Packers: 3 reasons why Aaron Rodgers needs to stay in 2022

2. The NFC is weaker than the AFC

If the Packers trade Rodgers, he’s almost certainly going to an AFC team. Talk about a loaded conference.

Even if Rodgers’ new team won their division, look at the potential playoff matchups. Patrick Mahomes, Joe Burrow, Josh Allen, Lamar Jackson, and Justin Herbert all play in the AFC. Then there’s the Tennessee Titans, Indianapolis Colts, New England Patriots, and Las Vegas Raiders.

Reaching the Super Bowl in the AFC will require winning multiple playoff games against some of those teams.

The NFC picture looks quite different.

Within the NFC North, the Minnesota Vikings and Chicago Bears are starting over with new coaches, while the Detroit Lions are in year two of a long rebuild.

The Los Angeles Rams are the team to beat, but they face as much uncertainty as the Packers this offseason. Superstar defensive lineman Aaron Donald hasn’t committed to returning in 2022. Even head coach Sean McVay hasn’t decided whether he’ll be back.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ Super Bowl window has slammed shut with Tom Brady retiring.

Along with the Rams, that leaves the San Francisco 49ers, Arizona Cardinals, Dallas Cowboys, and perhaps the Philadelphia Eagles as the top contenders in the NFC.

Still a tough road to the Super Bowl, but the NFC has already taken a step back from this past season, while the AFC is stronger than ever.