In the 12th of a 32-part series, we profile every team in the National Football League, offer predictions on where each team will finish in their division, name key offseason additions, and name their top fantasy stars. Enter the Green Bay Packers.
Important off-season acquisitions
The Packers made two big free agent signings this offseason. One move was on offense, the other on defense. The Packers signed Josh Jacobs from Tulsa, Oklahoma, to a four-year deal worth $48 million. At $12 million per year, Jacobs is the highest-paid running back in NFL free agency. In 2023, Jacobs had 805 rushing yards, six rushing touchdowns and 37 catches for 296 receiving yards. Jacobs, a two-time Pro Bowler, was selected in 2020 and 2022. Two years ago, Jacobs led the NFL with 1,653 rushing yards and 2,053 yards from scrimmage.
On defense, the Packers signed safety Xavier McKinney of Roswell, Georgia, to a four-year, $67 million contract after he played four seasons with the New York Giants. In 2023, he had 116 tackles (78 solo and 38 assisted tackles), two tackles for a loss, a quarterback hit, three interceptions for 22 yards, 11 pass deflections, two fumble recoveries for seven yards, and half a sack. The fumble recoveries came in Giants victories. The first for seven yards in a 31-19 Giants victory over the Washington Commanders on November 19, and the second in a 24-22 Giants victory over the Green Bay Packers on December 11.
Fantasy Star
Jacobs is ranked ninth among running backs entering the season. Expect him to be a top-five running back by the end of the year. Green Bay used Aaron Jones frequently in its offense over the last seven years before he was traded to the Minnesota Vikings in the offseason, and he was a very consistent running back when it came to fantasy football.
Expected end
The Packers are heading into the 2024 NFL season with momentum. Yes, they played poorly in the first half of 2023, winning just three times in nine games. However, the Packers had a great second half, winning six of their last eight games, including impressive wins over the Lions and Chiefs. Then in the playoffs, the Green Bay Packers defeated Dallas 48-32 in the NFC Wildcard. The Packers win the NFC North in 2024.
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