It’s a new season in Green Bay. There is a new coach. A new offensive scheme. An improved defense.

First the first time in years, the Packers made a splash during free agency. After two seasons of missing the playoffs, the Packers have restocked the roster to bring glory back to Titletown. There are already 15 players from the 2018 team that are no longer on the roster and that list will be sure to grow by the time the season kicks off.

After what was a strong off-season by General Manager Brian Gutekunst and his staff, and improvements by the second year players during training camp, the team should be much improved over last season. The experts at ESPN seem to think so as well. They have went ahead and predicted that the Packers will make the playoffs in Matt Lafleur’s first season.

Just making the playoffs after missing them the past two seasons makes this guy happy. ESPN is predicting that the Packers will make it as a wild card. While, the division will be won by the Chicago Bears. I’m okay with the wild card, as this is a building year with a new offense and free agents on the defensive side of the ball.

As for a deep run in the playoffs, sure the team could win a game or two, but ESPN predicts the Saints over the Eagles in the NFC Championship game and the Chiefs over the Saints in the Super Bowl.

In Green Bay, Super Bowls is what fans define as a successful season, especially while Aaron Rodgers is the quarterback. But, making the playoffs would be a success for a team with a first year head coach. After two miserable seasons, that would be a huge step forward for team with Super Bowl aspirations every year.

Anthony Haag is a writer for PackersTalk.com. He has been a Packers fan since the day he was born and truly bleeds green and gold. He makes annual visits to Lambeau Field and has attended his fair share of games. You can follow Anthony on Twitter at @anthony_haag