The Green Bay Packers have released their 2017 schedule, and it promises to be an exciting year for fans of the team. Let’s take a closer look at each game on the schedule.
Week 1: vs Seattle Seahawks
The Packers will begin their 2017 campaign at home against the Seattle Seahawks. This will be a tough test for both teams right out of the gate. The Seahawks are perennial contenders, and the Packers will need to be firing on all cylinders to come away with a win.
Week 2: @ Atlanta Falcons
The Packers will hit the road in Week 2 to take on the Atlanta Falcons. This is a rematch of last year’s NFC Championship Game, which the Falcons won. The Packers will be looking for revenge, and this game could set the tone for their entire season.
Week 3: vs Cincinnati Bengals
The Bengals had a down year in 2016, but they are always a dangerous team. This game will be another test for the Packers, and they will need to bring their A-game to come out on top.
Week 4: vs Chicago Bears
The Packers will host their arch-rivals, the Chicago Bears, in Week 4. This is always a heated matchup, and emotions will be running high on both sides. The Packers will be looking to defend their turf and keep pace in the NFC North.
Week 5: @ Dallas Cowboys
In Week 5, the Packers will travel to Texas to take on the Cowboys. This is another rematch of last year’s playoffs, which the Packers won in dramatic fashion. The Cowboys will be looking for revenge, and this will be a tough game for the Packers.
Week 6: @ Minnesota Vikings
The Vikings had a disappointing 2016 season, but they are always a tough team to play at home. This will be the Packers’ first divisional road game of the season, and they will need to come away with a win if they want to stay in the hunt for the NFC North title.
Week 7: vs New Orleans Saints
The Saints have one of the best offenses in the NFL, and this game could turn into a shootout. The Packers will need to keep pace with Drew Brees and company if they want to come out on top.
Week 8: BYE
The Packers will have a week off to rest and recharge before the second half of their season begins.
Week 9: vs Detroit Lions
The Lions have been a thorn in the Packers’ side in recent years, and this game will be no different. This will be a crucial divisional matchup, and the Packers will need to bring their best to come away with a win.
Week 10: @ Chicago Bears
The Packers will head to Soldier Field for a rematch against the Bears. By this point in the season, both teams should have a good idea of where they stand in the division. The Packers will be looking to keep pace with the Lions and Vikings.
Week 11: vs Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens are always a well-coached team, and this game will be no different. The Packers will need to be on their game to come out with a win, especially with the playoffs looming on the horizon.
Week 12: @ Pittsburgh Steelers
The Packers will head to Heinz Field to take on the Steelers in a marquee matchup. Both teams have Super Bowl aspirations, and this game could have playoff implications.
Week 13: vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Buccaneers are an up-and-coming team, and this game could be a trap for the Packers. They will need to stay focused and take care of business at home.
Week 14: @ Cleveland Browns
The Browns are still rebuilding, and the Packers should be able to take care of business on the road. However, they cannot afford to overlook any opponent, especially with the playoffs on the line.
Week 15: @ Carolina Panthers
The Panthers had a down year in 2016, but they are still a dangerous team. This game could have playoff implications for both teams, and the Packers will need to come away with a win if they want to clinch a playoff spot.
Week 16: vs Minnesota Vikings
The Packers will host the Vikings in another crucial divisional matchup. By this point in the season, both teams should have a good idea of where they stand in the division. The Packers will need to win this game if they want to keep their playoff hopes alive.
Week 17: @ Detroit Lions
The Packers will wrap up their regular season with a road game against the Lions. This game could have playoff implications, especially if the Packers and Lions are fighting for the division title.
Overall, the Packers’ 2017 schedule presents a number of challenges for the team. They will need to play their best football if they want to clinch a playoff spot and contend for a Super Bowl championship. But with Aaron Rodgers at the helm and a talented roster around him, there is no doubt that the Packers have what it takes to make a deep run in the playoffs.