The Green Bay Packers have already navigated through two blockbuster matchups by defeating the Detroit Lions and Washington Commanders.
While the schedule eases up somewhat in terms of opponents, the Packers must now play four of their next five on the road, which is a daunting challenge. The only home game in that stretch comes with the Cincinnati Bengals' visit to Lambeau in Week 6. On paper, it figures to be one of the Packers' toughest challenges to date, but Joe Burrow's injury changes the story significantly.
According to Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero of NFL Network, Burrow is "feared to have suffered a Grade 3 turf toe injury" that may require surgery and cause him to miss three months.
Joe Burrow is expected to miss huge Packers-Bengals clash in Week 6
It's a real shame that we likely won't get to see Burrow's Bengals take on this new-look Packers defense. Not to mention it would've been a battle of two star quarterbacks from the famous 2020 draft class.
Hopefully, Burrow is able to make a fast recovery and is healthy to play in this game, but it seems unlikely based on the reporting.
Burrow's absence will undoubtedly have a significant impact. Barring a QB trade or free-agent move, Cincinnati will turn to Jake Browning.
Browning helped lead the Bengals to victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 2, but he threw three interceptions along with two touchdowns. It's hard to imagine him finding much success against this Packers defense, even with Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins there to help him.
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Before this contest, Green Bay will play consecutive road games against the Cleveland Browns and Dallas Cowboys before hitting the bye. The Packers then host the Bengals before two more road games against the Arizona Cardinals and the Aaron Rodgers-led Pittsburgh Steelers.
There are plenty of challenges in there, especially on the road, making the Bengals game in Week 6 so important.
Burrow's injury changes the complexion of the matchup. Instead of a heavyweight battle between two star quarterbacks, it becomes a mismatch. Green Bay's elite defense against a backup with 14 career touchdowns to 10 interceptions.
The Packers will likely need at least 10 or 11 wins to make the playoffs, but regaining the NFC North may require more than that. They already have two in the bag, and Burrow's injury will make them heavy favorites to add another when the Bengals come to town in Week 6.