NFC North Power Rankings Week 1: Bears look to make a statement

2. Green Bay Packers

Far be it for a Bears' blog to say that the Packers are being over-hyped the open the season but the Green Bay Packers are being over-hyped to open the season.

Sure, given how quarterback Jordan Love finished the 2024 season and the run the Packers had in the playoffs, they deserve to be behind the Lions in the first installment of our NFC North Power rankings this season. But, let's not forget that through the first six weeks of the season last year, the Packers were ready to move on from Love. Despite that, the Packers used Love's second-half run last season as a reason to make him the answer at the quarterback position for the long term.

In fact, Love's decision-making regression in the Packers' second half of their playoff game against the 49ers last season is reason to believe there could be a sophomore slump for the quarterback in 2024. But, for now, Love and the Packers get the benefit of starting where they finished last season.