Packers in top five of Bleacher Report preseason power rankings

After an offseason filled with drama for the Green Bay Packers, we can finally take a deep breath and enjoy the final weeks of preparation before the chaos of the regular season begins.

Aaron Rodgers returning for at least one more year means the Packers are set up nicely for another Super Bowl push. In year number three under head coach Matt LaFleur, they’ll be hoping to take the all-important final step after falling at the NFC Championship Game two seasons in a row.

As they have been in both years under LaFleur, the Packers should be among the top contenders in the NFL this season.

With preseason kicking off this week, Bleacher Report has released its latest power rankings, which sees Green Bay at No. 5. This is based on three analysts’ rankings. The highest rank they received was No. 3, the lowest No. 7.

The Packers remain the overwhelming favorites in the NFC North.

Their nearest rivals in B/R’s power rankings are the Chicago Bears at No. 19. The Minnesota Vikings are at No. 22, and the Detroit Lions all the way down at No. 31. It’s fair to say the expectation among the B/R analysts is for the Packers to win the NFC North for a third straight season.

It’s easy to see why the Packers are so high in the rankings.

This is a team that has only lost six games in the regular season under LaFleur, and has reached the final two in the NFC in both years.

Green Bay has the reigning MVP at quarterback, All-Pros at left tackle, wide receiver, and cornerback, all among the most important positions in the NFL. The team had the league’s best offensive line last year and one that should remain strong once David Bakhtiari returns.

It’s now down to whether the Packers can go one step further and bring back the Lombardi Trophy in potentially Rodgers’ final season.