Green Bay Packers: Best opponents, how they will have an impact

Jan 22, 2017; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones (11) runs for a touchdown against Green Bay Packers cornerback LaDarius Gunter (36) during the third quarter in the 2017 NFC Championship Game at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 22, 2017; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones (11) runs for a touchdown against Green Bay Packers cornerback LaDarius Gunter (36) during the third quarter in the 2017 NFC Championship Game at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports /
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The next time Packers fans will see former Green Bay Packers running back Eddie Lacy will be in Week 1 of the 2017 season when his new team, the Seattle Seahawks come to Lambeau Field. Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
The next time Packers fans will see former Green Bay Packers running back Eddie Lacy will be in Week 1 of the 2017 season when his new team, the Seattle Seahawks come to Lambeau Field. Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports /

In 2016, the Green Bay Packers had one of the easiest schedules of any team in the NFL.

But as the season progressed, it was clear the Packers weren’t about to walk easily over anyone.

Packers fans can only hope for a similar change of fate as last night’s official announcement of the 2017 schedule shows it to be extremely difficult.

Beginning with the home showdown against Russell Wilson and, of course, Eddie Lacy and the Seattle Seahawks, that opener will be followed by a road game against the same team that humbled Green Bay in last season’s NFC Championship game – the Atlanta Falcons.

New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees. Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees. Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports /

Consider that Green Bay will play against four Super Bowl-winning quarterbacks in 2017: Drew Brees, Ben Roethlisberger, Joe Flacco and Russell Wilson. Not an easy task. Throw in games against Cam Newton, Matt Ryan and Dak Prescott and the field looks really tilted.

But that’s why they play the games and a good reason why Packers fans shouldn’t be too frightened by the prospects. After all, the Packers have a guy by the name of Aaron Rodgers. I’ve heard he’s pretty good.

All that said, we conclude that it’s impossible to know how teams as a whole will perform. But we have taken some time here to focus in on the opponents elite players and consider how the Packers measure up.

We’ll begin with the Seattle Seahawks …