Packers sixth in FanSided’s Week 1 power rankings

The Packers are sixth in FanSided’s Week 1 power rankings.

After a long and challenging offseason, the return of the football season is finally here. For the Green Bay Packers, they begin their NFC North title defense on the road against last year’s runners-up, the Minnesota Vikings.

After finishing 13-3 last year, which was their best final record since 2011, can the Packers build on that and win the NFC North again this season?

What we do know is that Matt LaFleur’s team enter 2020 expected to again be one of the best teams in the NFC. Matt Verderame of FanSided has released his Week 1 power rankings and the Packers are well-positioned in sixth.

Verderame writes that the Packers have an “underrated defense”, which is absolutely right.

Not many people are talking about Green Bay’s defense, but the front seven features two Pro Bowlers in Kenny Clark and Za’Darius Smith. Preston Smith also had a great 2019 season with 12 sacks and 23 quarterback hits.

The starters in the secondary — cornerbacks Jaire Alexander and Kevin King, and safeties Adrian Amos and Darnell Savage — are up there with the best in the league.

And with potential second-year jumps to come from Savage and edge rusher Rashan Gary, there’s a lot to be excited about this defense in 2020.

Offensively, there are of course some concerns, mostly at wide receiver and tight end. But the Packers still have Aaron Rodgers, Aaron Jones, Davante Adams, and David Bakhtiari. They strengthened the running back room in the offseason by drafting AJ Dillon and also have a rising star at guard in Elgton Jenkins.

Are there areas of concern on the roster? Absolutely. But where the Packers are strongest, they have some of the best players in the NFL. Green Bay also retained the majority of its key players from 2019, with right tackle Bryan Bulaga the most notable player to leave.