After putting up their second consecutive loss in the NFC Championship Game, the Green Bay Packers will be looking to make it past that last hurdle in the 2021 season. Albeit the ongoing drama surrounding Aaron Rodgers certainly can make this team’s outlook vastly different, but with him on the roster, they should be the team to beat in the NFC.

Their ‘21 slate of games is going to be very tough, especially with the addition of the 17th game onto the schedule. If you are in Florida and wondering where you might be able to bet on these games, take a look here.

Below are three games that are likely circled heading into the year as games that can help show how this team is going to perform.

Week 1 – @ New Orleans Saints

While the New Orleans Saints have quarterback questions of their own heading into this season with the retirement of Drew Brees, this road opener will surely provide an accurate barometer of what the Packers will look like moving forward.

The Saints are going to either go with Jameis Winston or Taysom Hill as their starter, and each provides their own strengths/weaknesses leading the offense. However, as long as Alvin Kamara and Michael Thomas are on that offense, it will be one of the league’s best units that could give new DC Joe Barry fits.

For Green Bay, their ability to handle Kamara out of the gate will be tested, and Barry will need to utilize his safeties to help contain Kamara as best as they can. Forcing either QB to beat them is going to be their best bet, and it can help show if the secondary has improved and if rookie Eric Stokes is ready to shine out of the gate.

This game also will help show who is ready to step into the WR2 role alongside Davante Adams, as he will be matched up with Marshon Lattimore – between Allen Lazard, Marquez Valdes-Scantling and rookie Amari Rodgers, it will be interesting to see who’s role in the offense is established the soonest and in what capacity.

Week 9 – @ Kansas City Chiefs

This game certainly should come as no surprise – Week 9 on the road against the Kansas City Chiefs could very well be the game of the year between two powerhouses.

Injuries may be an issue for either team at this point, which could make this matchup hold less meaning, but if it means seeing Aaron Rodgers and Patrick Mahomes finally battle it out, then bring it on.

A potential shootout could make both defenses wish they had never gotten off of the buses, but Matt LaFleur could very easily open up the playbook for this game and go wild against Andy Reid – the excitement levels alone for this game certainly make this a game to watch.

Week 12 – vs. Los Angeles Rams

A rematch of two teams that faced off in the Divisional Round last season, hosting the Los Angeles Rams right before heading into their bye will help show the team what they need to work on before heading into the final five games of the year.

Another duel between Rodgers and Matthew Stafford at Lambeau Field will be a nice storyline to follow in Stafford’s first year with the Rams, and seeing if the Rams can extract some revenge after their postseason knock-out last year will be interesting to follow.

Barry was with the Rams prior to coming to Green Bay, so the familiarity between both sides may make for an intriguing chess match to keep an eye on – plus, likely starting center, rookie Josh Myers, will get a chance to tangle with All-Pro Aaron Donald, something that should show exactly what kind of prospect the former Buckeye is.

Outside of the typical six divisional matchups, the Packers likely have these three matchups circled on their calendars – which games are you looking forward to the most this season?

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Mike Johrendt has been an avid fan of the Packers ever since he can remember. He is now a writer at PackersTalk and you can follow him on Twitter at @MJohrendt23

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