Fansided

NFC North power rankings: Are the Packers still the team to beat?

By Russell S. Baxter

SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 19: Aaron Jones #33 of the Green Bay Packers rushes with the ball against the San Francisco 49ers during the NFC Championship game at Levi's Stadium on January 19, 2020 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 19: Aaron Jones #33 of the Green Bay Packers rushes with the ball against the San Francisco 49ers during the NFC Championship game at Levi's Stadium on January 19, 2020 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
5 of 5
Next
GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN – DECEMBER 15: head coach Matt LaFleur of the Green Bay Packers discusses with Aaron Rodgers #12 of the Green Bay Packers during warms up before the game against the Chicago Bears at Lambeau Field on December 15, 2019 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Quinn Harris/Getty Images)
GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN – DECEMBER 15: head coach Matt LaFleur of the Green Bay Packers discusses with Aaron Rodgers #12 of the Green Bay Packers during warms up before the game against the Chicago Bears at Lambeau Field on December 15, 2019 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Quinn Harris/Getty Images) /

1. Green Bay Packers

Depending on who you’re listening to or reading these days, some believe that quarterback Aaron Rodgers’ days in Green Bay are numbered. That assumption began when the club moved up in the draft in April to grab to Utah State signal-called Jordan Love with the 26th overall pick.

But what may not have been as obvious to some was the fact that Packers’ general manager Brian Gutekunst had a plan in mind when it came to fortifying this team, one that made some defensive improvement a year ago (via Rob Reischel of Forbes.com) but was still in need of some assistance.

And that could come in the form of a much more physical offensive approach as the club added three offensive linemen in the sixth round, Boston College running back A.J. Dillon in the second round and blocking tight end Josiah Deguara (3-Cincinnati).

Last offseason, the club spent some money to acquire pass rushers Za’Darius Smith and Preston Smith and safety Adrian Amos and the results were evident. But the Packers continued to struggle against the run and was pushed around twice by the 49ers last season, including the NFC title game.

More fansided.com: NFL power rankings: Chiefs, Saints lead way into 2020

Green Bay was a perfect 6-0 vs. their NFC North rivals in 2019. And perhaps a new emphasis on power football can get this club past San Francisco and back to the Super Bowl for the first time since 2010.