Packers move up in FanSided power rankings entering Week 2
The Green Bay Packers moved up to No. 3 in the FanSided power rankings for Week 2.
Aaron Rodgers proved yet again why he’s the best quarterback in football last week. He not only helped the Green Bay Packers pick up a victory in their season opener against the Chicago Bears, but he also helped the Packers jump up two spots in the latest FanSided power rankings.
After their Week 1 victory, the Packers move up to third in the power rankings, up two spots from fifth.
They move above the Atlanta Falcons and New Orleans Saints, who both lost in Week 1. The Saints’ defeat at home to Tampa Bay was particularly surprising, although good news for Green Bay.
The only two teams ahead of the Packers in the power rankings are the Super Bowl-champion Philadelphia Eagles at number two, and the Minnesota Vikings, who are top.
Green Bay hosts Minnesota on Sunday, a huge game in the NFC North early on in the season.
The Packers can’t afford to lose a home divisional game. To regain the NFC North crown this season, Mike McCarthy’s team needs to pick up victories at Lambeau, particularly in the division.
That won’t be easy this week, especially with Aaron Rodgers below 100 percent. I’m confident Rodgers will play, but there’s no way he’s fully healthy.
Rodgers’ injury forced Green Bay to make adjustments on offense last week, and it worked. Rodgers had to throw quicker passes and rely on timing with his wide receivers. They don’t do enough of this when Rodgers is healthy.
That’s the positive. The negative is that the injury takes away one of his biggest strengths, which is his ability to escape the pocket, extend plays and make spectacular throws on the move.
The Vikings will be prepared for the short passing game.
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It should be an entertaining game, and it’s an important one for both teams. If the Packers win, they could be at No. 1 in the FanSided power rankings a week from now.