Packers: Week off is as important as home-field advantage

The first-round bye is just what the Packers needed.

The NFC runs through Lambeau Field. We’ve heard a lot about the importance of home-field advantage for the Green Bay Packers, even without fans in attendance for the playoffs.

But don’t underestimate the importance of the bye week that comes before the Packers begin their playoff campaign.

The Packers have played 12 weeks in a row. Their bye was all the way back in Week 5 in mid-October. It’s been a long, challenging journey to reach this spot, but they now get to enjoy a week without a game while the other six NFC contenders battle it out in the wild-card round.

Playing at Lambeau Field is, of course, important. But the benefits of this week off could be huge too.

Had Green Bay not clinched the number one seed, it would’ve hosted a playoff game this week. To reach the Super Bowl, the team would’ve needed to play 15 weeks in a row including likely winning on the road against either the Seattle Seahawks or New Orleans Saints in the NFC title game.

While this bye week might not provide as many days off as the previous one — the preparations for the divisional round are well underway — the Packers don’t have to play this weekend, and that’s huge. Any players dealing with injuries get the additional time to recover.

It’s important for the coaching staff, too. This additional time can be valuable in self-scouting and planning ahead for new looks they can surprise their opponents with. While the other six teams remaining in the NFC are preparing for a game, the Packers can reflect on their own performances and learn.

With not only home-field advantage, but a well-earned first-round bye, the Packers have a clear path to the Super Bowl, their best in many years.

Will this be the season that Aaron Rodgers is successful in his search for a second ring? There might never be a better opportunity than this one.