2014 Packers NFL Handicapping
Rodgers’ Return, Upgrades On Defense Make Packers NFC North Favorite
The Green Bay Packers spent the offseason upgrading their roster on both sides of the football following a disappointing 8-8 campaign. Their biggest improvement will come from a player that was already on the roster.
Aaron Rodgers is healthy again and ready to lead the Packers to a fourth-straight division title. Green Bay will need Rodgers to perform at an elite level and the defense to improve dramatically in order to have a shot at competing with the best in the NFC.
Rodgers has proven he is one of the league’s top quarterbacks but the defense has to step up after receiving an injection of talent.
2014 Green Bay Packers Team Preview/Predictions
- 2013 Record: 8-7-1
- ATS Record: 6-10
2014 Packers Futures
- Super Bowl Odds: +1200
- Conference Odds: +800
- NFC North Odds: -138
- 2014 NFL Regular Season Wins: 10
Rodgers suffered a fractured collarbone that ended any dreams Green Bay football fans had of a possible Super Bowl return a year ago but he has been very durable throughout his career and he is prepared for a big season.
Right tackle Bryan Bulaga’s return at right tackle and left tackle David Bakhtiari’s continued development should help keep Rodgers from taking too many unnecessary hits but there could be growing pains with JC Tretter and rookie fifth-round pick Corey Linsley battling to start at center between Josh Sitton and TJ Lang.
Wide receiver Jordy Nelson signed a massive extension in the offseason and Randall Cobb will be playing for a new deal. The Packers didn’t bring back James Jones but drafted Davante Adams in the second round to challenge for the No. 3 receiver job ahead of Jarrett Boykin.
The tight end position took a major hit with Jermichael Finley gone as Green Bay doesn’t have a quality replacement in either Andrew Quarless or Brandon Bostick. However, what the Packers do have is a workhorse running back in Eddie Lacy.
CLICK to GRAB OUR BEST Expert Sports & Football Picks for 2014 GAMBLING!
Lacy is the workhorse running back that Green Bay had been searching for a long time and he will look to build on a successful rookie season ahead of fellow backs James Starks and Johnathan Franklin.
The Packers will need to improve on the defensive side of the ball in order to have a shot at competing for an NFC title. Green Bay ranked 25th in total defense a year ago but added significant pieces in both free agency and the draft to improve the overall talent level.
Nose tackle BJ Raji was re-signed to a one-year deal and has plenty of motivation to prove he can hold down the middle of the line next to Mike Daniels and rising star Datone Jones.
[soliloquy id=”82219″]
The Packers signed free agent Julius Peppers with the hope that he can excel as a pass-rusher with fellow outside linebacker Clay Matthews attracting double teams on the other side. AJ Hawk and Brad Jones are solid inside.
Green Bay used its first round pick on free safety Ha Ha Clinton-Dix to play center field and form a solid tandem with strong safety Morgan Burnett.
Cornerback Sam Shields earned a four-year extension with his play last season and will start opposite Tramon Williams with Casey Hayward and Micah Hyde set to battle for the nickel role.
The upgrades on defense should translate to the field with an improved pass rush and better coverage in the secondary. Rodgers is an elite quarterback that can lead a high-scoring offense and as long as he can stay healthy the Packers should be able to lock up a fourth-straight division title and challenge for NFC supremacy.
2014 Packers Predictions
- Place they’ll finish in NFC North: 1st
- Place they’ll finish in NFC Conference: 3rd
- Over/Under Wins Prediction: OVER
CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE TOP CAPPERS FOR NFL FOOTBALL BETTING THIS SEASON —–>
What are you waiting for use our insider knowledge today to gamble on all the NFL Football Futures in our top online sportsbooks today.
