5 games the Packers must win to make the playoffs in 2019

3. vs. Philadelphia Eagles (Week 4)

The Philadelphia Eagles, with back-to-back playoff appearances and a Super Bowl title in 2017, will enter the season with one of the most balanced rosters in the NFC. They also know how to win big games.

The Packers need to take advantage of their schedule early in the year with the majority of their games being played at Lambeau Field. They get the advantage that this game will be played on Thursday night, which often favors the home team. And that’s why this is a game the Packers need to win. The Eagles will visit Lambeau Field on a short week, just four days after hosting the Detroit Lions.

Last season, home teams on Thursday nights went 11-4. That doesn’t include Week 13 as both the Saints and Cowboys had an entire week between games (the home team still won, anyway). Up against another potential NFC playoff contender, Green Bay will have the advantage of playing at home on a short week, having also played at home four days earlier.

Like the Cowboys, the Eagles could be competing for a wild-card berth late in the season, so securing the head-to-head tiebreaker in Week 4 could be the difference between the Packers making the postseason or just missing out.