Eight wins too low a prediction for Packers in 2019

Conor Orr of Sports Illustrated has predicted that the Green Bay Packers will win eight games in 2019. Here’s why they’ll win more than that.

Less than seven weeks away from the season and with training camp upon us, we’re beginning to see predictions made for the 2019 season.

One is from Conor Orr of Sports Illustrated, who has predicted each NFL team’s record for the 2019 season. And Orr predicts a third consecutive disappointing season for the Green Bay Packers, who finish third in the NFC North with an 8-8 record.

It’s the Minnesota Vikings who regain the division title at 11-5, with the Chicago Bears in second place with a 10-6 record.

Orr makes a good case for the Vikings winning the division, but I disagree with his prediction for the Packers to finish at .500.

Orr correctly points out that not much work has been done on offense, with Aaron Rodgers entering 2019 with a similar supporting cast to 2018. Despite that, it’s the second-year development of Marquez Valdes-Scantling and a healthy Geronimo Allison that can make a significant difference, not to mention a more creative, modern scheme that should open up the run game for Aaron Jones.

And with improved play from the offensive line with the additions of Billy Turner and Elgton Jenkins, there’s more than enough reasons to be optimistic about this offense.

And that’s before we talk about the defense, a unit that has been upgraded in key departments this offseason. With Za’Darius Smith, Preston Smith and Rashan Gary improving the pass rush, a healthy Kenny Clark and Mike Daniels up front, and the addition of Adrian Amos and Darnell Savage in the secondary, there should be big improvements on defense.

Earning a playoff berth in the NFC North this year won’t be an easy task, no doubt. The Vikings and Bears are playoff contenders in their own right.

But even with the adjustments necessary with a new head coach, the Packers can be a 10 or 11-win team and find similar to success to the recent turnarounds of the Los Angeles Rams and New Orleans Saints.