The Green Bay Packers had a lot of hype heading into the season after trading for superstar pass rusher Micah Parsons. If there were any doubters about Green Bay's chances, they were proven wrong in their 27-13 Week 1 victory over the Detroit Lions.

Green Bay impressed so much in their win that Fox Sports NFL Writer Buddy Brooks ranked them as the second-best team in the NFL, only behind the Philadelphia Eagles.

The Packers looked great on both sides of the ball, but the defense stood out. Parsons' impact was immediately felt as he registered a sack and had a pressure on Jared Goff that forced an Evan Williams interception.

Parsons' impact extends beyond the pressure he generates on quarterbacks. Teams like the Lions have to scheme against him, which means he's seeing double-teams and chips from a tight end.

This led to the unlocking of Green Bay's other pass rushers. Rashan Gary had 1.5 sacks on the other side of Parsons, showcasing his talent when he's not relied on as the top pass rusher. Former first-round picks Devonte Wyatt and Lukas Van Ness also contributed, with Wyatt securing a sack and Van Ness a half sack.

Beyond the pass rush, the Packers have a talented linebacker core with Edgerrin Cooper and Quay Walker. Cooper was flying around the field in Week 1, finishing with 12 total tackles. Green Bay also has one of the best safeties in the league in Xavier McKinney, who was an All-Pro in the 2024 season.

The weak point of the defense is the cornerback position, but it should be improved when free agent signing Nate Hobbs returns to the field. Hobbs inked a four-year $48 million deal with the Packers this offseason after spending his first four years with the Las Vegas Raiders.

While the defense looked elite, the offense also played at a high level. Quarterback Jordan Love was efficient in the win, completing 72.7 percent of his passes for 188 yards and two touchdowns. 

The impressive part of Green Bay's offense was the different weapons they have for Love. Love completed passes to 10 different targets, spreading the ball around, which makes it difficult for opposing defenses to gameplan against.

The Packers also have a talented wide receiver in Christian Watson, who could be very impactful when he returns from his torn ACL.

Green Bay was impressive in their Week 1 win over the Lions, who have won the NFC North two years in a row. If the Packers can take down another playoff team in the Washington Commanders on Thursday night, they will solidify their place as a Super Bowl contender.