Packers: Five bold predictions for the 2020 season

Packers will be a better team though their record may not show it

Not many people expected to finish 13-3 last season. A new head coach, a remodeled offense, and new pieces on defense left many wondering how the Packers would fare.

The offense sputtered for most of the season while the defense, more specifically their pass rush, was dominating opponents early on.

The Packers got help by a favorable schedule, playing six out of their first 10 games at home. The Packers also played a third-place schedule by virtue of their finish in the 2018 season. The team also won eight games by one score. Many of the team’s wins came down to the wire with the Packers being able to hold off their opponent.

That is likely to change this year.

While I wouldn’t be surprised if the Packers did win 13 games again this year, I think they come back down to earth a bit and win around 11.

The Packers will be playing a more difficult schedule against some tough teams and opponents now have a year’s worth of film on head coach Matt LaFleur.

While the win total will drop by two, I feel we will see a much better team on the field than we saw in 2019.

Another year in LaFleur’s offense and the emphasis on the run, both stopping and offensive production, should give this team a better balance.

There hasn’t been much turnover on either side of the ball and continuity this year should prove to be big, but a tougher schedule will bring their win total down despite having a better team on the field.

I expect the Packers to win the NFC North but getting that first-round bye may not be in the cards.