Football is at its slowest time of the year and yet, just a few weeks from picking up with training camp. Being starved of football as we are means that even training camp and preseason are starting to sound as appetizing as a high stakes playoff game. But before we get to those playoff games, the Packers schedule is packed full of unmissable action.

Let’s rank the top 3 games Packer fans can’t miss this coming season.

#3 – Week 1: Packers @ Vikings

Many outside of the NFC North fanbases would argue for other games to make the list over this one. A wise man says the Vikings just don’t match up to the Packers, even with our lack of proven pass-catching options. But this game has every opportunity to set multiple tones for the season.

While I do believe the Detroit Lions will make a jump this, all signs point towards Minnesota being the only potential threat to Green Bay’s NFC North title. Many Vikings fans swear that this is in fact the year that they will takeover and possibly even make a playoff run. This would have to start Week 1 for them. It is at home, with many of the Packers receivers being inexperienced in games-peed action.

Green Bay can do exactly the opposite of what they did last year when they struck doubt into every fan as they lost 38-3 to the Saints. They can erase all doubt. The Packers can and should come in to Minnesota and remind everyone that this roster was more than Davante Adams. Rodgers can pick apart the weak secondary and the defense can stifle Kirk Cousins and team. If the Packers can pull this week 1 win off, the rest of the North is going to very quickly realize they once again have at best a long-shot to win the division.

#2 – Week 15: Rams @ Packers

Last year’s bout in Green Bay was as fun as a game gets. Both Green Bay and LA took shot after shot with Rasul Douglas delivering one of the final blows in the form of a pick-6. Many Packers fans had little doubt they would be able to do it again in the playoffs, especially if Jaire Alexander was back to provide some extra ariel support. But alas, the game never happened.

Almost certainly, both of these teams will by vying for the best playoff seed possible and potentially a shot at the #1 spot. This game could become an invaluable tiebreaker should their records end up in a tie.

It’ll be a cold and nasty fight. Both of these teams are sporting top-notch rosters with strong trench players. Aaron Donald and Kenny Clark are two of the best interior defensive lineman in the NFC and both offensive lines sport multiple all-stars. The Packers have possibly the best starting 3 corners in the NFL while the Rams have at least two proven WR1s in Cooper Kupp and Allen Robinson.

This game will come down to the wire and could very well provide us with a sneak peak at the NFC championship game that Packers fans were deprived of last year.

#1 – Week 8: Packers @ Bills

Man I wish this was a December game. It seems almost a crime the NFL didn’t give us the chance to see a snow game between two of the northern-most teams. Regardless, this is going to be a game no one will want to miss.

This is going to be a Super Bowl level game and could again be a preview to both fanbases. Many have the Bills as the best roster in the entire NFL with the Packers not much further behind them. The Bills boast stars across the board from Jordan Poyer and Tre’Davius White to Josh Allen and Stefon Diggs. For once the Packers may be outmatched on the offensive side of the ball, but with their investments in defense they should be able to keep this a close game.

This could be a game for the ages. Young stallion Josh Allen against silver-foxed, back-to-back MVP Aaron Rodgers. Former Minnesota Viking Stefon Diggs once again against Jaire Alexander. Cold-weather team against cold-weather team.

Block off your calendars, get the beer and wings ready, and sit back and enjoy this game of what football should look like.

PJ is an Ohio native who was fortunate enough to be born into the green and gold family through his father who grew up in Green Bay. He now resides in NYC where he is an avid fan and fantasy football player. You can follow him on twitter at @PJsPack_.

——————