Green Bay Packers PPG 20.6, Sacks 45: Tied 16th

The Green and Gold allowed 20.6 points per game last season, despite only having 45 collective sacks. They had several playmakers but no individual player stood out on defense. Keisean Nixon was the leading return yardage leader for the second straight year, and should be leading or near the top again.

The Green Bay Packers may have surprised some last season, as their defense actually rose to the occasion. Despite that a new defensive coordinator, Jeff Hafley, was brought in to improve on their tenth best defense. It may cause the team to take some time adjusting to new terminology and roles as the Packers switch from a 3-4 style defense to a 4-2-5 base package.

2024 Predictions: 7th

The Packers brought in superstar defensive back Xavier McKinney which could give the Packers the best secondary in the NFL. Not to be outdone up front, the Packers secured their defensive line as well. 2016 1st round pick, Kenny Clark was given an extension as was Preston Smith. Rashan Gary is on his second contract and Luke Van Ness is in his sophomore season, simply put the Packers have one of the best defensive lines in the NFL


The reason for the rise in rankings is because the Packers have such depth at the defensive line. They will be bringing pressure on every pass down with fresh legs, and it will be full tilt. Although it would be difficult, there is a scenario in which Rashan Gary, Preston Smith, and Luke Van Ness each record 10+ sacks. It is a fearsome lot which prevents opposing offensive coordinators from singling out on one pass rush. 

Jaire Alexander is still one of the best in the business, both on and off the field. Isaiah McDuffie and Quay Walker are a pair of underrated linebackers. The Packers could play with several positive game scripts which would aid a great passing defense. 

BEST FF IDPs: In Order of Ranking


LB Quay Walker
DB Xavier McKinney
DL Rashan Gary

Quay Walker can be a bonafide first team All-Pro depending on how this season goes. He is set up to have much more sideline to sideline freedom, and will be expected to stuff the run game. Walker recorded 118 tackles in fourteen games last season, and those numbers should go up this season.

He also earned 5 QB hits, 2.5 sacks, 1 interception, 1 touchdown, and 3 passes defended. A higher floor due to his tackle volume, but he clearly makes other big plays. A healthy 17 games with a familiar defensive line will make Walker a higher than average draft pick. Do not reach for him but draft him as a top ten linebacker.

Xavier McKinney is coming from the New York Giants, and the Packers wanted him. They gave him a four year contract almost immediately into free agency. When healthy he is one of the best safeties in the league, but he has only two complete seasons in four years.

Last year was one of those years, and he amassed 17 games, 116 tackles (78 of which were solo), 11 passes defended, 3 interceptions, 2 fumbles recovered, 1 forced fumble, and 0.5 sacks. Impressive for a defensive back, and he could be the centerpiece for Defensive Coordinator Hafley’s system. He is available in most leagues, but in leagues with multiple defensive back requirements, go get him.

Rashan Gary had somewhat of a down year following his knee surgery, but he did play in every game. He only started 13 games and managed 44 tackles, 22 QB hits, 9 sacks, and 2 forced fumbles. He set career marks in passes defended and fumbles recovered with 2 a piece.

He should be back in top form and 10+ sacks are well within reach for the former Michigan Wolverine. The depth of the defensive line should keep his legs fresh for third down situations. Look for career best marks in both sacks and tackles. He is a popular name, and could go earlier than he deserves to. If he falls to you, or it is a league with a deep bench, draft him. He will have high scoring games and the NFC North quarterbacks are not great scramblers.

Tomorrow the Houston Texans.
Thank you for reading, please leave any feedback here or on my X account @IDP_Iggy

Bet Smart, Be Lucky – Iggy