Packers drop in NFL Spin Zone power rankings for Week 16

After yet another road defeat, the Green Bay Packers have dropped down to 18th in the latest NFL Spin Zone power rankings.

Well, that’s it for another year. The Chicago Bears were unlucky not to win at Lambeau Field in Week 1, and they finally got a big victory over the Packers, officially ending Green Bay’s playoff hopes while also securing their first NFC North title in eight years.

For the Packers it was another disappointing performance away from home, their seventh defeat on the road this season and ninth straight going back to last year.

Green Bay’s last road win was at Cleveland on Dec. 10, 2017. Brett Hundley was the Packers’ starting quarterback. DeShone Kizer, now the Packers’ backup, started for the Browns.

The last time Green Bay won on the road with Aaron Rodgers at quarterback was a victory at Dallas on Oct. 8, 2017.

And with their seventh straight road loss this season, this team has dropped down a couple of spots in the latest NFL Spin Zone power rankings. Green Bay is now at 18th. Here’s what Randy Gurzi of NFL Spin Zone had to say:

"“There will need to be some changes, with pass rusher and wide receiver being the biggest areas of need. Davante Adams has been outstanding this season and moved into the discussion for top-five in the NFL. However, there’s no help outside of him that strikes fear into opposing teams.”"

It’s hard to disagree with Gurzi here.

Rookie wide receivers Marquez Valdes-Scantling and Equanimeous St. Brown have made some big plays this season and have a lot of potential, but general manager Brian Gutekunst needs to decide whether to bring back Geronimo Allison and Randall Cobb. If not, he’ll need to address the position in free agency or the draft.

Finding a top pass rusher has to be the team’s top priority this offseason. Clay Matthews is a free agent at the end of the season, and Gutekunst could decide to move on from Nick Perry.

But before then Gutekunst will need to hire a new head coach.

That will happen soon after Green Bay finishes its final two games of the season against the New York Jets and Detroit Lions.