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Green Bay Packers: Best and worst-case scenarios for 2019

By Brian Sampson

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - AUGUST 15: Head Coach Matt LaFleur of the Green Bay Packers stands on the field prior to a preseason game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on August 15, 2019 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Todd Olszewski/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - AUGUST 15: Head Coach Matt LaFleur of the Green Bay Packers stands on the field prior to a preseason game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on August 15, 2019 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Todd Olszewski/Getty Images) /
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The Green Bay Packers have a wide array of outcomes for the 2019 season. Here are their best and worst-case scenarios for the upcoming season.

The 2019 NFL season is set to kick off on Thursday night with the league’s oldest rivalry-the Green Bay Packers and Chicago Bears. It’s a game typically reserved for the defending Super Bowl Champions, but the NFL wanted to showcase this matchup, as they begin their 100th season. It’s a dangerous game for the Packers.

Every season, and for every team, there’s an array of outcomes that are most likely to occur. It’s a wider net than normal for Green Bay this season given the lack of moving variables and unknown. The defense is revamped. However, the offense is starting over. New head coach Matt LaFleur is implementing a brand new scheme. A scheme we saw nothing of this preseason as the starters, led by Aaron Rodgers, played zero snaps together. Nobody is quite sure how it will all work out.

In order to fully prepare ourselves for the upcoming season, let’s take a moment to look at the opposite ends of the spectrum. Here are the best and worst-case scenarios for the Packers in 2019.

Best-Case Scenario

The Packers defense takes the leap from good to great, and is able to anchor this team. Led by Za’Darius Smith, they’re able to generate a consistent, natural pass rush that keeps the quarterback uncomfortable. The secondary, led by Jaire Alexander, is able to do their job and make enough plays to help set the offense up in advantageous positions.

Speaking of the offense, they are able to find the perfect balance between run and pass. LaFleur is going to lean on the run game more often than Rodgers is used to. In this scenario, both Aaron Jones and Jamaal Williams stay healthy throughout the season and are able to provide the Packers with a dynamic 1-2 running punch. Rodgers is then able to thrive off play-action and get back to being his uber-efficient self.

Overall, the team is well-balanced and doesn’t rely too heavily on any one area. They figure out how to win games in multiple ways and are actually able to close down the stretch-unlike last year. LaFleur finds his groove as a play-caller and it’s smooth sailing from Week 1.

Record: 12-4

Worst-Case Scenario

The defense doesn’t improve like we think/hope they will. Za’Darius Smith and Preston Smith, two of their high-priced free agents, prove there was a reason they were only part-time players with their previous teams. The secondary struggles with injuries again and Tony Brown and Ka’Dar Hollman, two promising young players, are forced to play a lot of snaps against elite receivers.

The Packers also feel the injury bug on offense where Jones and Williams continue their two-year trend of failing to make it through a whole NFL season. The Packers’ offense is also exposed for their lack of playmakers behind Davante Adams. Neither Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Jake Kumerow, Geronimo Allison or the myriad of other receivers are able to prove capable across from Adams.

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The team as a whole struggles to finish games as well and Mason Crosby continues his struggle from a year ago. They aren’t able to establish an identity and LaFleur ends up way over his head.

Record: 6-10

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