Welcome to FanSided’s 2022 NFL preview! It’s time to look into our crystal football and take a glimpse at the Green Bay Packers season prediction.
You don’t have to listen closely to hear the clock loudly ticking in Green Bay. The Packers will be aiming to end their poor recent playoff record in 2022 after they suffered yet another heartbreaking postseason exit season.
Aaron Rodgers drama didn’t dominate this offseason the same way it did last year, but it’s less the looming cloud of Rodgers retirement and more the growing sense of a wasted era that has Cheeseheads anxious.
Can the Packers finally reach the promised land again and send Rodgers off into the sunset or will it be yet another year where the ride is fun but the bill at the end of it all if too much to stomach?
Green Bay Packers 2021 season in review
13-4 record1st place in NFC NorthLost 13-10 to 49ers in divisional round
The Packers’ 2021 season followed a familiar pattern: An unstoppable regular season team but unable to deliver in the playoffs. Green Bay hoped an improved defense would be enough to complement a top-tier offense and finally end its Super Bowl drought.
Despite Aaron Rodgers winning his second straight MVP award and the Packers securing the NFC’s top seed, it all fell apart in the divisional round. Green Bay’s defense delivered its best performance of the year, but sluggish play from the offense and embarrassing special teams proved to be the Packers’ downfall.
Green Bay Packers 2022 NFL Draft class
Rd 1 (22): Quay Walker, ILB/GeorgiaRd 1 (28): Devonte Wyatt, DT/GeorgiaRd 2 (34): Christian Watson, WR/North Dakota StateRd 3 (92): Sean Rhyan, OL/UCLA
With many of the top wide receiver prospects off the board, the Packers doubled-down on defense by selecting Georgia teammates Quay Walker and Devonte Wyatt in the first round.
Walker is expected to start next to De’Vondre Campbell and strengthen the middle of the Packers’ defense. He looked the part in the preseason. Wyatt has made a slower start, although he won’t be a regular starter in 2022 given the team’s incredible defensive line depth.
Interestingly, it hasn’t been Christian Watson or Sean Rhyan impressing over the summer, rather mid-round picks at the same positions, Romeo Doubs and Zach Tom. Doubs starred throughout the summer, showing excellent separation ability and making tough catches. He even earned praise from Aaron Rodgers, which isn’t easy for a rookie receiver.
Tom dominated in the preseason, showcasing his ability to play multiple positions along the offensive line. A starting job shouldn’t be far away.
Previewing Green Bay Packers offense for 2022 season
Key offseason additionsSammy Watkins, WRChristian Watson, WRRomeo Doubs,Zach TomBiggest X-Factor: Allen Lazard, WRSqueakiest Wheel: Sammy Watkins, WR
Can Green Bay’s offense deliver without Davante Adams? There are undoubtedly some major question marks for the offense, but they aren’t without talent.
Allen Lazard steps into the WR1 role. He isn’t Adams, but has thrived as the leading receiver before. In 2020, Lazard caught six passes for 146 yards and a touchdown in a game Adams missed.
The Packers will hope a collective effort from the receiving corps can replicate Adams’ production. New additions Sammy Watkins, Christian Watson, and Romeo Doubs have important roles to play.
One strength is the rushing attack, powered by the thunder-and-lightning combination of Aaron Jones and AJ Dillon. They both put up over 1,000 yards from scrimmage in 2021. The Packers enjoy good depth at running back, too. Kylin Hill will begin the season on the PUP list but will be back at some point.
Watkins is a player to watch. He was signed to become a featured receiver in this offense. Can he stay healthy and produce consistently? We’ll see.
This offense has potential, but there are concerns. Do the Packers have enough at wide receiver? Will the offensive line hold up if David Bakhtiari and Elgton Jenkins miss the start of the season?
Previewing Packers defense for 2022 season
Key offseason additionsJarran Reed, DTQuay Walker, DEDevonte Wyatt, DEBiggest X-Factor: Rashan Gary, LBSqueakiest Wheel: Darnell Savage, S
This could be the Packers’ most talented defense since 2010, when they last won a Super Bowl. Looking at the starting lineup, it’s tough to find many weaknesses.
It starts with a deep defensive line, led by Pro Bowler Kenny Clark and new additions Jarran Reed and Devonte Wyatt.
At inside linebacker, the Packers have first-team All-Pro De’Vondre Campbell and first-round pick Quay Walker. On the edge, breakout star Rashan Gary is joined by Preston Smith.
Perhaps the most talented unit is the secondary. All-Pro Jaire Alexander returns from injury, leading a top cornerback trio featuring Eric Stokes and Rasul Douglas. Stokes starred in his rookie year, while Douglas led the team with five interceptions.
The Packers’ underrated safety duo of Adrian Amos and Darnell Savage return for their fourth season together. However, Savage needs a bounce-back year after struggling in coverage last season. According to Pro Football Reference (link: https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/S/SavaDa00.htm), Savage allowed a passer rating of 117.4 last season.
Depth is the only concern. Do the Packers have enough depth at edge rusher and cornerback to cover for injuries? That could be the true test for this defense. If the answer is yes, we could be looking at a top-three unit.
Green Bay Packers 2022 coaching staff overview
Head Coach: Matt LaFleurOff. Coordinator: Adam StenavichDef. Coordinator: Joe Barry2023 Head Coach Candidate: Stenavich
Matt LaFleur had to reshuffle his staff after losing Nathaniel Hackett and Luke Getsy in the offseason. LaFleur made some smart outside hires, signing veteran special teams coordinator Rich Bisaccia and bringing back Tom Clements as the quarterbacks coach.
But it all starts with LaFleur, who calls the plays.
Adam Stenavich impressed as the offensive line coach from 2019-20, before adding run game coordinator to his job title last year. He is now the Packers’ offensive coordinator. His next stop could be head coach somewhere in the NFL.
Green Bay Packers Awards Watch for 2022 season
Aaron Rodgers, MVP
Rodgers is the reigning back-to-back MVP winner. He aims to tie Peyton Manning’s record for five MVP awards, and also match Brett Favre’s record three-in-a-row.
Rashan Gary, Defensive Player of the Year
Gary enjoyed a breakout season with 9.5 sacks and 28 quarterback hits. Per Pro Football Reference (link: https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2021/defense_advanced.htm), he ranked inside the top five for hurries, pressures, and quarterback knockdowns. The scary part is that Gary looks even better this year after a dominant summer.
Romeo Doubs, Offensive Rookie of the Year
Outside of a few drops, Doubs has been flawless this summer. He consistently gains separation, can make incredible 50/50 catches, and is quickly earning Aaron Rodgers’ trust. With Davante Adams gone, there are plenty of targets to go around. If Doubs continues to impress, he could land a featured role in Matt LaFleur’s offense.
Biggest game on Green Bay Packers schedule in 2022
This is easy: Packers vs. Rams, Week 15.
The defending Super Bowl champions visit Lambeau Field on a frozen December evening under the lights. The Packers have gotten the better of the Rams the past two seasons, but this could be a classic. Late in the season, it could be a battle for the No. 1 seed.
Green Packers season prediction: Best case scenario
It’s Super Bowl-or-bust for the Packers. They’ve pushed money into future years to maintain a championship roster. As Aaron Rodgers reaches the final phase of his career, this could be the Packers’ last shot while this window is open.
A best-case scenario would see Green Bay’s defense live up to the hype and rank near the top of the league. On offense, the Packers get a breakout season from either Christian Watson or Romeo Doubs, similar to that of Ja’Marr Chase or Justin Jefferson in recent years.
A combination of dominant defense and a red-hot run from Aaron Rodgers sees the Packers finally win another championship.
Green Bay Packers season prediction: Worst-case scenario
The offense falls apart without Davante Adams. The young receivers struggle for consistency and the Packers fail to consistently put points on the board. Even worse would be an Aaron Rodgers injury. That would quickly derail any Super Bowl dreams.
Defensively, injuries are the only real concern. If they suffer similar bad luck to the 2020 49ers, a lack of depth at key positions could lead to disaster.
Green Bay Packers season prediction for 2022
12-5 record1st place in NFC NorthWin the Super Bowl
The Packers won a Super Bowl in 2010 on the back of a magical Aaron Rodgers postseason run and dominant defense. The ingredients are there for a similar year.
In 2010, Green Bay’s defense ranked fifth. It has only ranked inside the top 10 twice since (No. 9 defense in 2020 and 2021).
Winner of the previous two MVP awards, Rodgers has shown no signs of decline and is on top of his game. But perhaps for the first time in his career, Green Bay will win a lot of games on defense.
Of the Packers’ projected 11 starters on defense, three are All-Pros or Pro Bowlers. Seven were first-round picks and two were second-rounders. The only player who doesn’t fit into any of those categories is Adrian Amos, one of the most consistent all-around safeties in the NFL.
Offensively, the Packers have an outstanding running back duo, and they get five-time All-Pro David Bakhtiari and Pro Bowler Elgton Jenkins back from injury along the offensive line.
Oh, and they also have Aaron Rodgers.
Read more from FanSided’s 2022 NFL Preview here. For more Green Bay Packers coverage, check out Lombardi Ave.
