Packers have fourth hardest strength of schedule in 2021

The Green Bay Packers will be aiming to replicate their recent regular-season success in 2021, having gone 26-6 in Matt LaFleur’s first two seasons as head coach.

But it won’t be an easy path to the playoffs this season. According to NFL Network, the Packers have the fourth toughest strength of schedule in the league this year.

Green Bay’s 2021 opponents had a win percentage of .542 last season, combining for a regular-season record of 147-124-1.

Green Bay will meet seven teams that finished above .500 last season. Here’s the full list:

• Kansas City Chiefs (14-2)
• New Orleans Saints (12-4)
• Seattle Seahawks (12-4)
• Pittsburgh Steelers (12-4)
• Baltimore Ravens (11-5)
• Cleveland Browns (11-5)
• Los Angeles Rams (10-6)

In total, 10 of the Packers’ 17 games will be played against teams that made the playoffs in 2020. That includes all seven teams listed above, as well as two games against the Chicago Bears and one against the Washington Football Team.

Interestingly, Green Bay’s schedule isn’t the toughest in the NFC North. The Bears have a slightly tougher schedule, the third hardest in the NFL. While Chicago doesn’t have to play the Kansas City Chiefs, it does get two games against Green Bay. The Packers get two games against the Bears.

It’s too early to know which games will be easier than others. For example, the San Francisco 49ers won six games last season. Based on that record, having the 49ers on the schedule would make it “easier”, when it reality they were a Super Bowl team two years ago and have the potential to bounce back if they can stay healthy.

The 49ers are also on the Packers’ schedule.

Green Bay’s strength of schedule became even tougher once the 14-win Chiefs were added as the team’s 17th opponent. Not to mention it will be played on the road. The Chiefs haven’t lost many football games in recent years. Since the start of 2019, they have gone 31-7 (playoffs included) with two Super Bowl appearances and one championship.