3 reasons why Packers will make the playoffs, 2 why they won't

The Green Bay Packers were playoff regulars with Aaron Rodgers as their starting quarterback. When they didn't reach the postseason, like last year, it was a surprise.

Times have changed. Jordan Love takes over as the starting quarterback this season, creating uncertainty for the Packers. Can this team reach the postseason?

You can make an argument either way. The Packers are talented enough to make the playoffs, but it depends on a few factors.

So, let's do it. Here are three reasons why the Packers will make the playoffs and two why they won't.

Why Packers will make the playoffs: NFC North is wide open

You could randomly generate the 2023 NFC North standings, then reshuffle them repeatedly. Any outcome you get is realistic. All four teams could quite possibly end up in any of the four positions.

Green Bay is a wild-card. The Packers could win double-digit games and make the postseason if Jordan Love plays well. If not, they could be looking at a top-five draft pick.

Minnesota went 13-4 last season, but 11 of its victories were by one score. The Vikings were dumped out of the playoffs and are far from guaranteed to get back. Detroit went 8-2 in its final 10 games and has made huge strides, but there are still questions about this team, especially defensively.

Chicago made the most of its cap space and high draft picks. The Bears will be better, but that's a low bar to clear. They were 3-14 last season. Can they go from worst to first? Maybe. But it could also take another year of rebuilding.

Nobody knows. The NFC North is wide open, and the Packers have a good chance to win the division.