It's difficult enough taking on the defending Super Bowl champions, but the NFL has ensured the Green Bay Packers' playoff rematch against the Philadelphia Eagles is as challenging as possible.
The Packers host the Eagles on Monday Night Football in Week 10. So far, so good. A game at Lambeau Field is far better than playing in a tough environment in Philly, and the surface shouldn't present as many issues as the Week 1 game in Brazil last year.
But there's a twist. There's always a twist.
The NFL couldn't make it a completely fair contest. Oh no. They had to give the Eagles extra time to get ready. Philadelphia will enter the MNF contest fresh and extra prepared, having enjoyed a bye week right before.
While the Packers are dealing with the Carolina Panthers, Nick Sirianni will be busy crafting a game plan specifically for the Packers, and he'll have so much time to prepare that he can even build an itinerary for all the sights they plan to visit during their trip to Green Bay.
Packers' huge playoff rematch with Eagles has become that much tougher
Green Bay needs to take care of business at home, especially before the final eight games. Matt LaFleur's squad will play five of its final eight on the road, with no break due to an early bye week. It makes games like the Monday night showdown with Philadelphia even more important.
The Eagles' bye week is a problem.
Of course, they have to play someone after their break, but the timing is awful for the Packers. That someone didn't need to be us. It's a crucial contest between two NFC heavyweights, and the Eagles, who have arguably the deepest roster in football, have an extra week of preparation and recovery to ensure they are ready to leave Lambeau Field with a win.
You can just see it now: Green Bay's injury report features 18 players, while Philadelphia only has one. History is destined to repeat itself.
The Packers are desperate to beat the Eagles. They should've won in Brazil to kick off last season, and the playoff loss was far too one-sided. Getting them at home helps, but the NFL has stacked the odds against the Packers.