Packers land in top 10 of NFL Week 1 power rankings
8. Green Bay Packers
Offensively, this could be the strongest the Packers have been since 2014. The addition of Jimmy Graham could be huge, forming a strong red zone pairing with new number one wide receiver Davante Adams. The concerns are (as ever) on defense. The depth at outside linebacker is particularly worrying, and could be a real problem late in the season. It may be the difference between a Super Bowl win or falling short.
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7. Atlanta Falcons
We all know how dominant Atlanta’s offense can be. Packers fans know far too well. But it’s the defense that should excite their fanbase this year. Atlanta has plenty of talent in the front seven and an underrated secondary. If they can put it all together in 2018, the Falcons will be a great choice to represent the NFC in the Super Bowl for the second time in three years.
6. Philadelphia Eagles
On the note of the Super Bowl, the defending champions fall slightly in these rankings. Yes, Nick Foles helped the Eagles win a championship last year, but the fact he’s the starting quarterback in Week 1 over Carson Wentz causes them to drop to sixth. I like the Falcons to win on the road at Philadelphia in the season opener.
5. Jacksonville Jaguars
Yet again, the Jaguars should be New England’s toughest challenge in the AFC. Despite losing wide receiver Marqise Lee for the season, Jacksonville still has plenty of talent on offense, powered by Leonard Fournette and the run game. The Jaguars will win games with defense, though. They will once again have one of the strongest units in football, making them serious contenders in 2018.