The Green Bay Packers started the season 1-2 and have been a major disappointment thus far. The offensive line and running game have struggled, the defense has been inconsistent, and the team continues to make mental mistakes at key times. Despite the struggles, there have been a few positive developments. There are some Packers players who have exceeded expectations thus far in 2026. Here are three Packers off to a good start this season despite the team’s struggles.

Three Packers Players Off to Good Starts, Number Three: WR Matthew Golden

Matthew Golden clearly looks better this season than he did in his rookie campaign. The 2025 first-round draft pick became a full-time starter this season and now has a defined role in the offense.

The former Texas star has 15 catches through three games for 253 yards and his first career regular-season touchdown. That puts him on pace for 85 catches for 1,434 yards and six scores.

Golden looks much more confident in his routes and in his role in the offense. His yards gained after the catch is 97 through three games. Last season, he managed only 101 yards after the catch in 14 games as he adjusted to life in the NFL.

He also had his first NFL 100-yard receiving game against Atlanta despite the lack of time Jordan Love had to throw the football.

This season, Golden is off to a strong start and appears to be ready to live up to his status as a first-round draft pick for the Packers.

Number Two: Edge Lukas Van Ness

Lukas Van Ness faced a lot of pressure entering this season. The Packers knew they were starting the 2026 campaign without Micah Parsons and Van Ness was going to start the season as the team’s number one pass rusher off the edge.

In his first three NFL seasons, Van Ness started exactly two games. The former Iowa star had yet to live up to his first-round draft status due to a combination of injuries and the need to hone his technique and develop additional pass rushing moves.

Thus far this season, Van Ness has answered the call. In his first three games, Van Ness has 2.5 sacks and six quarterback hits. His four tackles for loss already surpassed his total in nine games a year ago. He also has 18 total tackles already this season. In 2025, he made only 19.

Van Ness has done a good job both playing the run and getting after the quarterback. He appears ready to take the next step in his career development. Once Parsons returns, he and Van Ness could give the Packers a dynamic one-two punch off the edge that could make life very difficult for opposing quarterbacks.

Three Packers Players Off to Good Starts, Number One: WR Christian Watson

This season, Christian Watson has firmly established himself as the Packers number one receiver. When he first came into the league, the former North Dakota State star was mostly just a deep threat. But he has since worked hard and made himself a well-rounded receiver for the Packers.

Watson runs short and intermediate routes well and can still get deep. His speed and vision make him dangerous after the catch. He has also developed into a go-to target in the red zone. His size and competitiveness also make him a willing and effective blocker on running plays and screen passes.

Through three games, Watson has 17 catches for 284 yards and four touchdowns. He has at least one touchdown catch in every game this season. That puts him on pace for 96 catches for 1,609 yards and 23 touchdowns over a 17-game campaign.

Watson has developed excellent chemistry with his quarterback. If the offensive line could give Love some time to throw, there is no doubt Watson could be even more effective than he already has been this season.

If Watson can stay healthy and remain productive, this could be his first Pro Bowl season in the NFL.

 

 

 

 

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