NFL Power Rankings: Packers, Steelers, 5 teams on the rise
By Kim Myers
Green Bay Packers (8-7-1 in 2013)
The only reason we’re talking about the possibility of a rise from the Packers is that they fell, more or less, last season with an 8-7-1 record. Sure, that record was enough to win them the NFC North crown but they certainly struggled without Aaron Rodgers.
The Packers have been smart enough in recent years to invest more in the defense instead of going with a game-plan that more or less involves Aaron Rodgers and the offense scoring 35+ points a game. This offseason in particular, the additions of Ha Ha Clinton-Dix to their secondary and Julius Peppers to the front seven will make a huge difference. Their schedule isn’t going to do them any favors in 2014 but, in this case, we’re talking about a team on the rise from perennial playoff appearances to a possible Super Bowl run if everything goes as planned.