Green Bay Packers 2021 Schedule Released

The Packers schedule is out - do you like it?

The wait is over. The Packers' 2021 schedule is out. The team has five potential Prime Time games (including Christmas day) and a week 13 bye, the latest bye that could be scheduled.

2021 Schedule
Week 1: Sep. 12 at New Orleans Saints 4:25 PM FOX
Week 2: Sep. 20 Detroit Lions (Mon) 8:15 PM ESPN
Week 3: Sep. 26 at San Francisco 49ers 8:20 PM NBC
Week 4: Oct. 3 Pittsburgh Steelers 4:25 PM CBS
Week 5: Oct. 10 at Cincinnati Bengals 1:00 PM FOX
Week 6: Oct. 17 at Chicago Bears 1:00 PM FOX
Week 7: Oct. 24 Washington Football Team 1:00 PM FOX
Week 8: Oct. 28 at Arizona Cardinals (Thu) 8:20 PM FOX/NFLN/Amazon**
Week 9: Nov. 7 at Kansas City Chiefs 4:25 PM FOX
Week 10: Nov. 14 Seattle Seahawks 4:25 PM CBS
Week 11: Nov. 21 at Minnesota Vikings 1:00 PM FOX
Week 12: Nov. 28 Los Angeles Rams 4:25 PM FOX
Week 13: BYE
Week 14: Dec. 12 Chicago Bears 8:20 PM NBC*
Week 15: Dec. 19 at Baltimore Ravens 1:00 PM FOX
Week 16: Dec. 25 Cleveland Browns 4:30 PM FOX/NFLN/Amazon**
Week 17: Jan. 2 Minnesota Vikings 8:20 PM NBC*
Week 18: Jan. 9 at Detroit Lions 1:00 PM FOX

 

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"Jersey Al" Bracco is the Editor-In-Chief, part owner and wearer of many hats for CheeseheadTV.com and PackersTalk.com. He is also a recovering Mason Crosby truther.  Follow Al on twitter at @JerseyalGBP

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4 points
 

Comments (60)

Fan-Friendly This filter will hide comments which have ratio of 5 to 1 down-vote to up-vote.
packerbackerjim's picture

May 12, 2021 at 07:53 pm

The second half of the season looks like a real challenge, with or without AR, but definitely worse without. The bye will be a godsend.

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CoachDino's picture

May 12, 2021 at 07:54 pm

very tough schedule.

NFC West and AFC North: arguably the two toughest conferences in the NFL

NFC North is the second toughest division in the NFC as well.

Just win the division first and go from there.

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TarynsEyes's picture

May 12, 2021 at 08:02 pm

With Rodgers-10-7, 11-6 at best.
Without Rodgers- 5-12, 6-11 at best.

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JerseyAl's picture

May 12, 2021 at 08:42 pm

Taryn, what was your prediction last year?

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TarynsEyes's picture

May 12, 2021 at 09:06 pm

I bet over 9.5 and I may have had them at 11 wins with 12 possible if they played a few teams where they caught a couple of breaks. IIRC, but definitely had them over the total.

I believe I also said that if things went off the rails some, 7-9 was a possibility.

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Since'61's picture

May 12, 2021 at 09:19 pm

I remember that you took the over. I don't recall the 7-9 but sounds right. Thanks, Since '61

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Since'61's picture

May 12, 2021 at 09:22 pm

The Vegas over/under for the 2021 Packers was originally 11 before the uncertainty in the Rodgers situation. Vegas has removed an over/under win number for the Packers. As of now the Packers are the only team without an over/under win figure for 2021. I wonder how much it will decrease if Rodgers is traded or retires. I'm guessing it will go down to 6. Thanks, Since '61

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TarynsEyes's picture

May 12, 2021 at 09:15 pm

Pre-schedule and Rodgers chaos the over of 11 was high and was used to get money riding the MVP season. Since the schedule release, and even if Rodgers is back, I would find it hard to see it at 11 but set at 10 with a move up/down by half a game.

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Since'61's picture

May 12, 2021 at 09:25 pm

Sounds right if Rodgers is back. If not it could go down to 5, although I'm thinking 6. Either way it will be set at wherever Vegas can get the most action. Thanks, Since '61

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Dragon5's picture

May 13, 2021 at 08:47 am

6-10 Rodgers first year under center...when he couldn't close out games

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jannes bjornson's picture

May 13, 2021 at 07:32 pm

The Defense couldn't close out games. Selective memory, fortune cookie.

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Leatherhead's picture

May 13, 2021 at 08:10 am

Smearing crap on the team to make Rodgers smell better. Not cool.

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murf7777's picture

May 13, 2021 at 08:25 am

Come on, I was looking forward to your 8-8 or best 9-7 prediction like the last two years....oh wait, you can’t do that this year. Good thing you don’t try to make a living in Vegas. If Rodgers is there I see a 12 or more wins. If not, your prediction is as good as any. This is a darn good roster so I would lean at 7 or better.

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TarynsEyes's picture

May 13, 2021 at 09:59 am

In the last two years, I bet the over total of 9 and 9.5, so saying I predicted 8-8 or 7-9 is false. I did say that I could see the team having issues and possible fall to such, but I wouldn't bet for 10 wins and promote less. Along with my predictions in both of those years was the team hasn't got what it takes to win the SB, and they didn't and I'll say it again now, even with Rodgers this season, they will not get in the SB so they won't win it. Rodgers or MLF will fail again against their betters in the moments that separate winning and being the WINNER.

Take that to the bank, because I will, again.

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murf7777's picture

May 13, 2021 at 09:27 pm

That’s bold move stating they won’t get to the SB.

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murf7777's picture

May 13, 2021 at 09:50 pm

I never said, 7-9 look back I said 9-7. I also don’t know what you bet, but I do remember the last two years you stating 9-7. You’ve become a bit less pessimistic with your comments lately, but you should live up to what you stated. One of those two years you might’ve stated possibly 10. Your viewpoint was way off either way.

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CoachDino's picture

May 14, 2021 at 01:28 pm

I'd be in the same ballpark.

With 11-6 plus or minus 1
W/O 6-11 plus or minus 1.

Huge issue that worries me either way is Bakh health, if he's out for an extended time 4 weeks or more add another loss with AR, 2 W/O.

Plus, I haven't heard much said about it but will the defense have growing pains due to the change at DC? new Scheme, big changes, little changes, DB communication etc...

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beerandbrats's picture

May 12, 2021 at 08:05 pm

I see an 8-0 start if AR returns!

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packer132's picture

May 12, 2021 at 09:05 pm

Put the pipe down. With Rodgers it will be tough to go 11-6. The NFL is a parity league will only a few poor teams. I will be happy to see 6-2 after eight games but could be 5-3. (only 3 homes games of first 8)

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Since'61's picture

May 12, 2021 at 09:28 pm

12 consecutive games is going to be difficult. I would hope for 9-3/8-4 if Rodgers returns. If not, who knows where it goes. Can't make any predictions until Rodgers' status is settled. Thanks, Since '61

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jannes bjornson's picture

May 13, 2021 at 07:33 pm

Why are they playing In Santa Clara again?

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beerandbrats's picture

May 12, 2021 at 09:41 pm

Where's the optimism here? With a great draft and an AR return? Go Pack Go!

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PhantomII's picture

May 12, 2021 at 08:10 pm

Pretty late bye. We do have a Home-Bye-Home set though. Should get some rest for the final few games.

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stockholder's picture

May 12, 2021 at 08:46 pm

Don't like the playing on Christmas.

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Since'61's picture

May 12, 2021 at 09:07 pm

TV ratings are all that matters to the league. Green Bay on Christmas. All we need is snow and we'll have an NFL Christmas card. Thanks, Since '61

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stockholder's picture

May 13, 2021 at 07:03 am

I get that. But if someone gets hurt. How is that merry Christmas. They could have had it on Sunday.

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Since'61's picture

May 13, 2021 at 09:36 am

I don't like shortened weeks either but in the current NFL it's ratings before player safety. Thanks, Since '61

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splitpea1's picture

May 12, 2021 at 08:59 pm

Plenty of challenging opponents, which I always prefer to a softer schedule for entertainment reasons. But, you know, the odd number of games and the fact that we get the short end of the home field contests sucks.

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Doug_In_Sandpoint's picture

May 12, 2021 at 09:06 pm

With Rodgers, 17-0.
With Love, 17-0.
With Bortles 17-0.

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Since'61's picture

May 12, 2021 at 09:08 pm

At least you're consistent! Thanks, Since '61

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Johnblood27's picture

May 13, 2021 at 08:02 am

Doug is THE MAN!

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Since'61's picture

May 12, 2021 at 09:17 pm

Don't like 17 games especially with the Packers having 9 road games. I noted that the Packers have 11 games at 4:30 or in primetime. The networks must be dreading the possibility of Rodgers leaving the Packers because he takes a good percentage of their national audience with him. It will be interesting to see how many of those games are flexed if Rodgers leaves the Packers.

With or without Rodgers it is a pretty tough schedule. I'm good with the late season bye as it will provide the team with a break prior to a final playoff run. 12 straight weeks before we get a break though. Long haul. Can't make a prediction until we know Rodger's status. Thanks, Since '61

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Coldworld's picture

May 13, 2021 at 08:34 am

Regardless of Rodgers, will LaFleur and his team show the ability to out-coach a really good team, both before and during a game?

To me, that’s as significant a hurdle that we need to overcome as any.

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Since'61's picture

May 13, 2021 at 10:08 am

Lafleur is a very bright guy. I think he will improve in his pre-game preparations. Barry of course is a question mark for the defense.

I get a little frustrated when I hear that in game decisions that go bad are blamed on poor communications. We often heard that from MM and we've heard it from MLF as well. In this era there is no excuse for miscommunications. If your team is properly prepared that should not happen. Never heard Lombardi or Mike Holmgren use miscommunications as an excuse.

I think MLF overthinks some of his in game decisions. I believe that he will get past that. It's part of the learning curve for a new HC. The Packers need to stop running the play clock down on every play. Get to the LOS and run the play. Don't give the defense the chance to adjust to your formation on every play. I understand Rodgers is reading the defense to call the best play at the LOS but that cannot be our only MO. We also need to stop playing for penalties, 12 men on the field OK. But trying to draw offsides happens far too often. Also, I think Rodgers holds the ball on pass plays waiting for defensive holding or DPI before he throws. That needs to change as well.

If Rodgers leaves, Love completely changes the decision making paradigm. Everything becomes based on putting him in the best position/play to succeed. Also, the offense will be simplified until he can learn all the nuances of the MLF offense and how to execute effectively. It might be 2 seasons before MLF can fully open up the offense as Love transitions into the QB position. Quite frankly I think that is MLF's concern with Love starting in 2021. They know that he is not ready yet to run the offense. Enter Bortles who has worked with Hackett before and brings some experience. Bortles can actually challenge Love for the #2 spot if Rodgers remains. We'll see.
Thanks, Since '61

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greengold's picture

May 13, 2021 at 11:28 am

Since'61, your 2nd paragraph here speaks volumes. What does it say? The answer seems pretty clear to me. Vince Lombardi & Mike Holmgren didn't have Aaron Rodgers on the other end of "miscommunications."

Rodgers is his own guy. Knows everything. Has seen everything. I believe that attitude may have been clouding his judgement at times, crucial times, when a HC sees something else, or wants to do something else. Make no mistake, there was one guy who was pulling the trigger at the line of scrimmage. What he was aiming for may have been different from what was communicated to him. In all likelihood, it was.

If we're talking miscommunications, are we to assume the HC/OC called the wrong play?

All that other stuff at the LOS, I agree. That got old because it became more of a norm, as opposed to catching the opposition off guard. Conversely, dawdle around until the play clock is down to 1, and it is GO TIME for opposing pass rushers.

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Since'61's picture

May 13, 2021 at 02:37 pm

Greengold, my point on the miscommunication is not just about the offense. It’s also been used as an excuse for the defensive foul ups for most of the last 10 seasons.

As for Lombardi he had Bart Starr calling the plays in the huddle. I don’t think Lombardi ever called one play during his entire time in Green Bay. So in that way there was no chance of miscommunication with his QB. As many of Lombardi’s players have stated that he was great from Monday to Saturday in getting the team prepared to play but on game day he was useless.

As for Holmgren, he had Favre who probably rarely changed a play unless he drew one up on the ground but he improvised. Favre was a great player and a tough SOB but he wasn’t as smart as either Starr or Rodgers. I just don’t see him figuring out to change many plays on his own. Remember, he had to ask his teammates what “nickel defense” meant.

Given Rodgers HOF/MVP career, his winning percentage and his career QB rating I don’t think that he has messed up to many play calls. I’ve always believed that a good QB during the game has a better feel for the game, his team and the situation than someone on the sidelines.

As Mike Holmgren once told me after I congratulated his play calling following a game, “Amateurs focus on play calling, professionals focus on play execution.” Based on Rodgers record I think he has an excellent track record of executing regardless of the play call. Thanks, Since ‘61

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greengold's picture

May 13, 2021 at 02:41 pm

Wow! How cool!!! I've hung out with and have come to know some of the players as friends. I see Gilbert & Santana around a lot. Charles. Ahman. LeRoy. Their stories are amazing, and that one is too. Love it. "Professionals focus on play execution."

Good share.

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Since'61's picture

May 14, 2021 at 08:18 am

I was lucky. I had a non-football consulting contract with the league back in the 90s. Green Bay was one of the teams that I visited for the project. The team gave me tickets for the home game against the Bears in December 1994. The Packers slaughtered the Bears 40-3.

I just happened to run into Mike the next day at 1265 and congratulated him on a great game and his great play calling. He took the time to thank me, made a few other comments and then told me, "BTW, amateurs focus on play calling, professionals focus on play execution." Never forgot it.

A great NFL head coach taking the time to speak with someone who had nothing to with anything that mattered to him during an active NFL regular season week. It was only few minutes, but he and everyone at 1265 was extremely polite and courteous to me. Before I left at the end of the week I quickly stopped by to thank him and wish him the best of luck for the rest of the season.

Just a great guy. Thanks, Since '61

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BJP's picture

May 12, 2021 at 09:34 pm

12-5 max, 10-11 wins more likely. I like the Packers playing the NFC West because I think the route to the Super Bowl goes through them. Good to find out what we’re up against before the playoffs.

With Love, who knows? 3-9 wins? Trade Rodgers, hope for hella draft class?

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dobber's picture

May 13, 2021 at 07:32 am

With ARod, the Packers own the NFCN part of their schedule. With the NFCW and AFCN on the schedule, that just pushes the rest of the NFCN further back.

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Leatherhead's picture

May 13, 2021 at 08:17 am

Win the division. Win the division. Win the division.

Don’t be confused by the rest. Beat your division opponents and win most of your home games. Focus on that. The rest is just details.

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MarkinMadison's picture

May 12, 2021 at 11:14 pm

I hate the 17 game schedule. Unless there are two actual byes I just see meat grinder.

With Rodgers I'll take the over on 11.0 wins. Without Rodgers I wouldn't bet at all.

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croatpackfan's picture

May 13, 2021 at 02:40 am

I like a lot the schedule. That means football will be back soon and I will be able to watch my loving Packers again. Good or bad, still Go Pack Go!

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greengold's picture

May 13, 2021 at 05:05 am

No one has done this? Ever? In the history of the Packers? In the history of the NFL?

20-0.

That’s with Jordan Love at QB. The kid wins every game and the Lombardi Trophy in his first year starting in the NFL. I dig the latest bye ever too. This is going to be a fun year.

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Turophile's picture

May 13, 2021 at 06:24 am

Tough start to the season with some very difficult away games this year and plenty of away games early in the season.

Most annoying thing. 49ers an away game, again.........really ! Let's have them at Lambeau in December, for a change.

Best thing. Bye week is late, and four of the last 6 games are at home.

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dobber's picture

May 13, 2021 at 07:39 am

Most years we look at the schedule in May and lament how tough it looks.

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Turophile's picture

May 13, 2021 at 12:35 pm

Yes, I'll never forget the year where the Packers supposedly had the toughest schedule before the season.............and the same schedule was rated one of the easiest, after the season.

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ricky's picture

May 13, 2021 at 07:01 am

Tough schedule on paper. But injuries will play a big part in determining who will win games. And , of course, as Ric Flair used to say, "To be the man, you have to beat The Man." A huge determining factor will be Rodgers, of course. If he's with the team, then the schedule is tough but manageable. If not, it's all a crap shoot. Also, a thought to consider: Rodgers sat behind Favre for three seasons, only seeing extensive playing time in a game in Dallas (I was there). So if Love sits another two seasons before becoming the starter, it's not that big a deal. IMO.

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Leatherhead's picture

May 13, 2021 at 08:19 am

It is a tough schedule on paper. Fortunately, we don’t have to play any games on paper.

Love is done sitting.

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dobber's picture

May 13, 2021 at 07:40 am

Very much of how this season shakes out will depend on when #69 returns and how long it takes for him to round into shape. Without him, the Packers are down 2 all-pros (Linsley) from those 2019 and 2020 teams that went 26-6 in the regular season and are shuffling pieces with a lot of young and unproven guys. We--as Packers fans--have been blessed with a long run of good OL play...we can't overlook how important it is and how far a step down it can be when you're down two key proven pieces. If Bakh is back early (as some are speculating), things look much better regardless of who is under center.

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Johnblood27's picture

May 13, 2021 at 08:07 am

Run the ball.

"The run fixes everything" - Vic Ketchman

Never have truer words been spoken.

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greengold's picture

May 13, 2021 at 10:03 am

Yeah. RUN THE ROCK!!!

We will see a great test of our 26-6 HC Matt LaFleur, who I am sure will be on a mission, facing 6 of the NFL's Top 10 Rush Defense Teams from 2020 in @SF (1), @CHI (2), @CIN (3), CLE (6), @AZ (8) and @KC (10) - We will be playing 5 of them through the first 9 weeks - all of those 5 on the road...

THAT will be a test too, going run heavy against the best of the best early. None of us knows what the future holds, but we can all agree if AR is not in our plans, Matt LaFleur is likely to go run heavy, and this will be a battle. I cannot wait to see Aaron Jones, AJ Dillon & Kylin Hill unleashed upon the NFL - and Matt LaFleur's play calling. We will see Love's passing game, and I suspect LaFleur will put him in great spots to be successful there. We won't be one dimensional with Jordan Love at QB. This season, I think we will see our best mix of run & pass since the Mike Holmgren years.

Please, Matt, pull out the Packer Power Sweep. Poetry in motion...

"You look at this play, what we're trying to get is a seal here, and a seal here, and try to run this play IN-THE-ALLEY!"

I'm glad we loaded up on road graders. Road grading is fun.

Bring it!

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Since'61's picture

May 13, 2021 at 03:09 pm

Unless or until it is stopped. Dobber has an excellent point about our OL being down 2 all-pros at least for the start of the season. Hopefully Bak returns early.

Without Bak, Jenkins is the only OL I have confidence in. The rest are all question marks at this point. Thanks, Since ‘61

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jannes bjornson's picture

May 13, 2021 at 08:02 pm

Myers will hold his own.

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dobber's picture

May 14, 2021 at 07:34 am

When you invest a #2 in a C, he'd better be able to!

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Johnblood27's picture

May 19, 2021 at 03:54 pm

When I did that I was told I would go blind...

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murf7777's picture

May 13, 2021 at 08:34 am

It looks to be a very tough schedule, but every year some teams who did well last year, dud this year (SF) and others who were bad, do good so you never know the strength of schedule till the seasons over. Realistically, I see 12 wins. Rodgers will be in the green and gold, the media is hyperbole. I believe JJ, JK and AJ.

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RCPackerFan's picture

May 13, 2021 at 09:11 am

When I look at the Schedule the first things I look at are:

1 - Bye week (week 13 - I like it)
2 - Long travel between games (no long travels in back to back weeks - I like it)
3 - Flow of schedule (big stretches of home games or away games (there is a stretch of 4 of 5 road games, with the 5th game being at KC - Don't like). But at least the KC game they will have a mini bye before.
4 - Late season Lambeau Games (End of season Lambeau is better then early season, they have 5 of their final 8 games at Lambeau - I like)
5 - Thursday night games (Home or away on Thursdays. They play away - Don't like it)

I don't worry about the teams necessarily at this point in time. I worry more about the balance of the schedule. Every year a good team becomes bad and a bad team becomes good. So I don't worry about who they play, but more of where and when they play.

Overall the flow of this schedule is a not bad at all.

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HankScorpio's picture

May 13, 2021 at 11:20 am

Once upon a time, they called really tough batting lineups "Murderer's Row". The list of QBs they'll be facing is far from that. Baker Mayfield, a couple of rooks, Big Ben (maybe), Burrow, Stafford (only once), Goff (x2), Cousins....not exactly the most fearsome list. I think "Jaywalker's Row" is probably a bit too far. But maybe "Reckless Drivers Row".

Russell Wilson and Patrick Mahomes are about as good as it gets at QB. That's only two games.

We'll see how it turns out. Wins are not a QB stat. But good QBs generally mean a team is more consistently good. Less than good QBs mean teams have more up and down seasons. That means what is the 4th toughest schedule on paper today may turn out to be something else as it gets navigated through.

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Rebecca's picture

May 13, 2021 at 03:57 pm

Just way too early to make predictions. W 12 - L 5 or something like that. I’m counting on some defense improvements. Of course significant injuries to skill players will change things.

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