The 2024 NFL season is fast approaching and after an eventful offseason, the Green Bay Packers are geared up for the second year of the Jordan Love era. Can the team live up to the expectations caused by last year’s strong finish and be a true Super Bowl contender? Here are 10 bold predictions for the Packers in what promises to be an exciting and interesting 2024 season:
Packers Bold Predictions for 2024, Number One: Jordan Love Proves Last Year Was No Fluke
Love finished his first season as the Packers starting quarterback by throwing 32 touchdowns and just 11 interceptions. In the final eight games of the regular season, he threw 18 touchdowns and just one pick. Love showed he could be a leader and could play the game at a very high level.
This year, the former Utah State star will show that last year’s performance was no fluke. While it’s unlikely Love will match the numbers he put up during the second half of last season, he will prove he is one of the top quarterbacks in the league and that he will be the Packers leader for years to come.
Number Two: The Defense Starts Slowly but Finishes Strong
The Packers defense will finally improve this year under new defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley but don’t expect immediate results. It will take the players time to adjust to the new four-man front and more aggressive approach to the game.
By the end of the season, however, the Packers defense will be playing at a very high level, creating turnovers and sacking opposing quarterbacks. That will bode well for the Packers heading into the playoffs.
Packers Bold Predictions for 2024, Number Three: Josh Jacobs Rushes for More than 1,000 Yards
Josh Jacobs led the NFL in rushing yards in 2022 but gained only 805 yards last season and averaged a career-low 3.5-yards per carry. Jacobs will prove that part of the problem was the Raiders inconsistent offense.
Jacobs will top 1,000 yards again this season as defenses gear up to stop Love and the Pack’s talented group of receivers and tight ends. He will also get more carries this season than Aaron Jones who needed to be spelled more often.
Before the season is over, Jacobs will also catch his first career NFL touchdown pass which he has yet to accomplish despite having 197 career catches.
Number Four: Jaire Alexander Will Set a Career High in Interceptions
Cornerback Jaire Alexander struggled with injuries and disciplinary issues last season. The Louisville alum played just seven games in 2023. That included a one-game suspension for conduct detrimental to the team. He did not intercept any passes last year, either.
This season, with the defense placing a bigger emphasis on pressuring the quarterback and Alexander healthy, he will intercept more passes than any other season during his NFL career. He had five picks in 2022 which is his career high as of now. That will change this season and Alexander will return to the Pro Bowl for the third time in his career while once again becoming a shut down cover corner.
Packers Bold Predictions for 2024, Number Five: Rashan Gary Makes the Pro Bowl
Rashan Gary will benefit from the new defensive system as he returns to playing defensive line like he did in college. The former Michigan star will record double-digit sacks for the first time in his career and earn Pro Bowl honors for the first time as well.
Gary often comes very close to sacking the quarterback. In the past, he often had to settle for pressures. This year, his numbers will match his pass rush win rate, and he will become recognized as a star.
Number Six: The Packers Finish the Season with a Different Kicker Than They Start With
The Packers have had a revolving door at kicker this season and we haven’t even reached Week 1. GM Brian Gutekunst signed Brayden Narveson after they decided neither Anders Carlson nor Greg Joseph inspired enough confidence to keep the job.
Narveson will start the season as the Packers kicker, but he will also struggle and be replaced before the season is over. Hopefully, Rich Bisaccia and company get the kicking game straightened out before it costs the team any games in 2024.
Packers Bold Predictions for 2024, Number Seven: Luke Musgrave Has a Breakout Season
The Packers have not had such a dangerous tight end duo as Luke Musgrave and Tucker Kraft since 1996 when Keith Jackson and Mark Chmura gave them an elite one-two punch at the position. This year, Musgrave and Kraft will both be more productive than a year ago and the duo will become real weapons in the passing attack if they stay healthy.
Of the two, look for Musgrave to make more splash plays and to capture more headlines with his ability to get open downfield. Kraft will also prove his worth, but his final numbers won’t quite match Musgrave’s.
Number Eight: Romeo Doubs Leads the Packers in Catches, Christian Watson in Yards
The Packers may lack of clear-cut number one receiver entering the season, but they will be very effective using a receiver by committee approach.
Romeo Doubs has excellent chemistry with Love and may be the team’s most consistent receiver. He will lead the team in receptions. Meanwhile, Christian Watson will shine as the team’s best deep threat. Watson will lead the Packers in receiving yards if he stays healthy. He will also be featured on plenty of highlights reels while also creating time and space for his teammates.
Packers Bold Predictions for 2024, Number Nine: The Packers Have Two Quality Offensive Tackles
Both Rasheed Walker and Zach Tom are entering their second seasons as the Packers starting offensive tackles. Tom is a smart and consistent technician who succeeds with smarts and positional play. He will continue to develop into a solid right tackle.
Meanwhile, Walker will further cement the left tackle spot and prove he should be the man to protect Love’s blind side.
Number 10: The Packers Win 11 Games and Make a Deep Playoff Run
Matt LaFleur’s team will improve on last year’s 9-8 record and finish the season with 11 or possibly 12 wins if they avoid key injuries. The Packers will advance to the NFC title game and will have a good chance of reaching the Super Bowl this season.
Follow Gil Martin on Twitter @GilPackers
Click here for more great Packers coverage
