Packers 2021 schedule release: Predicting primetime games
When the 2020 schedule was released last May, the Green Bay Packers were given five primetime games.
After another 13-3 season and NFC title game appearance last year, I’m going with the same number of games with my predictions for the upcoming season.
With what looks to be a daunting schedule for Green Bay, there are many candidates for primetime games. I’ve narrowed it down to the top five.
Packers at Ravens
A battle of the most recent two NFL MVPs, Aaron Rodgers and Lamar Jackson. That is, of course, assuming Rodgers is still under center for the Packers this season.
It will also be a battle of two Super Bowl contenders. One offense that led the league in rushing with 191.9 yards on the ground last season. The other with the reigning MVP, and offense that led in the NFL in scoring with Rodgers throwing 48 touchdown passes.
It will be a must-see game.
Packers at Chiefs
There’s no better advert for the addition of the 17th game than Green Bay taking on the Kansas City Chiefs in Arrowhead Stadium. Here, Rodgers battles with another recent NFL MVP, Patrick Mahomes. Arguably the top two quarterbacks in football.
And just think about the star players on both teams: Rodgers, Mahomes, Davante Adams, Travis Kelce, Tyreek Hill, Aaron Jones, Za’Darius Smith, Jaire Alexander, Tyrann Mathieu, Chris Jones, and Kenny Clark.
That’s a lot of All-Pro and Pro Bowl selections right there.
Packers at 49ers
Two longtime rivals in the NFC, the Packers return to Levi’s Stadium for the third season in a row. The 2019 NFC title game performance is still fresh in our minds even after Green Bay’s 34-17 win there last season. Injuries hit the 49ers hard last season and they should bounce back in 2021.
Matt LaFleur is 1-2 against Kyle Shanahan. This game deserves a big audience.
Packers vs. Bears
The oldest rivalry in football is often a popular choice for a primetime slot, and this year will be no different. And maybe we’ll see first-round pick Justin Fields get his opportunity as the starting quarterback in Chicago.
Can Fields make the Bears contenders?
Packers vs. Steelers
A classic rivalry between two of the league’s most famous and successful franchises. They don’t meet often, but the games are usually classics.
Of Green Bay’s previous six meetings with Pittsburgh, it only has one victory. But that game was Super Bowl XLV. But since that famous win, Aaron Rodgers hasn’t played against the Steelers. He missed the previous two games due to a broken collarbone.
Matt Flynn almost led the Packers to an upset win in a snowy Lambeau eight years ago, with the Steelers holding on to win 38-31. Four years on, Brett Hundley almost pulled off an upset. Pittsburgh won late on by a scoreline of 31-28.
Assuming Rodgers is the starter, this will be a must-see game and a great choice for primetime.