They have only won one Super Bowl in the Aaron Rodgers era and he is not getting any younger. He is 35 years old and Rodgers is potentially one hit away from his career ending.
The first preseason game hasn't happened yet, but him and new Head Coach Matt LaFleur are already butting heads. He was the offensive coordinator of the Tennessee Titans last season.
Aaron Rodgers doesn't like the fact he can't audible at the line of scrimmage because he used to do that with Mike McCarthy.
That has been one of Rodgers's strength over the past several years, but he needs to get over the fact that Rodgers is dealing with a new head coach now.
He also had an issue with Green Bay having a joint practice with the Houston Texans. They both play against each other in the preseason on Thursday night at Lambeau Field.
The relationship between Rodgers and LaFleur could be a major story line throughout the entire season.
It is essential to have a quarterback get along with their head coach. Because of this, I could see the Green Bay Packers missing the playoffs for the third consecutive season because of the potential power struggle.
Their first five games of the season will be very difficult for them. They are on the road against the Chicago Bears in Week 1 on a Thursday night. Green Bay is then home for three straight games against the Minnesota Vikings, the Denver Broncos, and the Philadelphia Eagles. The Packers are then back on the road for Week 5 against the Dallas Cowboys.
It would not surprise me if the Packers lost all five of those games, but I don't think it would happen.
As for the Detroit Lions, I could see them going 2-0 in the first weeks of the season. They will most likely beat the Arizona Cardinals on the road in Week 1 and Detroit could very well beat the Los Angeles Chargers in their home opener the following week.
I don't see the Lions beating Philadelphia on the road in Week 3 or beating the Kansas City Chiefs at home in Week 4.
They would have a bye week in Week 5 before hosting the Green Bay Packers in Week 6. I think that game could determine who will finish in last place in the NFC North.
I expect the Minnesota Vikings and the Chicago Bears to be the two best teams in the NFC North this upcoming season.
The Green Bay Packers and the Detroit Lions may finish no better than 8-8 this upcoming season.
The last time Green Bay finished the season in last place in the NFC North was then they went 4-12 back in 2005.
