Two ESPN analysts predict the Packers to make a big leap forward in 2026

Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn ImagesFor much of the 2025 NFL season, the Green Bay Packers looked like a solid pick to represent the NFC in Super Bowl 60.

With Micah Parsons leading a defense that ranked in the top 10 in most major categories and Jordan Love having an MVP-caliber campaign on the other side of the ball, the Packers were 9-3-1 heading into the final month of the regular season after a Week 14 win over the Chicago Bears, a victory that put them atop the NFC North and moved them into the No. 2 slot in the NFC playoff picture.

But it was all downhill from there. In Week 15, of course, Parsons went down with a season-ending ACL tear in a 34-26…