Packers: 5 most interesting games in 2021 schedule
The full Green Bay Packers’ 2021 schedule was released on Wednesday night along with the rest of the NFL. The league added a 17th regular season game this year which means the season will carry all the way into the second weekend in January. In exchange, there will only be three preseason games to offset the additional wear and tear on player’s bodies.
Green Bay is looking to repeat their regular season success from the past two years in which they’ve won 26 of their 32 games. It will be a lot tougher this time around considering the drama surrounding Aaron Rodgers and the Packers’ schedule that is packed with 2020 playoff opponents (they play nine of the 13 teams who made the 2020 postseason).
The Packers return just about everyone and should be well equipped to handle the challenges their schedule presents. However, let’s first peek at the five most interesting games.
Here are the five most interesting games on the Green Bay Packers’ newly released 2021 schedule.
Week 3: At San Francisco 49ers
It feels like Green Bay has traveled to San Francisco every year for the last two decades at this point. And they do so once again in Week 3. The 49ers are hoping for a bounce-back season after injuries decimated their chances last year. They will be just as dangerous as ever and are part of a tough early-season slate that also includes a Week 1 game against the New Orleans Saints.
Week 9: At Kansas City Chiefs
This was the additional game the NFL added when they moved to a 17-game schedule and it will be extremely difficult for the Packers. The Chiefs will be on a revenge tour after getting decimated in the Super Bowl and are extremely challenging on both sides of the ball. They also defend their home field extremely well and their crowd is one of the loudest in the entire league. Tough break for Green Bay here.
Week 12: Vs Los Angeles Rams
This will be a rematch of the Divisional Round playoff matchup that saw Packers’ head coach Matt LaFleur take down his mentor Rams’ head coach Sean McVay. This time McVay will have Matthew Stafford at quarterback, a clear upgrade over Jared Goff. The Rams figure to be in the conversation for one of the best teams in the NFC and this could have major playoff implications this late in the year.
Week 13: Bye Week
Although this isn’t a game, it’s certainly worth noting. The Packers have to play 12 consecutive weeks of football before getting a break, then they follow it up with only five games. It’s very possible the Packers could be bruised and battered heading into this point and it will be interesting to see how LaFleur and the training staff handle it.
Next. 3 bold predictions for Allen Lazard's season. dark
Week 16: Vs Cleveland Browns
Last, but not least, is the Packers Week 16 matchup vs the Cleveland Browns. What makes this game so interesting is that it’s a game at Lambeau Field on Christmas Day. The stadium is sure to be buzzing like normal and there should be a special Holiday feel. Hopefully, it’s also a good tune-up for a Packers’ team preparing to make a deep playoff push.