Green Bay Packers 2021-2022 Season Preview, Odds and Win Totals

Imagine taking the MVP of the league off the field when the game matters most.

In January's NFC Championship game between the Packers and Buccaneers, that exact scenario came into play with Green Bay down 8 points at the 8-yard line of Tampa with 2:30 left to go. Rather than let Aaron Rodgers work his magic and make a play, head coach Matt LaFleur brought the field goal unit on instead to make it a 31-26 deficit.

Green Bay never got their offense back on the field, and Rodgers spent the bulk of the offseason wondering what his future would hold. He contemplated retirement, asked to be traded, and even got a little guest hosting of Jeopardy! in the mix as well. Rodgers had determined his relationship with GM Brian Gutekunst and the organization was damaged beyond repair, setting Packers fans up to wonder what life might be like with No. 12 under center, and fans of the Broncos and Raiders giddy that Rodgers could end up under center in their respective team colors

So what changed? For starters, Gutekunst refused to trade Rodgers, no matter the price. Then, an acknowledgment from the top-down stating they didn't do their part in communicating effectively with Rodgers throughout their time. And now, a restructured deal that will allow their franchise quarterback the ability to leave at season's end should he decide to go.

All this sets up for a season of immense pressure to win in Green Bay, because if a Super Bowl doesn't happen this year, it may take many more years once a player like Rodgers walks out the door.

Green Bay Packers 2021 Team Outlook

With Rodgers returning, the Packers return the 2020 MVP of the league coming off the best statistical season of his career in the number one scoring offense in the NFL. His 48 touchdown passes were an all-time high for the 37-year old quarterback to go along with just five interceptions, 4,299 passing yards, and a 70.7 completion percentage. Rodgers currently ranks fourth at WynnBET to repeat as league MVP at +1100 odds.

His offensive line will face a slight restructuring, with center Corey Linsley headed to the Chargers as the highest-paid center in the league. Josh Myers is expected to take his place in the middle of Green Bay's line. Tackle David Bakhtiari is recovering from a torn ACL but is expected to be ready for the start of the season.

Normally, running back tends to be a position that teams will draft and move on from, but in Green Bay's case, Aaron Jones is back on a new contract after rushing for over 1,100 yards in 2020 with 11 total TDs. Second year bruiser AJ Dillon will be used in a heavier role after Jamaal Williams left for a new deal with the Detroit Lions.

At receiver, Rodgers has another year to team up with perhaps the best in the league in Davante Adams; catching just under 31% of Rodgers' completions last year. Adams caught 115 passes for 1,374 yards and an absurd 18 touchdowns from Rodgers in 2020. Breakout tight end Robert Tonyan also was an effective red-zone weapon for Rodgers, catching a remarkable 88.1% of passes thrown his way for 11 TDs. Both Adams and Tonyan led their respective positions in touchdowns caught, as well as the two of them catching 29 of Rodgers' 48 touchdowns thrown. Even if both players continue to play well, expect some of those numbers to regress this season, as guys like Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Allen Lazard, and the return of Randall Cobb see more action.

Defensively, Green Bay let go of defensive coordinator Mike Pettine after three seasons, naming Joe Barry as his replacement. He'll take over a defense that played well throughout the season, but also made several costly mistakes in pivotal matchups, notably calling up man coverage on Tom Brady's 39-yard touchdown to Scotty Miller in the NFC Championship game, putting the Bucs out in front.

Tackle Kenny Clark is the staple of their front three, but only played in 13 games last year. At linebacker, the two Smiths (Za'Darius and Preston) will be counted on to provide pressure off the edge, especially Za'Darius who's coming off a 12.5 sack season.

Lastly, in the secondary, Jaire Alexander continues to be a lethal shutdown cornerback and will once again be a staple for opposing wide receivers to avoid as much as possible. Kevin King was brought back for one more year, and Darnell Savage and Adrian Amos are expected to hold down the safety spots.

Green Bay Packers 2021 NFL Draft

Packers'Much has been discussed on the Packers lack of drafting early-round offensive talent to surround their star quarterback over the last several years. Since Jordan Love was selected in 2020, Green Bay had not taken an offensive player since 2011 in the first round of the draft.

Despite the offseason grumblings of Rodgers, the Packers continued their ways, selecting yet another defensive player with their first-round pick. Eric Stokes, a cornerback from Georgia goes to the Packers and will likely compete with Kevin King for the other side spot. Jordan Lyles, a center from Ohio State went in the second round and will take the spot of former All-Pro center Corey Linsley. In the third round, Amari Rodgers, a wide receiver from Clemson is an intriguing jack-of-all-trades option they can move all over the field.

Green Bay Packers Team Odds: Division (-145), Conference (+700), Super Bowl (+1600)

After months of speculation as to whether Rodgers would be back, oddsmakers at WynnBET finally released the Packers' odds for the season. After winning 13 games last year, Green Bay is the odds-on favorite to capture yet another NFC North title; coming in at odds of -145. The Vikings are second for the division at +250, followed by the Bears (+400) and Lions (+2000).

To win the NFC Championship game, Green Bay is four teams back of the pack. The Packers are at +700 behind the Buccaneers (+275), Rams and 49ers (+550) to make it back to the Super Bowl.

Should they win it all in Rodgers' (potential) final year in Green Bay? WynnBET would pay out at +1600, or 16/1 odds if Rodgers earns the second Lombardi Trophy of his career.

Green Bay Packers Regular Season Win Total: 10.5 WINS | OVER (-120), UNDER (+100)

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Ben Heisler: 

Even when Aaron Rodgers' stats were starting to diminish in the three seasons before 2020, the Packers were always the favorite to dominate the division. The 2018 season aside, they tend to live up to expectations. Now that there's an element of finality to Rodgers' run with Green Bay this year, he's relaxed, content, and ready for one more run at a Super Bowl on his terms.

The Packers have a well balanced offense with Rodgers at the helm, and while they may not finish first in points scored like they did a season ago, I don't see them having any issues when it comes to scoring. Aaron Jones is a top 10 running back, Davante Adams is in discussion for the best wide receiver in the NFL, and the offensive line should still remain in the top half of the league.

Defensively, I'll be curious to see what happens with Mike Pettine no longer running the show. Joe Brady hasn't had much success when he's been a DC in the past, Via Athlon Sports, Brady has never had a defense ranked higher than 28th.

Even if the offense regresses and the defense struggles, who is likely to challenge Green Bay in the NFC North? The Vikings should be improved defensively after an inconsistent 2020 season, but Kirk Cousins and head coach Mike Zimmer already appear to be in a rough spot with Cousins refusing to get vaccinated and likely on his way out of town after this year. The Bears' defense can be top 5, but even if Justin Fields goes under center, the Bears still have unknown options after Allen Robinson and David Montgomery along with a broken-down offensive line. And then there's the Lions, who really don't need much of an explanation.

The Packers are set up very well for the likely final season of Aaron Rodgers in green and gold, and I think they cruise to at least 12 wins.

PREDICTION: OVER 10.5 WINS (-120)

EXACT WIN TOTAL:  12 WINS (+425)

Donnavan Smoot:

If this season is truly the “Last Dance” for Aaron Rodgers, Davante Adams and the Green Bay Packers, it will be a fun one in Lambeau. Rodgers and the Packers’ front office had their feud out in the open this offseason, but none of that changed Rodgers’ ability to play quarterback. As long as Rodgers is there, the Packers have one of the highest floors in the NFL. Partner him with Davante Adams, and now he has all he needs to run through the regular season. 

The Packers had the best offense in the league last year and all that explosiveness should be there this year as well. Green Bay was explosive through the air with Rodgers’ connection with Adams powering the entire offense. Yet they were still able to turn around and lean on Aaron Jones to carry the rock and be methodical if they had to.

For years, Rodgers didn’t have a defense. In 2020, the defense finally showed up and was top 15 in points allowed and top 10 in yards allowed. That’s all Rodgers needs to be successful.

The NFC North is intriguing, but ultimately nobody will challenge the Packers. Chicago and Minnesota are still lacking in major areas and Detroit is Detroit. 

Green Bay is a good football team. It made the NFC Championship game last year and has knocked on the door for several years now. This might be its last chance to do it with Rodgers, and I believe the regular season portion of the “Last Dance” will be a very successful one. 

PREDICTION: OVER 10.5 WINS (-120) 

EXACT WIN TOTAL: 13 WINS (+700)

Peter Dewey: 

Aaron Rodgers is back in Green Bay. Need I say anymore? 

Seriously though, the 2020 NFL MVP is coming off one of the best seasons of his career, and while he and the Packers may have put their differences aside for this season, there’s no doubt he wants to prove them wrong for not committing to him as the starter for years to come. 

What better way to do that than have a monster 2021 season? 

The Packers kept most of their offense intact from last season, and they should get left tackle David Bahktiari back at some point this season, which would be a huge boost for the entire offense.

Defensively, the Packers secondary has to be better after the meltdown in last year’s NFC Championship Game, but the drafting of cornerback Eric Stokes in the first round should help the team improve. 

I’m not going to bet against Aaron Rodgers, and I think the Packers crush their 10.5 win projection this season. 

PREDICTION: OVER 10.5 WINS (-120)

EXACT WIN TOTAL: 13 WINS (+700)

Iain MacMillan:

The Kansas City Chiefs and Buffalo Bills are the clear top two teams in the AFC, and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Green Bay Packers are the equivalent in the NFC.

Despite the offseason drama involving Aaron Rodgers, I think we’ll see him put up MVP-like numbers again in 2021. Green Bay averaged the most points per game last season with 31.5, as well as the second most yards per game at 393.8. The Packers also led in a certain stat that I think is a great indication for how good a team truly is, third down conversion percentage. They ranked first in the NFL in that category, converting 50.97% of third down attempts.

Their defense, while not a top tier unit, was still a solid squad. They ranked 7th in opponent yards per game and 15th in opponent points per game. I would have liked to see them add some pieces to that unit this offseason, but they did use their first round pick on cornerback Eric Strokes out of Georgia, who should have an immediate impact in their secondary.

It will also be interesting to see how Randall Cobb fits back into the offense, as Aaron Rodgers demanded that the team trade for him upon his return to training camp. The Packers have been missing a number two option at wideout the past two years, and if Cobb can satisfy that role, they could be the most dangerous offense in the NFL.

PREDICTION: OVER 10.5 WINS (-120)

EXACT WIN TOTAL: 12 WINS (+425)

Will the Green Bay Packers Make the Playoffs? | MISS THE PLAYOFFS (+210), MAKE THE PLAYOFFS (-240)

Ben Heisler: 

Green Bay is a playoff team unless Rodgers gets so fed up at the organization, refuses to play out the season, and walks away after Week 6. But since he's already likely leaving at the end of the year, he'll play the season out, grab another top seed in the playoffs, and likely take the Packers to at least another NFC Championship game for the third straight year.

The only reason WynnBET's odds are so short on this is likely due to the question marks surrounding Rodgers. If he can't wait to leave Green Bay, is he planning on leaving something in the tank this season? If he loathes the organization and front office, why would he want to deliver for them?

Ultimately, I think Rodgers is too much of a professional and cares about his own reputation in Green Bay far too much to not put the Packers in the best position possible as long as he's the quarterback. Enjoy the run, Packers fans, because after he leaves, the Jordan Love era is not going to be as noteworthy.

PREDICTION: YES (-240)

Donnavan Smoot:

The Packers are easily going to make the playoffs. The NFC North has belonged to the Packers for the better part of a decade. Green Bay has won the division seven times out of the last 10 and that won’t change this season. If Chicago strikes gold at quarterback, maybe they could pose a threat, but that is highly unlikely.

To reference the “Last Dance” one last time, this won’t be a happy ending. I don’t think the Packers will be Super Bowl champions this year, but a long playoff run is in their cards.

PREDICTION: YES (-240)

Peter Dewey:  

The Packers are -145 to win the NFC North on WynnBET, and I think they’re a great bet to get that done on their way to a playoff spot. 

The Bears, who now have Andy Dalton as their quarterback, were the Packers’ biggest competition in the division last season going 8-8, and I don’t think Green Bay has any trouble again this season. 

The Packers and Bucs battling for the top two seeds in the NFC would be a thing of beauty, as it would set up a must-watch NFC Championship Game rematch if they can take care of business in the playoffs. 

Aaron Rodgers is simply too good for Green Bay to miss the postseason, so if he is healthy, I love the Packers’ chances of at least repeating last year’s success. 

PREDICTION: YES (-240)

Iain MacMillan: 

While I have no doubt that the Packers will make the postseason, I’m not as confident that they’ll do so as winners of the NFC North. The Minnesota Vikings are atop my list of teams that will surprise some folks this season, and while I’d still set the Packers as the divisional favorites, I wouldn’t be completely shocked if the Vikings can edge them out in the division.

With seven playoff spots in the NFC now up for grabs, I struggle to think of that many teams who will finish with a better record than Green Bay barring a serious injury to Aaron Rodgers. I’m not going out on a limb here but taking them to make the playoffs, but trying to make a case for them to miss the postseason is a near impossible task.

PREDICTION: YES (-240)

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Every day from the start of NFL Training Camp, the BetSided team of Ben Heisler, Donnavan Smoot, Peter Dewey and Iain MacMillan are breaking down the win totals, playoff and Super Bowl odds for every team in the NFL.

Check back Sunday at 1 p.m. EDT when we preview the betting outlook for the Minnesota Vikings and check out our earlier team-by-team betting previews.

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