Bleacher Report predicts Packers to win NFC North, and they are right

Bleacher Report has predicted the Green Bay Packers to win the NFC North in 2019, and they are absolutely right.

We could be set for the most interesting NFC North battle in many years, with three teams potentially in playoff contention.

The Green Bay Packers, defending-champion Chicago Bears, and the Minnesota Vikings will all be playoff contenders in 2019. And it’s not out of the question that one of these teams could go on to reach the Super Bowl.

That highlights the talent in the division.

Bleacher Report analysts voted on who they believe will win each division in the NFL this season, and unsurprisingly, the NFC North was a close call. The Packers were the choice with four votes, compared to three votes for the Bears and one for the Vikings.

Here’s three quick reasons why they made the right call:

1. Aaron Rodgers
2. The Packers offense has the potential to be one of the best in the league
3. The defense should be improved

The first point doesn’t need much of an explanation. Even in a down year, Rodgers threw 25 touchdown passes with just two interceptions. At his best, he’s the best quarterback in football and a two-time league MVP.

Once again, Rodgers is the Packers’ X-Factor.

And if Rodgers is at his best, the offense, too, will be tough to stop.

One area to expect significant improvements is the rushing attack. Recent history shows us that where Matt LaFleur is coaching, his team is good at running the football.

As offensive coordinator of the Titans and Rams over the past two seasons, they have finished sixth and eighth in rushing offense respectively. He was also part of the Falcons coaching staff in 2016, an offense that finished fifth in rushing.

Aaron Jones, Jamaal Williams and Dexter Williams give Green Bay a talented trio at running back, and the arrival of LaFleur should help the rushing offense dominate.

The Packers have also made upgrades to the offensive line by signing Billy Turner and drafting Elgton Jenkins. Second-year Cole Madison gives the Packers much-needed depth.

LaFleur’s creative scheme, paired with the talent the Packers have on offense, should lead to a bounce-back year on this side of the ball.

As for the defense, quietly this is an area Packers fans should be excited about. Going into games, the focus will be on Rodgers and the offense, but the work done on defense could be the difference maker for this team.

A new-look pass rush featuring Za’Darius and Preston Smith as well as first-round pick Rashan Gary. A secondary led by young superstar Jaire Alexander, new signing Adrian Amos and another first-rounder, Darnell Savage Jr. A dominant defensive line with Pro Bowler Mike Daniels and rising star Kenny Clark.

And with Mike Pettine running the show in his second year as defensive coordinator, the Packers have continuity and can build on last year.

Even if the Bears can match their 2018 performance or the Vikings can get back to their best, the Packers will be a tough team to beat.

And that’s why Bleacher Report made the right call.