Packers not playing as favorites for first time in years

The Green Bay Packers are not used to being underdog in the NFC North. Typically, everybody believes that Aaron Rodgers and his charges are going to end up hosting a game or two in the NFC playoffs after blowing past their competition in the North. This year, things are anything but typical.

Green Bay comes into the campaign with more questions than answers, while the Minnesota Vikings look to be a juggernaut. The Packers were shockingly active in free agency under new general manager Brian Gutekunst. He added Jimmy Graham to Rodgers’ cast of weapons. Gutekunst also signed Muhammad Wilkerson on a one-year deal, giving more punch to an already talented front seven.

However, there are a litany of questions throughout the roster. What is the running back situation going to look like when the smoke clears after training camp? What should we expect from a secondary that appears to be atrocious on paper? Additionally, the jettisoning of Jordy Nelson leaves Randall Cobb and Davante Adams to pick up the proverbial slack. Although, that may be easier said than done.

Up in Minnesota, the Vikings might have the most complete roster in the league. With the signing of Kirk Cousins to a fully-guaranteed contract of three years and $84 million, Minnesota finally fixed the one issue it has had since the days of Frank Tarkenton. The rest of the offense should be incredibly dangerous with Dalvin Cook in the backfield, Kyle Rudolph at tight end and both Stefon Diggs and Adam Thielen on the outside.

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Defensively, nobody can match the depth of talent across all three levels of the defense. The Vikings can nominate up front with the likes of Danielle Hunter, Linval Joseph and Everson Griffen. Add Harrison Smith, Eric Kendricks and Trae Waynes into the mix, and the Vikings are lethal.

If nothing else, Rodgers can play with the freedom of lowered expectations. Certainly, the thought within the locker room will be beating the Vikings out for the NFC North title before getting back to the Super Bowl for the first time since 2010, but reality tells another story. Unless the Green Bay Packers gets some really surprising efforts from the aforementioned trouble spots, it might be a stretch to win the division, and even beat out other competition for an NFC wild card spot.

Rodgers remains at the peak of his powers, and head coach Mike McCarthy has a ring for a reason. Still, the Vikings are loaded to the hilt with talent, and Green Bay will have to play from the unfamiliar position of underdog to get the job done.