We are a week away from the NFL Draft and the National Football League just dropped the 2019 Schedule last night. Besides opening the season against division rivals the first two weeks, the Packers close the season facing division rivals the final three weeks. Thus, making it extremely important for a fast start and a strong finish.
The schedule is highlighted by 5 primetime match-ups. After missing the playoffs the past 2 seasons, the Packers still carry some weight with the schedule makers, thanks to Aaron Rodgers.
Here are the 5 Prime Time Match-ups that are must-see TV.
Week 1 at the Chicago Bears. The NFL kicks off their 100th season with their oldest rivalry. The Green Bay Packers vs the Chicago Bears. This will be a rematch from last seasons opening game when the Bears led late and Aaron Rodgers returned from injury in the second half to lead the Packers to a thrilling come from behind victory. This is an opportunity for the Packers to start reclaiming the NFC North Division title, which the Bears won last year.
Week 4 vs the Philadelphia Eagles. The Eagles come to Lambeau for an early Thursday night match-up. This would be the conclusion of three straight home games for the Packers. This game could have potential playoff implications down the road.
Week 6 vs the Detroit Lions. In week 6 the Packers return home to face the Detroit Lions on Monday Football. Another crucial division game in primetime. Matt Patricia vs Matt Lafleur. The Lions have recently beaten the Packers on Lambeau. This the first game of the season between these two teams and provides the Packers with the opportunity to reclaim the Lambeau mystique in this rivalry.
Week 8 at the Kansas City Chiefs. In the middle of the season, it’s a huge primetime match-up. The Packer vs the Chiefs. These two teams have some history. With this being the NFL’s 100th season, it makes the perfect season to put this game in primetime. The Packers and Chiefs faced each other in the first-ever Super Bowl. Plus, does it get any bigger than Aaron Rodgers vs Patrick Mahomes? This should be a highly anticipated match-up that will be a fun game to watch.
Week 16 at the Minnesota Vikings. December 23, its a holiday clash between division rivals in Minnesota. There a ton of bad blood between these two organizations. Brett Favre playing in purple. Anthony Barr injuring Aaron Rodgers on a questionable late hit. This game could also have division implications on it this late in the season. Division games are extremely important and this will be a big game with the Packers hopefully battling for a Division Championship and playoff position.
Overall, the schedule looks to be pretty good for Matt Lafleur’s first season as head coach of the Green Bay Packers. Aaron Rodgers is a reason for all of the primetime games, but with 5, it demonstrates the NFL’s faith that the Packers will rebound in 2019. Also, factoring in they are the leagues oldest franchise. Granted, things can change between now and when the season kicks off with the NFL Draft, training camp and pre-season. The season can’t get here soon enough.
Anthony Haag is a writer for PackersTalk.com. He has been a Packers fan since the day he was born and truly bleeds green and gold. He makes annual visits to Lambeau Field and has attended his fair share of games. You can follow Anthony on Twitter at @anthony_haag
2 responses to “5 PrimeTime Match-ups Highlight Packers 2019 Schedule”
You’d think we won the Super Bowl looking at this years schedule. The best part about it though is three home games after a road win in Chicago. We have the chance to get off to a sensational start under a new head coach. Our receiving corps needs to step up and really show improvement in their second year. Adams is the leader and is a STUD. Hopefully this will rub off on J’Mon Moore who supposedly buried his head in the playbook to get Rodger’s attention as a go to guy this year. GERONIMO stays healthy and is much improved. Our tight end group will be called upon this year to make plays and hopefully will be much improved and Sternberger will get a chance in preseason to show what he’s got. I really like Dexter Williams in the running game and a running game takes pressure off Arod. Offensive line looks much more promising this year to step up and protect the franchise. GO PACK GO!!!