Green Bay Packers Still NFC North Favorites After Aaron Rodgers Trade Rumors, NFL Draft

Despite the Aaron Rodgers trade rumors, the Green Bay Packers still have reason to be optimistic about their chances of getting back to the playoffs. That’s what the latest betting odds suggest, at least.

Green Bay remains the odds-on favorites in the NFC North at multiple sportsbooks. FanDuel Sportsbook gives the Packers -130 odds to win the division in the 2021 NFL season. At DraftKings Sportsbook, Green Bay has -110 odds to claim a third straight NFC North title.

It’s no longer a secret that Rodgers doesn’t want to play for the Packers. Since it was reported just prior to the NFL draft that the quarterback wanted out, Green Bay’s front office has been steadfast about its plans to keep Rodgers.

“I’ll always remain hopeful and optimistic, and certainly, we’ll always welcome him back with open arms,” Packers head coach Matt LaFleur said Saturday. “He knows exactly how not only myself but our staff and our players feel about him. Like I said before, I just can’t imagine him not being in a Green Bay Packer uniform.”

The odds would seem to indicate that either Rodgers won’t be traded or that the Packers will still be the best team in the division if they move on from the 37-year-old.

The Minnesota Vikings are viewed as Green Bay’s top competition with +260 odds to win the NFC North at FanDuel. After trading up to draft quarterback Justin Fields, the Chicago Bears have +300 NFC North odds. The Detroit Lions are long shots with +2400 odds.

In two straight seasons, the Packers have gone 13-3 before losing in the NFC Championship Game. Rodgers won the 2020 NFL MVP award, leading the league with a 121.5 passer rating and 48 touchdowns. Rodgers has thrown 11 total interceptions over the last three seasons.

Jordan Love is the only other quarterback on Green Bay’s roster. Love would likely become the Packers’ starter if Rodgers is traded during the offseason.

The Packers traded up to select Love in the first round of last year’s draft. The 22-year-old didn’t play in the 2020 season, and there is little reason to have confidence in him as a No. 1 quarterback next season.

Kirk Cousins would become the NFC North’s top quarterback without Rodgers in Green Bay. Cousins threw for a career-high 35 touchdown passes last season, and he’s posted a passer rating of at least 105.0 in two straight seasons.

The Vikings went 7-9 and missed the playoffs in 2020.

Green Bay scored more points than any other team last season. The Packers ranked 13th in scoring defense.

Georgia cornerback Eric Stokes went to Green Bay with the No. 29 overall pick in this year's draft. Center Josh Myers and wide receiver Amari Rodgers were picked by the Packers in the second and third round, respectively.