Packers: Potential must-win games in the 2019 season

Which games could be must-win for the Green Bay Packers in 2019?

The NFL season is right around the corner. All teams around the league are reporting to training camp to get ready for the upcoming season. Training camp is the perfect time for the Green Bay Packers‘ new faces to mesh with the familiar faces on the roster.

At different points in the season, teams face must-win games. Typically, they are situational and cannot be projected. However, we will select a few games from the Packers season that are must-win, even though the season hasn’t started yet.

Some of the games selected on this list aren’t true must-win scenarios. Instead, they are games that will help gauge how successful Green Bay could be this season.

Bears and Vikings split

The goal for every Packers team is to bring a Super Bowl title back to Packers News. Step number one in doing so is winning the NFC North. Last season, the Packers finished third behind the Chicago Bears and Minnesota Vikings. No disrespect to the Detroit Lions, but these three teams control the NFC North.

In order to win the NFC North, it’s a must that the Packers win at least win one game in their two games versus both teams. Getting swept in the season series versus either team will essentially mean the Packers won’t win the NFC North.

Last year, Green Bay was fortunate to split the season series with the Bears. Yet, they did not win a game versus the Vikings last season.

Green Bay will have their chance, as they face these two teams in back-to-back weeks. First, in Weeks 1 and 2, followed by later matchups in Weeks 15 and 16.

Eagles and Chiefs

These two teams are in the category discussed earlier. The games versus the Philadelphia Eagles and Kansas City Chiefs are not must-wins at this moment. However, wins versus both these teams would tell a lot about this Packers team.

Both the Chiefs and the Eagles are arguably the best team in their respective conference. Defeating the Eagles would mean more for Green Bay being that they’re both in the NFC, meaning they could play the Eagles for a second time in the playoffs if both teams make it there. In addition, Philadelphia is could have the most talented roster in the NFL.

Wins versus the Eagles and Chiefs would then show the Packers are on the same level as those teams. Defeating two Super Bowl-caliber teams in the same season is no slight task. Not to mention, both these games are in primetime when everyone is watching.

Winning games like these two could give the Packers the belief they, too, can win the Super Bowl this year.

Weeks 10-14

Despite only having the 14th toughest strength of schedule, the NFL did the Packers no favors in their schedule making. Outside their own division, Green Bay faces two of the most competitive division in the NFL. That being the NFC East and the AFC West.

We already discussed the challenge the Eagles and Chiefs pose for the Packers. Let’s not forget Green Bay has the 12-win Chargers, and reigning NFC East-champion Cowboys on their schedule.

Weeks 10-14 is a four-game stretch versus non-playoff teams from last year. In order from Weeks 10-14, the Packers play the Panthers, 49ers, Giants and Redskins.

It would be easy to assume victories for Green Bay in these matchups, however the Packers are known for falling to trap games. For example, being swept by the Lions last year, and their embarrassing loss to the Cardinals at home.

This four-game stretch is important because who they play before and after the stretch. In Weeks 8 and 9, they play the Chargers and Chiefs. Afterward in Weeks 15 and 16, they play the Vikings and Bears.

On their road to hopefully a fifth Super Bowl title, the Packers will have to win some important games. These are just some projected must-win games, however there will be more once the season begins.