The 2024-2025 season presents a unique challenge for the Packers as they enter the second full year of the Jordan Love era. With Aaron Rodgers having departed for the New York Jets in 2023, the Packers are now firmly committed to rebuilding and retooling around their young quarterback. The question on every fan’s mind is whether this new-look Packers team can make a serious push for the NFC Championship.
While the Packers have undeniable talent on their roster, they face significant competition in a loaded NFC conference. Even though some AI sports picks models have Green Bay with a moderate chance to make a deep run, what key factors will determine whether the Packers can reach the NFC Championship or possibly beyond?
1. Jordan Love’s Development and Growth
One of the most critical elements to the Packers’ chances of making the NFC Championship is the development of quarterback Jordan Love. After sitting behind Aaron Rodgers for three seasons, Love was thrust into the starting role in 2023. While his performance in his first year as a starter showed promise, it also revealed that he still had areas in need of improvement.
Love’s second year as a starter will be a defining moment for his career and for the Packers’ fortunes. His ability to process defenses, make accurate throws, and limit turnovers will be key to the team’s success. The Packers will need Love to take a significant step forward in terms of decision-making and consistency if they hope to compete with the NFC’s elite teams like the Philadelphia Eagles and San Francisco 49ers.
Green Bay’s coaching staff has invested significant time in developing Love, and if he can build on the foundation laid in his first year as a starter, he could become one of the breakout stars of the 2024 season. Love’s growth will be crucial for Green Bay’s offense to find balance, which in turn will give them a fighting chance to make a deep playoff run.
2. Offensive Weaponry: A Mix of Youth and Experience
The Packers’ offense has the potential to be explosive, but it is largely dependent on how well their young weapons perform. Wide receivers Christian Watson and Romeo Doubs, who both emerged as playmakers in 2023, will be key components of the passing attack. Watson, with his speed and ability to stretch the field, has shown flashes of brilliance, while Doubs has proven to be a reliable target in the intermediate game.
In addition to their young receivers, the Packers have a strong backfield duo in Aaron Jones and AJ Dillon. Jones remains one of the most versatile running backs in the NFL, capable of making plays both on the ground and in the passing game. Dillon, a powerful runner, provides a physical presence and is especially effective in short-yardage situations.
If these playmakers continue to develop and Jordan Love can effectively distribute the ball, the Packers’ offense has the potential to be one of the better units in the NFC. The key will be consistency and staying healthy throughout the season. Injuries, especially to key players like Jones, could derail the Packers’ playoff hopes, but if they can avoid significant setbacks, this offense has the tools to compete with the best in the conference. NFL computer picks models have Green bay with a top ranked offensive unit in a division where explosiveness is key.
3. Defensive Stability and Playmaking
While much of the attention is on the offense, the Packers’ defense will play an equally important role in determining whether the team can make it to the NFC Championship. Green Bay’s defense has been inconsistent in recent seasons, showing flashes of dominance at times but struggling with inconsistency in key moments.
Led by stars like Jaire Alexander, Rashan Gary, and Kenny Clark, the Packers have a strong core of defensive talent. Alexander remains one of the best cornerbacks in the league, capable of shutting down top receivers. Gary, returning from an ACL injury, will be expected to anchor the pass rush, while Clark continues to be a force in the interior defensive line.
However, the Packers’ defense will need to improve in certain areas if they hope to make a deep playoff run. Stopping the run has been a weakness for Green Bay in recent seasons, and opposing teams will look to exploit that if the problem persists. Defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley will need to address these issues and ensure that the Packers can generate consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks while maintaining gap discipline against the run.
In addition to solidifying their run defense, the Packers will need to create more turnovers. Playoff teams often rely on game-changing defensive plays to swing momentum, and Green Bay’s defense must become more opportunistic. With their talent in the secondary and pass-rushing unit, the Packers have the potential to be a playmaking defense, but execution will be key.
4. Competition in the NFC
Even if the Packers improve in all the right areas, their path to the NFC Championship is far from easy. The NFC features several powerhouse teams, and the competition for playoff spots will be fierce. The Philadelphia Eagles, coming off a Super Bowl appearance in 2023, remain one of the most complete teams in the league with an elite roster on both sides of the ball. The San Francisco 49ers continue to be a force in the NFC, with their dynamic offense and dominant defense posing a significant challenge to any opponent.
Beyond the Eagles and 49ers, teams like the Dallas Cowboys, Detroit Lions, and Seattle Seahawks all have playoff aspirations. The Cowboys boast one of the most balanced rosters in the league, while the Lions are a young, ascending team that could challenge for the NFC North crown. The Seahawks, led by quarterback Geno Smith and a strong defense, will also be in the mix for a deep playoff run.
For the Packers to reach the NFC Championship, they will likely need to win the NFC North, securing home-field advantage for at least part of the playoffs. The division appears wide open, with the Lions being their primary competition. Green Bay must capitalize on divisional games and take care of business against lesser opponents to position themselves for a favorable playoff seed.
5. Coaching and Game Management
Another key factor in the Packers’ chances to make the NFC Championship is the performance of their coaching staff. Head coach Matt LaFleur has been successful during his tenure in Green Bay, but much of that success was tied to Aaron Rodgers. With Rodgers now gone, LaFleur faces the challenge of leading a young quarterback and a relatively inexperienced roster deep into the playoffs.
LaFleur’s offensive system is tailored to take advantage of the run game and play-action passing, both of which can be effective tools for Jordan Love. However, his ability to adjust game plans and make in-game decisions will be crucial. In the playoffs, coaching can often be the difference between victory and defeat, and LaFleur will need to manage games carefully, particularly against elite opponents.
Defensive coordinator Joe Barry will also be under the spotlight. His defensive schemes have been criticized at times for being too conservative, particularly when it comes to generating pressure. Barry will need to be more aggressive in key moments and find ways to maximize the talent on his defense if the Packers hope to contain high-powered offenses in the playoffs.
6. Conclusion: Can the Packers Make the NFC Championship?
The Green Bay Packers have the potential to be a competitive team in 2024-2025, but their path to the NFC Championship will be filled with challenges. Jordan Love’s development will be the primary factor in their success, as his ability to command the offense and limit mistakes will dictate how far the Packers can go.
Additionally, the Packers’ defense must become more consistent and opportunistic, particularly against the run and in creating turnovers. If the defense can complement the offense’s big-play potential, Green Bay could emerge as a legitimate contender in the NFC. However, the competition in the NFC is fierce, and the Packers will need to navigate a difficult conference filled with elite teams. The Eagles, 49ers, Cowboys, and Lions all pose significant threats, and Green Bay will need to be at their best to make a deep playoff run.
While the Packers’ chances of reaching the NFC Championship are not guaranteed, the talent on their roster and the potential growth of Jordan Love give them a fighting chance to surprise the league and make a deep postseason run.