Packers Ranked Shockingly High in 2025 Power Rankings—Here’s Why

The Green Bay Packers may have ended their 2024 season on a disappointing note, failing to make it past wild-card weekend and suffering a three-game losing streak—including a heartbreaker at home against the Chicago Bears—but somehow, they have managed to secure a surprisingly high spot in the 2025 NFL power rankings. Ranked sixth by Pro Football Network, this ranking stands out given their shaky finish to the season. But what exactly is behind this optimistic outlook for Green Bay?

A Talented Roster in Need of Refinement

Despite their struggles, the Packers still have an impressive roster on both sides of the ball, which is the key reason for their relatively high ranking. PFN’s Ben Rolfe notes that the team is “one good offseason away from being a competitor.” The Packers have a solid foundation, but their offseason decisions will be crucial. They enter the 2025 offseason with several roster holes that need to be addressed, including key free agents like starting center Josh Myers, defensive tackle TJ Slaton, linebackers Isaiah McDuffie and Eric Wilson, and cornerback Eric Stokes. Adding to the uncertainty, Pro Bowl cornerback Jaire Alexander could be on his way out.

Moreover, the Packers will likely look to bolster their receiving corps, especially with Christian Watson coming off a torn ACL. These gaps may seem daunting, particularly with limited offseason capital to spend, but the Packers are not alone in facing major questions—teams like the Philadelphia Eagles have their own free-agent concerns, while NFC North rivals like the Detroit Lions are going through significant coaching changes.

The Jordan Love Question

The most significant question for the Packers in 2025 is undoubtedly the play of quarterback Jordan Love. After showing flashes of potential in 2023, Love entered the 2024 season with high expectations. However, his performance during the regular season was relatively consistent with his 2023 numbers, with only a slight improvement in passer rating. While his 2024 stats—completing 63.1 percent of his passes for 11 touchdowns and 11 interceptions—were solid, they weren’t spectacular, especially considering the Packers’ inability to close out the season strong.

Love’s playoff performance, where he struggled with a 61.3 percent completion rate and threw one touchdown alongside three interceptions in a loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, has raised some concerns among fans. However, as Rolfe points out, Love is still developing as a third-year starter, and with the right guidance and support, there is optimism that he can take the next step in 2025. Should he elevate his play, the Packers certainly have the pieces to be Super Bowl contenders.

The NFC North Landscape

The Packers’ standing in the NFC North will also play a role in their 2025 trajectory. Their losses to division rivals—the Minnesota Vikings and Detroit Lions—were close calls, underscoring the team’s ability to compete, even when things didn’t go their way. Cornerback Keisean Nixon acknowledged the small margin between his team and the top contenders, pointing out that they “were in every game” despite their struggles. The Packers lost to the Vikings by just two points in both matchups and suffered narrow losses to Detroit, which speaks to their competitiveness.

Yet, despite those tight games, the Packers need to figure out how to start faster and avoid falling behind in games. Whether it’s offensive sluggishness or defensive lapses, finding a way to get ahead early will be key to their success in 2025. If they can build on their competitiveness and tighten up those details, the Packers could once again be a force to be reckoned with in the NFC North.

A Bright Future Ahead?

So, what makes the Packers a top-six team in the 2025 rankings despite their underwhelming 2024 finish? The answer lies in potential. With a talented roster, a developing quarterback in Jordan Love, and an offseason that could bring important reinforcements, Green Bay is poised for a bounce-back season. Of course, much depends on their ability to address their weaknesses and capitalize on their strengths.

As the 2025 NFL season approaches, the Packers will undoubtedly have one of the most intriguing storylines. If Love can take that next step and their roster holes are filled with strategic acquisitions, Green Bay could quickly turn into a Super Bowl contender once again. For now, their shockingly high ranking serves as a testament to the belief that the Packers are just a few adjustments away from returning to the top.