Packers vs. Lions: 3 reasons why this game has playoff implications

2. Green Bay has daunting schedule coming up

Starting 0-2 would be far from ideal, but there would still be plenty of time to catch up. However, here’s the bad news: Green Bay’s upcoming schedule is far from a stroll in the park.

On a short week, the Packers hit the road to take on the undefeated San Francisco 49ers. We’ve all seen the Packers’ struggles playing on the west coast in recent years, and the 49ers look like Super Bowl contenders yet again this season. Not to mention the Packers will have a day less to prepare after playing on Monday night.

Going on the road to play a red-hot 49ers team at 0-2 is a scenario the Packers desperately need to avoid. They’d arrive at Levi’s Stadium in real danger of losing their opening three games, something Green Bay hasn’t done since 2005, the year Aaron Rodgers was drafted.

The games don’t get much easier after that, either, with the Pittsburgh Steelers visiting Lambeau Field in Week 4 followed by back-to-back road games against the Cincinnati Bengals and Chicago Bears. After tonight’s game, three of the Packers’ next four are on the road.

A loss tonight would give Matt LaFleur’s team a difficult path ahead.