Having already taken a look at how the Green Bay Packers stack up against their 2023-24 opponents from the AFC West, NFC North, and NFC South, we now look at the three remaining games not covered by those divisions.
The Los Angeles Rams (Week 9), Pittsburgh Steelers (Week 10), and the New York Giants (Week 14) are the three ‘odd-ball’ opponents for Green Bay this season, based on the current rotation of which divisions play which. The Giants, Packers, Rams, and Steelers all finished third in their respective divisions, which is why they all face each other this year.
Los Angeles Rams
Having undergone a rough 5-12 season last year that saw Baker Mayfield earn meaningful starts, the Los Angeles Rams are hoping for a much better 2023 season. With injuries suffered by Aaron Donald, Cooper Kupp, Matthew Stafford, and other key contributors, last year was a very trying year.
But with all three players back in the fold and hopefully healthy, the Rams have a shot at competing for the NFC West title once again. Having added 14 players to their roster via the NFL Draft, the Rams are trying to keep their competitive window open.
Green Bay has seemingly had the Rams’ number over their past few matchups, but this defense will give Jordan Love a challenge, something that should hopefully make him a better QB.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Kenny Pickett is looking to build upon the strong finish to his rookie season last year for the Pittsburgh Steelers, a team that may surprise some in fighting for a Wild Card spot. This team is still far behind the Cincinnati Bengals and Baltimore Ravens for winning the AFC North, but they have plenty of talent to somewhat bridge that gap.
Outside of Pickett, the offense is built around Diontae Johnson, George Pickett, Pat Freiermuth, Najee Harris, and rookie Darnell Washington. But any team that is led by Mike Tomlin is going to be known for their defense, and that still stands.
Having drafted Joey Porter Jr. to compete for a starting cornerback role, this unit will be integral to just how good of a season they have. In their Week 10 matchup with Green Bay, their tough pass rush will absolutely challenge Love, and this could be a game that sees a heavier quick-passing approach implemented.
New York Giants
Last year’s London debacle is hopefully in the rear view mirror for the Packers, as they fumbled away an important win over the New York Giants. But with the Giants looking like an even better team than their postseason-bound squad from last season, this will be an even tougher game for Green Bay.
Daniel Jones is locked in as the long-term starter for the Giants, and even with Saquon Barkley not yet having signed his franchise tag, this offense still has a ton of firepower. Rookie wideout Jalin Hyatt is Jones’ future WR1 and Darren Waller was traded for this off-season, and with plenty of secondary options (Darius Slayton Isaiah Hodgins, Sterling Shepard, etc.) available too, this is a dangerous team.
In past years, the Giants were never really seen as a threat – but that seems to have changed, and likely will remain a threat in the NFC for many years to come.
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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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