Even without Favre, Packers should surpass projected win total
NFL odds: Packers win totals
- Will Green Bay surpass 8.5 wins this season?
- Can Aaron Rogers succeed?
- Are there any weak links on the defense?
The Green Bay Packers had a surprising resurgence last season. The biggest reason? Brett Favre. The gunslinging quarterback tossed 28 touchdowns and just 15 interceptions last season, compared to a whopping 47 during the past two years.
The veteran has since been shipped off to New York, however, and those who love betting on sports are wondering how dramatically Green Bay. Long story short? Feel safe about Green Bay’s NFL futures—Rogers is a capable replacement. Of course, it’s a little more complicated than that.
Green Bay won 13 games last season. This year’s Packers win totals is set at 8.5, and I like their chances of surpassing that. Rogers is a former first-round pick and he’s had plenty of time to prepare himself for this moment.
The youngster also has a great core of talent around him. Receivers Donald Driver, Greg Jennings and James Jones are all brilliant runners after the catch. If Rogers can get them the ball, they’ll do most of the leg work.
Rogers also has the quarterback’s best friend: a great running game. Ryan Grant was absolutely dominant once he became the feature back, finishing with 956 yards and eight touchdowns in just seven starts. He’s expected to have another great season.
Defensively, Green Bay was very good last season, though there are a few concerns. Cornerbacks Al Harris and Charles Woodson are growing long in the tooth, meaning injuries and a decline in pay are strong possibilities.
Also, depth on the defensive line has been compromised because of injuries, free agency and off-the-field issues. It was a strength in Green Bay last year and warrants mentioning. However, the linebacking corps looks as strong as ever, which should help out the entire “D”.
So what does it all mean for NFL futures and Packers wins totals? Favre meant a lot to this team, but did he mean 4.5 wins? That’s the difference between last season’s 13 victories and this year’s 8.5 total, and I can’t imagine Green Bay not getting over that total.
Rogers may not play up to Favre’s level, but he’s got enough pieces around him to maintain a solid level of play, even if he just avoids mistakes. Is the difference between him and his predecessor really 4.5 victories? I don’t think so.
Blake’s pick: Green Bay surpasses 8.5 wins in 2008
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Blake walked onto his college football team and had a brief stint as an assistant coach after he graduated. He brings a sharp mind to the world of sports handicapping. Blake understands the nuances of the game that only someone who has played would understand, and he was one of the few who gave the Giants a chance against the Patriots in Super Bowl XLII. Thoughts or questions?
