Packers: Matt LaFleur aiming to maintain perfect record vs. NFC North

Matt LaFleur has never lost a divisional game with the Packers.

In his first year as Green Bay Packers head coach, Matt LaFleur’s team went a flawless 6-0 against the NFC North.

After the Packers were repeatedly written off ahead of the season, it was fitting to see the Packers sweep their division rivals en route to a 13-3 finish.

Green Bay kicked off the 2019 season with a low-scoring, 10-3 victory over the Chicago Bears, before defeating the Bears again in December. The two victories against the Minnesota Vikings came at opposite ends of the season, the first in Week 2 and the other in Week 16.

Both wins over the Detroit Lions felt very similar. The Lions built strong leads before the Aaron Rodgers–Allen Lazard connection led a comeback finished off by a walk-off Mason Crosby field goal.

LaFleur couldn’t have asked for a tougher 2020 season opener as Green Bay looks to defend its NFC North crown, which would be the first successful title defense in the division since 2014. The opener takes place on Sunday against the Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium.

Despite winning comfortably on their last visit to this stadium, the Packers had previously never won there in three attempts.

One big factor? No fans will be in attendance. Minnesota’s new home can be one of the loudest venues in the league and a tricky place for road teams to visit. But without fans in the seats, part of the Vikings’ home-field advantage is gone.

With victory on Sunday, LaFleur’s record against NFC North teams would improve to 7-0 with another divisional showdown awaiting the following week against the Lions at Lambeau Field.

After receiving some criticism for their offseason work, the Packers have an opportunity to show why they’re still the team to beat in the NFC North if they can begin the season with victory over the Vikings, maintaining LaFleur’s impressive undefeated record.