The time has finally come for the Packers 2021-2022 schedule release. I’ll be breaking down weeks 14-18 and talking about any key points or any big moments we may expect during the last stretch of games. This year is obviously a lot different, for starters there is a 17th game. This is something that may take some getting used to. Some teams will have 9 home games, while others will spend the extra game on the road. This year the Packers extra game will be at Kansas City. Let’s get right into weeks 14 through 18.
The Big, Huge, Giant Elephant In The Room
Unless you have been living under a rock, you’re aware of the Packers situation with 3x MVP Aaron Rodgers. I’m not here to delve into that, but it’s a topic as the Packers have some big games scattered through the 17 weeks. The Packers are usually scheduled for a decent amount of Primetime games, and that can change ratings drastically should Aaron not be at the helm. The NFL made a point of highlighting the potential Rodgers versus Mahomes matchup that was added to the season with the 18th week. Just this week, the NFL took this off of their scheduled media with the uncertainty of Rodgers and the Packers. It’s a touchy subject for Packers fans, but the hope is all will be resolved down the stretch, and into the weeks leading into week 1.
As of the time or writing this the Packers added Blake Bortles to the roster. Something to pay attention to obviously. With that being said, let’s highlight some games and see what the Packers are up against in the last part of the 2021-2022 season. Let’s hope for as many home games as possible as we all know how hard it is to play in the cold in December-January. Okay now what you came here for, The Packers Schedule Release.
Week 14
Bears at Packers 12/12 on Sunday Night Football
The best rivalry in sports. A highlight of the schedule release. The Chicago Bears and he Green Bay Packers. Under the lights at Lambeau.
Hard to find a more beautiful sight than Bears and Packers at night in the cold.
The history alone is enough to draw and audience, especially in a “primetime” scenario. There’s so much that can be said about this game, but as we all know, year after year, Bears-Packers always leave us with a well fought, competitive game. Expect a defensive game as the Bears continue to compete on the defensive side of the ball.
Back in 2016, the Bears reached on a draft pick and set back their organization for multiple years with Mitch Trubisky.
But now, the Bears hope to have found their new QB.
The Bears moved up to draft Justin Fields from Ohio State with the 11th pick in the 2021 draft. Have they found their QB of the future? We shall see, and by Week 14, we may have a good idea. For now, Bears fans are excited and rightfully so.
But in keeping up with tradition, I hope their dreams are smashed as the Packers take this game in a competitive cold Lambeau.
Week 15
Packers at Ravens 12/19 12:00 PM CDT
This game will be a test for the Packers. In recent years, athletic QB’s that can run have been the Achilles Heel for the Packers. Two years ago, in limited action during the preseason, Lamar Jackson had a nice start with some gashing runs against the Packers. The Ravens closed out the 2020 season with the number one rushing attack. This game will certainly be a challenge for the defense. That is especially true for defensive leader and former Raven Za’Darius Smith. The Packers should have a lot of film study under their belts for this matchup in Baltimore. If the Packers can contain Lamar and the run game of the Ravens, the Packers should take this game.
Week 16
Browns @ Packers 12/25 3:30 PM CDT
This one is exciting for obvious reasons. A Christmas game is a nice highlight of the Packers schedule release. I don’t recall the Packers having a Christmas Day game anytime in my lifetime, so I’m excited to watch the Packers while enjoying time with family. We’ve seen the Packers play on Thanksgiving and I’ve always enjoyed the atmosphere of football and the holiday season. The Browns seemed to have finally turned a corner and, with Baker Mayfield at the helm, are finally able to compete for a deep playoff berth. The Browns have a solid offense with Nick Chubb in the backfield along with Odell Beckham Jr., who will likely be coming back sometime during the season after an ACL injury ended his 2020 season. On the defensive side the Browns recently added Jadeveon Clowney to bolster the pass rush opposite all-Pro Myles Garrett.
The Packers thrive in the cold, and as long as they can protect Rodgers and get in a rhythm, they should be able to win this game. As I said before, this is a “new-look” Browns roster, so expect a much more competitive game than the browns of the past 20 years.
Week 17
Vikings @ Packers Sunday 01/02 Sunday Night Football
I have nothing nice to say about the Vikings, I’ll start with that. Another rivalry game, and one that feels especially nice to win year over year. The Packers are 11-1 in divisional matchups under Matt LaFleur the past two seasons, with the only loss coming against the Vikings last year. In what seems like a broken record, the Packers were gashed on the ground by Dalvin Cook. Last year, the Vikings added Justin Jefferson, and in his first year, he set the rookie record for receiving yards with 1,400. Jaire versus Jefferson will be a good matchup twice next year, with this matchup coming at home. Speaking of Lambeau, Adam Thielen had some not so nice things to say about Lambeau. I’ll let the Packers do the talking for me. A win against the Vikings always makes for a great Monday.
Week 18
Packers @ Lions 01/09 12:00 CDT
The Lions have been the laughing stock of the NFC North for as long as I can remember. The Vikings and Bears have been quite competitive over the years, but the Lions are just there. You have to feel for their fans at this point. It seems like we close out the season against the Lions year after year, as the last week of the season is always divisional. While the season has ended after 17 weeks for so long, Week 18 is the newest addition to the 2021-22 season. Even as the Lions have been at the bottom of the NFL, they’ve always played the Packers to close matchups. That is to be expected as you know your divisional opponents more than any other teams.
Long time QB Matthew Stafford and former Ram Jared Goff did a big switch in the offseason with both QB’s joining each others former team. The Lions are in an obvious rebuilding stage, and it seems to be the case even more this season. Packer fan favorite Jamaal Williams joined the Lions after Aaron Jones was re-signed. While he is on the competition, he’s one of the guys you wanna see do well, just not against the Packers. While the Lions aren’t expected to be very competitive, they added offensive tackle Penei Sewell out of Oregon. Many have touted Sewell as a future hall of famer before he’s even taken an NFL snap.
As I stated before the Lions aren’t expected to be competitive but expect any Lions Packers game to be close. In week 18 what will each team be playing for? A number one seed for the Packers? A number one draft pick for the Lions?
It’s Almost Time for Packers’ Football
The 2021 season looks exciting and hopefully we have Aaron at the helm to try and get over that NFC Championship hump. There are some tough games along the way, but the Packers are resilient and when the team plays like they can, they’re hard to beat.
Go Pack Go!
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