The 2024 NFL Season is rapidly approaching. The season kicks off on Thursday, September 5 and every day through Monday, September 2 we’ll be going team-by-team as we preview the new season. Be sure to come back here every afternoon as we look at a new team and get your ready for the 2024 season. We’ll cover off-season changes, the fantasy prospects, and the prediction for how the team will fare this season.

The Packers were the youngest offense in the NFL in 2023, including a first-year starter in Jordan Love. While they were up-and-down most of the season, the Packers closed strong. Sitting at 6-8 with three games to go, the Packers won them all to finish 9-8 and slip into the playoffs. Once there, the Packers used that momentum to take out the Dallas Cowboys before falling short in a Divisional Round matchup with the San Francisco 49ers. Now, can the Packers make a return to the post-season in 2024? Let’s dive in.

Off-Season Changes

The Packers bid farewell to a few veterans this off-season, with running back Aaron Jones leaving for the Vikings, safety Jonathan Owens leaving for the Bears, safety Darnell Savage signing with the Jaguars and guard Jon Runyan signing a big deal with the Giants. But it wasn’t a one-way street for the Packers. The team snagged a big free agent at safety, signing former Giant Xavier McKinney. They also re-loaded at running back, signing Josh Jacobs to a four-year deal. Jacobs, in five years with the Raiders, rushed for 5,545 yards and 46 touchdowns. He figures to be an explosive part of the Packers’ offensive attack.

In the draft, the Packers used their First-Round pick to grab tackle Jordan Morgan for the offensive line. In the Second Round, it was a pair of defenders in safety Javon Bullard and linebacker Edgerrin Cooper. Finally, in the Third Round, the Packers added another back to the backfield with MarShawn Lloyd. Lloyd rushed for 820 yards and nine touchdowns for USC in 2023. He gives the Packers another weapon in the backfield.

Fantasy Prospects

At quarterback the team has Love, who just signed a massive extension. He was QB5 in 2023 and I like him as a QB1 again in 2024. In the backfield, I like Jacobs. Prior to injury in 2023, he was RB12. I think he’s an RB1 for the Packers in 2024. I like Lloyd in dynasty, and as an RB4/Flex contributor. I think veteran A.J. Dillon is just depth at this point.

The receiver group is interesting for the Packers. In 2023, it was rookie Jayden Reed that led the way at WR25, while Romeo Doubs led the Packers in targets and finished as WR36. The team still has veteran Christian Watson, who has struggled with injuries, and young players like Dontavyion Wicks and Bo Melton. There are options here. I still like Reed the best in dynasty and re-draft, though I like Doubs as a WR3/4 too. Watson is a boom/bust guy that is prone to missing time. He’s a draft at your own risk for me. There’s great potential but also plenty of risk. He’s a player I tend to avoid in re-draft.

At tight end, the Packers have a pair of young players in Luke Musgrave and Tucker Kraft. Both played well as rookies in 2023, splitting the season. Musgrave was a higher draft pick but many think Kraft is a better receiver. Both have value, but neither is more than a TE2 for me.

Prediction

The Packers peaked at the right time in 2023 to make the playoffs. They won’t sneak up on anyone in 2024, but I like the talent. Jacobs gives the Packers a new dimension in the backfield, while Love has a good group of young receivers and tight ends. I think the Packers will push the Lions in the NFC North and be in the playoff hunt.

Matthew Fox is a graduate of the Radio, Television and Film program at Biola University, and a giant nerd. He spends his free time watching movies, TV, and obsessing about football. He is a member of the FSWA. You can find him @knighthawk7734 on Twitter and as co-host of the Fantasy Football Roundtable Podcast.