Week 1: @ Seattle Seahawks
Replacement refs don't know what to call for the "Fail Mary".The world will be watching as the 2014 NFL season kicks off with a bang. As tradition, the reigning Super Bowl champs get to host the season opener on Thursday night. May I say, “Great choice” schedule makers. Not only is this matchup awesome, but there’s a story behind this heated rivalry.
Who can forget the “Fail Mary”? Monday Night Football…Replacement refs…Russell Wilson throws the ball up as time expires…simultaneous catch…or so they said…Seahawks win.
This time, we have real refs. And the Pack is looking for revenge. A-Rod will have to bring his A game if they want to end Seattle’s home winning streak and give the 12th man something to shout about.
Week 2: New York Jets
The Packers’ home opener against Rex Ryan’s Jets is a good test for showing how the 3-4 defense is done. They’ve added weapons for young quarterback Geno Smith. Speedster Chris Johnson and go to receiver Eric Decker will be valuable. But Geno Smith is still just a sophomore. Clay Matthews smells blood in the water. He’ll be sure to give the home crowd a couple of sacks as the Packers’ D will try to make it easy for A-Rod.
Week 4: @ Chicago Bears
Julius Peppers and Aaron Rodgers exchange smiles as rivals and will keep smiling as teammates.Welcome back Julius Peppers! We can’t wait to see Peppers sack his former teammate Jay Cutler. I have a feeling he can’t wait either. The Packers and Bears don’t like eachother. It’s the oldest rivalry in the game. When an All-Star switches to the other side, it’s expected he’ll show them what they’re missing. This will be fun.
Week 5: Minnesota Vikings
It’s been a while since the Packers highlighted NFL Network on a Thursday night. This matchup will be the third of three straight division games putting extra emphasis on the bright lights at Lambeau Field. It’s always exciting to see “All Day” Adrian Peterson versus the Pack. And this is the perfect stage to earn a new identity as a physical defense.
Week 8: @ New Orleans Saints
Last time these two teams played, there were fireworks. It was a shootout between Rodgers and Brees. The stars come out on Sunday Night Football but defenses can take the night off because it’ll happen again. The Packers will try their best to outscore the Saints again. This time, they have Eddie Lacy to run the rock which will likely keep the ball out of Brees’ hands. Green Bay will do everything they can to come out with a win entering their bye week.
Week 10: Chicago Bears
The Packers’ bye week fits perfectly in the middle of the season giving them time to rest, recover from any injuries, and an extra week to gameplan for the Bears on another Sunday night game on NBC. Ironically, the Bears share that bye week able to do the same. Division games like this usually are decided by a big play or big mistake. Whoever has a trick up their sleeve has the edge. It’s only right when the NFL’s oldest rivalry is on primetime.
Week 13: New England Patriots
Tom Brady slings it from a clean pocket against the Packers.Finally! We finally get to see it! Rodgers versus Brady. Last time the Packers and Patriots met, Matt Flynn stepped in for an injured Rodgers. Let’s hope that’s not the case this time around. It’ll be a late afternoon game at Lambeau Field. The November sky will turn a majestic orange and blue with chance of snowflakes. It could be a masterpiece and the game of the year. Maybe the debate will be settled after this long awaited matchup. Who is the best quarterback in the league? No doubt, people will talk Monday morning about the classic between Rodgers and Brady.
Week 14: Atlanta Falcons
Are you ready for some football!? The Pack’s only Monday Night Football appearance this year hosts Matt Ryan and the Falcons. For some reason, Aaron Rodgers plays his best against the Falcons. And Matt Ryan plays his worst against the Packers. We’ll see if the trend continues or if it’s a trap. A-Rod is known for hitting an extra gear in December so he’ll be sure to light them up as usual.
Tramon Williams lines up one-on-one with Calvin Johnson.Week 17: Detroit Lions
Advantage: Packers. Cheeseheads get to see their team play the season finale at home. Schedule makers did it right making the last game on the line a division game. It very well could be between the high octane offense of the Lions versus the reigning NFC North Champs for playoff positioning. It’s always a challenge dealing with Megatron. But the Pack always seems to play as Optimus Prime.
