Madden 22: Our 2021 NFL season sim results in some wild predictions

Green Bay Packers

9-8, 2nd place in NFC North

When I found out the season win total for the over/under on the Green Bay Packers was 10.5, I thought easy money. But apparently, Madden and oddsmakers know something that most of us don’t. Perhaps it has something to do with all the offseason drama surrounding quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Whatever the case, the Packers are predicted to finish with just nine wins, something that would shock just about everyone.

Remember how I said there was a surprise team that would lead the league in turnovers. Well, the Packers are that team, shockingly.

Aaron Rodgers is projected to throw 36 touchdowns which, fine, a little regression is understandable from his 48 touchdowns last year. But the most surprising stat from the simulation? 22 interceptions.

22 interceptions from a guy who is known for taking care of the ball? That’s more than he has thrown in his last four seasons combined. His career-high for interceptions is 13, back in 2008. This isn’t Jameis Winston we’re talking about here. I just don’t see this happening.

I guess it’s possible that the Packers disappoint and finish with just nine wins on the year. And maybe Aaron Rodgers does struggle as a result of all the offseason shenanigans. But this just seems pretty overboard.

22 interceptions coupled with just five from the Packers defense is the cause for the league-leading -17 turnover difference, which was the most in the simulation. Despite that, they still finished above .500. Suffice to say, I think they will do better in real life.

On the plus side, Madden predicts another big year for Davante Adams (92 rec., 1,139 yards, 9 TDs). Veteran Randall Cobb, who reunited with Rodgers this offseason, has a decent year with 58 receptions, 889 yards and 15 touchdowns. On the ground, Aaron Jones rushes for 1,110 yards and six touchdowns.