You're going to find a common thread here, and it's that every team on this list has some level of quarterback stability.
The Green Bay Packers seem to have found their quarterback of the future in Jordan Love. While Love had some ups and downs early in his first season as a full-time starter, he was playing like one of the league's best by the end of the 2023 campaign.
Love led the Packers on an unexpected playoff run before embarrassing the Dallas Cowboys and nearly knocking off the San Francisco 49ers in the postseason. In his two playoff starts, Love passed for 466 yards, five touchdowns, two interceptions and a 108.6 quarterback rating.
While Love has become the most important piece in Green Bay, there are other factors to consider. The Packers had the youngest roster among playoff teams in 2023 and boast several ascending stars—including receiver Romeo Doubs, tight end Luke Musgrave, lineman Zach Tom, edge-rusher Rashan Gary and new safety Xavier McKinney.
Additionally, the Packers have a head coach in Matt LaFleur who has delivered four postseason appearances and two trips to the NFC title game in five seasons. With Aaron Rodgers under center, LaFleur became the first head coach in NFL history to deliver three straight 13-win campaigns.
The Packers are also in a good spot financially, with a projected $60.5 million in 2025 cap space. While the Ravens could be battling to keep their playoff window open, the Packers' is just opening.
The only real cause for concern in Green Bay is the fact that Love is entering the final year of his deal. Until he gets an extension, there's a chance that he will depart in 2025 or, at the very least, get distracted by his situation.
" I don't really know what's going on, but we'll see," Love told reporters about playing out his current contract.
It's highly unlikely that Green Bay will let Love walk, though, so as long as his late 2023 production was no fluke, the Packers are poised to be perennial contenders.
