Last Word on Pro Football is producing a series in which we break down each teams strength of schedule. It will consist of the most difficult (1-8) and easiest (9-16) games on each team’s 16-game slate. In this article, the Green Bay Packers easiest games in 2017 is the focus.
Green Bay Packers Easiest Games in 2017
9. Week 6: at Minnesota Vikings
Green Bay Packers lead all-time series 60-51-2
Although the Vikings split the series in 2016, the narrative could be a bit different this coming season. The Vikings seem to have lost all the momentum they had at the beginning of 2016, finishing the year third in the division. It will be difficult for the Vikings offense, led by Sam Bradford, to keep up with Aaron Rodgers and all his new weapons. Although this game is listed on the easiest part of the schedule, divisional games can be unpredictable.
10. Week 3: vs Cincinnati Bengals
Cincinnati Bengals lead all-time series 7-5
The Bengals have lost quite a few solid players in free agency earlier this year including left tackle Andrew Whitworth, and guard Kevin Zeitler. It makes the offensive line a question mark, which could spell trouble for Andy Dalton. The Packers tend to struggle early in the season, so an upset could be in the cards, even though that’s unlikely at Lambeau.
11. Week 11: vs Baltimore Ravens
Green Bay Packers leads all-time series 4-1
Coming to Lambeau Field late in the year is bad news for most opposing teams. The fans are rowdy, the weather is cold, and the Packers should be clicking on all cylinders. Joe Flacco will need to have a big game to keep the fading Ravens in the week 11 match up.
12. Week 17: at Detroit Lions
Green Bay leads all-time series 100-68-7
The Detroit Lions have been losing for decades, and that will not stop any time soon. While the Lions did make the playoffs in 2017, Matt Stafford and company staggered into the postseason, losing their final two games. They proved to be no match for Seattle in the playoffs, falling by a 26-6 scoreline. The Packers haven’t had the easiest time at Ford Field, but have prevailed more times than not.
13. Week 16: vs Minnesota Vikings
Green Bay Packers leads all-time series 60-51-2
This match up will take place in week 16, just as it did last year. That game featured a great amount of offensive firepower. The Packers and Vikings combined to rack up 794 yards of offense. Rodgers had a day to remember tossing six touchdown passes. If the Vikings want a legit shot at knocking off the Packers on Christmas Eve, they’ll have to put points up against a defense with plenty of question marks.
14. Week 9: vs Detroit Lions
Green Bay Packers lead all-time series 100-68-7
The Lions have not had much success playing in Green Bay, in fact, they lost 24 straight times from 1992-2014. The Packers are hard to beat at home, but the Lions have played them well over the last few seasons. Two of those seasons came down to week 17 games for the NFC North. Can the Lions get revenge for the Miracle of Mo-Town?
15. Week 14: at Cleveland Browns
There are two reasons why this match up is not last on the list. The first is that the Packers are playing on the road. As mentioned before, playing on the road is one of the hardest things to do in the NFL. The second reason is that Cleveland are an unfamiliar foe for the Packers, which may lead to somewhat of an advantage for the underdog Browns. Although unlikely, an upset is possible in week 14.
16. Week 4: vs Chicago Bears
All-Time series is tied 94-94-6
The easiest game on the Packers schedule is the oldest rivalry in the NFL. The Bears are in rebuilding mode, and could have a quarterback controversy brewing at that point in the year if Mike Glennon is playing poorly. Whether it’s him or rookie Mitchell Trubisky, they will have a hard time knocking off the reigning NFC North Champions.
Be sure to check out the most difficult games on the 2017 Green Bay Packers schedule.
