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This is about momentum as much as anything. With quarterback Aaron Rodgers hotter than he's ever been during the last six weeks of the 2016 season, the Packers went 6-0 and outscored their opponents by 12 points per game.

There's little reason to think they can't perform that way from the get-go in 2017, especially if the law of averages is kinder to them when it comes to injuries (the defense was ravaged while they were stuck in an early-season rut).

But what about all of the players they let walk in free agency?

They lost Cook but replaced him at tight end with the more accomplished Martellus Bennett.

They lost defensive back Micah Hyde, but he was a jack of all trades, master of none, and No. 33 overall pick Kevin King should step in at corner and help them forget about that departure.

They lost interior offensive linemen T.J. Lang and JC Tretter, but they have quality replacements in Don Barclay and Corey Linsley.

They lost Julius Peppers, but it might be Nick Perry's turn anyway, and let's not forget about top 2016 pick Kenny Clark up front.

They lost running back Eddie Lacy, but he wasn't a factor last season.

Free agency is overrated, and the Packers survived before loading up with 10 draft picks this weekend. They're healthy and coming off a hot finish, and they're led by the highest-rated passer in NFL history.

They'll be OK.