After failing to make the playoffs last season, are the Green Bay Packers playoff chances in reach? They are entering this upcoming season with a new-look, younger roster compared to previous years. They have a starting QB not named Rodgers or Favre and seemed to have started a new era.

With that being said, that doesn’t mean their current roster doesn’t have talent that gives them a chance to compete. They still have proven superstars such as Aaron Jones and Jaire Alexander but they must be ready to take on an even bigger leadership role this upcoming season.

It All Starts With the Veterans

After the departure of Aaron Rodgers, the longest tenured Packer is now David Bahktiari. Despite his recent injury woes, #69 is still a star and one of the best tackles in the game. It’ll now be important for him to take on a bigger leadership role no matter his injury status.

The next longest tenured Packer behind Bahktiari is Kenny Clark. Clark has been a very important piece in Green Bay Packers’ playoff pushes and should continue to be a star on the defensive line. A captain on the team, it’ll be important for Clark to continue his role and take an even bigger one this season.

Rookies Must Step Up to the Challenge

If the Packers want any shot at the playoffs, some of their young guys are going to need to play important roles this season. On offense rookies such as Jayden Reed, Luke Musgrave and Tucker Kraft should all see some major snaps and opportunities at their position. If that trio is able to have any sort of success in their rookie campaigns, things will bode well for Green Bay.

First round pick Lukas Van Ness doesn’t have to be a superstar out the gates, but if Green Bay is able to get production from the edge rusher it would be a huge plus. Along with some other defensive rookies, if players like DL Colby Wooden and DL Karl Brooks can make an impact or crack the rotation it’d benefit very much.

Quarterback Play

This one shouldn’t come with any surprises. The transition from Aaron Rodgers to Jordan Love is quite the change not just for fans, but for the team’s offense as well. It’ll be interesting to see what kind of version of Love we’re going to get this season as there is definitely pressure on him.

He’s been the big question mark for awhile and his play can go a long way in determining Green Bay’s playoff chances this season. Love has the potential to be great but it’s only a matter of time until he gets to show it.

What Are the Chances?

The chances Green Bay gets into the playoffs this season doesn’t seem as high as previous years. They’re a young squad that’s transitioning and making adjustments with a younger roster. It’s a process that fans need to trust but it still doesn’t mean they don’t have a chance.

They may be on the outside looking in but the NFC North division isn’t considered a strong suit this year. The division is up for grabs and Green Bay will have a chance to compete for it after slightly missing the playoffs with an 8-9 record last season.

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Javier Delgado is a lifelong Packers fan who is currently majoring in sports journalism at Arizona State University. He writes for PackersTalk.com and you can follow him on twitter at @javierrdelgadoo.

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