Packers 2021 schedule: 3 games that should’ve been primetime
The Green Bay Packers were given the maximum five primetime games in 2021, which is great, but it does feel like they could’ve picked some bigger games to be among those five.
While divisional matchups with the Detroit Lions, Chicago Bears, and Minnesota Vikings (the Packers meet all three in primetime) are all huge for the Packers and count in the standings more than the others, it’s fair to argue other games present more interesting matchups.
The Packers take on many of the best teams, and quarterbacks, in the NFL this year. While many of these games have been given late afternoon slots, few are actually scheduled for primetime.
Here are three that should’ve been considered to be among the five primetime games for the Packers:
Week 9 at Kansas City Chiefs
While this game has been put in an afternoon slot, it’s surprising it wasn’t picked for primetime. This is one of the biggest matchups of the entire season with the NFL’s top-two quarterbacks going head to head for the first time.
Assuming Aaron Rodgers stays in Green Bay long term, this could be the one and only meeting of two all-world QBs, Rodgers and Patrick Mahomes.
Even if we do see future Rodgers-Mahomes matchups, both the Packers and Chiefs have incredible rosters. That may not be the case a few years from now. It could be one of the games of the season but, surprisingly, it won’t be played in primetime.
Week 10 vs. Seattle Seahawks
Again, this was given a late afternoon slot rather than being played at noon, but it’s still a matchup that would’ve suited primetime.
While not the blockbuster matchup of Rodgers-Mahomes, the Rodgers-Russell Wilson rivalry has produced some classics over the years. Two evenly matched teams who have both had their share of success in the recent history of this matchup, it should again be a great game in 2021.
Week 15 at Baltimore Ravens
Two Super Bowl contenders. The 2020 NFL MVP versus the 2019 NFL MVP. A dominant rushing offense versus an unstoppable passing offense.
Similar to the other matchups mentioned, the Packers and Ravens both have great rosters. Both teams tied for a league-high seven Pro Bowl selections last year, along with the Seahawks. So while the headline would be Rodgers versus Lamar Jackson, there would be so many other interesting battles between great players.
Unlike the other two games discussed, this isn’t scheduled for the late afternoon slot and will be played at noon. But it feels bigger than that. This would have been a great choice for primetime.