NFL Preview: Green Bay Packers

Here's a team that's flying. How the Packers lost to the Cardinals is beyond even my imagination, and I regard myself a highly imaginative Cardinals fan. The Packers were simply too hot to lose in the manner they did - conceding 50+ points to contribute to the highest scoring playoff game of all time is not in their nature, This defence is the stingiest of a particularly mean division that hosts the Bears, Lions and Vikings. And on top of that, and rather more importantly, their offence is absolutely sublime. A perfect blend of experience and youth, the Packers are marshalled by Aaron Rogers, who is turning out to be a genuine star. I, like many, thought Rogers - a multi-year back-up project behind Favre - would wilt on being handed the starting job, personally believing that it serves players well to get their ears wet early.

I was wrong.

Rogers is, I would say, an easy pick for the top 5 QBs in the league along with Manning, Brady, Brees and Schaub in no particular order. If you had to force me to place him on that list I might put him as high as third behind last year's Superbowl dance-partners, Manning and Brees.

Whoever you are right now, you should fear the Packers. They should probably depose the Vikings and reclaim the NFC North, but the announcement of the return of their former HOF QB and recent thorn in their side, Brett Favre, makes that task tougher.

Whether they win the division or not, the Packers are good for 10+ wins this season (maybe even as many as 12 over what is not an easy schedule). They will be in the playoffs one way or another and I expect them to do some damage while there.

I expect them to do so much damage, in fact, that I think they will obliterate everybody and hoist the Lombardi trophy come February.

There. I said it. The Packers are my pick to win it all...


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