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NFL 2017 preview: Looking at strengths, weaknesses and X-factors for all 32 teams

By Peter Panacy

Jan 22, 2017; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) and Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) greet each other following the 2017 NFC Championship Game at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Dan Powers/Appleton Post Crescent via USA TODAY NETWORK
Jan 22, 2017; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) and Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) greet each other following the 2017 NFC Championship Game at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Dan Powers/Appleton Post Crescent via USA TODAY NETWORK /
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Jan 22, 2017; Atlanta, GA, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) throws against the Atlanta Falcons during the second quarter in the 2017 NFC Championship Game at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 22, 2017; Atlanta, GA, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) throws against the Atlanta Falcons during the second quarter in the 2017 NFC Championship Game at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports /

Green Bay Packers

2016 Record: 10-6, First Place in the NFC North

The Packers’ surge at the end of last season ensured they’d ride yet another trip into the postseason.

Quarterback Aaron Rodgers remains one of the NFL’s elite. And as long as he’s there, Green Bay will be a relevant team in the playoff discussion.

The Packers had to deal with some offseason losses, notably safety Micah Hyde and offensive guard T.J. Lang. But adding cornerback Kevin King and safety Josh Jones in Rounds 1 and 2 of the NFL Draft, respectively, should help keep the defense relatively intact.

Also, Auburn defensive tackle Montravius Adams was a nice find in Round 3.

Things will really get interesting this season, though, with the addition of tight end Martellus Bennett via free agency.

Bennett figures to be a major weapon for Rodgers, who can make any receiving option look like a legitimate Pro Bowler.

Strengths

Rodgers leads an offense that finished eighth in the league last year in total yards (5,900) and fourth in points scored (432).

Even with running back Eddie Lacy out of the picture, Green Bay should also look to get production out of BYU’s Jamaal Williams — an excellent pickup in Round 4 of the draft.

The NFC North doesn’t figure to be very strong this season, so the Packers should have little trouble getting back into the playoff picture.

Weaknesses

The Packers secondary may have some new bodies, but it will be interesting to see how well this group adjusts to life at the pro level. As noted earlier, rookie defensive backs can struggle in the transition to the NFL. Expect teams to take advantage of this.

Green Bay has been a pass-first offense for some time. And that’s fine. But the Packers will be rolling with three rookie running backs in camp — Williams, Aaron Jones and Devante Mays. How does that work out?

X-Factors

Protecting Rodgers will remain a top priority, and this won’t get much easier after losing Lang in free agency.

Rodgers took 35 sacks a year ago. And one too many of those could easily spell disaster for Green Bay’s chances this season.