The Athletic Football Show’s preview of the 2026 NFL season spotlights the Green Bay Packers, the No. 7 seed in the NFC North, as a team that remains in the conversation for a deep playoff run despite a roster that looks thin on paper.
Key Storylines
Quarterback Jordan Love has emerged as the centerpiece of the Packers’ offense, praised for his distinctive backfoot mechanics and elite pocket presence that many observers describe as one of the most aesthetically pleasing aspects of his game.
Defensive stability, however, remains a question mark. The absence of star edge rusher Micah Parsons has left the unit vulnerable, producing inconsistent performance early in the season, while the return of Devonte Wyatt from injury offers a modest boost but cannot fully offset the loss of Parsons.
The Packers’ 2023 playoff surge, which felt like “playing with house money,” mirrors the Los Angeles Rams’ approach, yet the Rams are widely viewed as Super Bowl favorites with a deeper roster. Green Bay’s lack of depth at key positions amplifies concerns about their ability to sustain success beyond the early rounds.