would finish much better than they did last year:
“After a strong showing in 2023, Love will likely continue to develop into a high-end starter.
“The Packers drafted Jordan Morgan in the first round to solidify their offensive line, and they added veteran running back Josh Jacobs and rookie third-round tailback MarShawn Lloyd to balance the offense.
“If the Packers defense, which is loaded with recent first-round picks, plays up its full potential under new defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley, this team should win 10 or more games.
“2024 Prediction: 10-7”
To be fair, Moton does write “10 or more games” at the end of his analysis, but stops short of saying Green Bay will win more than 10 games in his prediction.
Are the Green Bay Packers Better Than a 10-Win Team?
USA TODAY NETWORK-WISCONSIN
Green Bay Packers cornerback Jaire Alexander breaks up a pass intended for Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones during their football game on Sunday, December 9, 2018, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis.
Wm. Glasheen/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin.
While it may be understandable that Moton (and perhaps some fans) are going to take the safe route and predict minimal improvement for the Packers, it is undeniable that they are a much better team (at least on paper) than they were last year. It is also important to keep in mind that the 2023 Packers dealt with major injuries to key players. Hopefully, that will not be an issue this year.
Christian Watson and Eric Stokes believe they have finally found the answer as to why they suffered so many leg injuries and should be healthy all season. The way the Packers have constructed their running back room with Jacobs, AJ Dillon, and rookie Marshawn Lloyd is going to help keep all three running backs fresh and healthy. Last season, the run game struggled when Aaron Jones was not healthy.
Finally, the hire of Hafley as the defensive coordinator cannot be overlooked. While he is new to the team, he has been a NFL coach before, and is known for putting his players in the best position to succeed. No longer will the players be forced to play to a scheme; rather, they will be playing to their strengths.
10 wins may be the safe prediction taking into account unforeseen injuries and the like, but it should be the minimum number of games that the Packers win this year.
