Packers schedule 2024: Every opponent ranked from easiest to hardest

9. Indianapolis Colts

Just like I'm buying what Jonathan Gannon is selling in Arizona, I'm buying what Shane Steichen is selling with the Colts. Those two guys were instrumental to the success of the Philadelphia Eagles two seasons ago, and they did an awesome job last year as rookie head coaches elsewhere in the league.

Steichen's Colts were a very surprising team last year, winning nine games despite rookie sensation Anthony Richardson going down early in the year with an injury. This Colts team -- especially if they are fully healthy -- is athletic, fast, dynamic, and well-coached. They're going to be tough in 2024.

8. Jacksonville Jaguars

After finishing the 2022 season as one of the hottest teams in the league, the Jacksonville Jaguars opened the 2023 season on a strong note. In fact, they were in the driver's seat of the AFC South with a record of 8-3 before an epic collapse in the second half of last season.

I'm not really sure what to make of the Jaguars this coming season, but the addition of defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen should make a huge difference, especially with all of the new personnel he's got to work with. Adding Arik Armstead on that defensive front could prove to be a massive difference-maker in preserving their overall relevance in the loaded AFC right now.

7. Chicago Bears

The Chicago Bears look like they're going to be one of the most improved teams in the entire NFL this coming season. The additions of Caleb Williams, Keenan Allen, Rome Odunze, and others have leveled up the intrigue for this Bears team, but also the legitimacy.

The trade Chicago made last offseason for Montez Sweat elevated that defense to another level, and the Bears actually became a pretty dangerous team down the stretch last season. They've got a good young secondary, and now they've got a dynamic quarterback with outstanding talent at receiver to spread the ball to.