Packers 2021 schedule release: Predictions for each game, final record
In an offseason dominated by Aaron Rodgers’ future, it’s easy to forget we’re only four months away from the Green Bay Packers taking the field for their first game of the regular season.
And at long last, we now know their complete 2021 schedule. It’s never too early for some predictions for the regular season.
Let’s go game by game through Green Bay’s full regular-season schedule and predict the score in each contest, finishing with the team’s final overall record.
It’s important to note that this article assumes Aaron Rodgers is the starting quarterback. If he doesn’t return this season, everything changes.
Week 1: at New Orleans Saints
Winners last September at the Superdome, I’m going with another Green Bay victory at New Orleans to kick off the regular season. Having the fans back will certainly make it a tougher environment to play in — it’ll be loud — but the loss of Drew Brees will be tough for the Saints to overcome. An important win in Week 1. Green Bay 27, New Orleans 21 (1-0)
Week 2: Detroit Lions
Since 1992, the Packers have lost just three times to the Lions at Lambeau Field. The two most recent defeats came in 2017 and ’18, when they were without Aaron Rodgers. Let’s just hope Rodgers returns to play in this one. The Lions are in rebuild mode and the Packers get the win. Green Bay 38, Detroit 14 (2-0)
Week 3: at San Francisco 49ers
Last year’s victory over the 49ers felt good after the previous January’s NFC title game humiliation, but it wasn’t against a full-strength San Francisco team. The Niners were without many key players. However, the Packers finally get their revenge for the 2019 playoff exit with perhaps their most impressive win of the year. Green Bay 34, San Francisco 24 (3-0)
Week 4: Pittsburgh Steelers
Has Pittsburgh done enough to strengthen its offensive line? It will need to be much better as Ben Roethlisberger enters his age-39 season. I predict a big game from the Smith Bros. and Rashan Gary, leading the Packers to a hard-fought victory, their first over the Steelers since the Super Bowl. Green Bay 24, Pittsburgh 23 (4-0)