With the NFL Schedule Release being this Wednesday, May 15th, it got me thinking. What are the games that I’m most excited about heading into this next season? What are the Packers best, most exciting games? Which games will be the ones to look for when Green Bay’s schedule drops on Wednesday?
So, these are my top five most anticipated games for the 2024 NFL season for the Green Bay Packers.
Schedule Release – Number 5
Green Bay Packers vs. Philadelphia Eagles in Brazil
This game is on the list for multiple reasons. The Eagles aren’t that far removed from having played in the Super Bowl and last year they had a record of 11-6. That record doesn’t tell the whole story though. The Eagles started the season 10-1 before losing five of the next six games. They had gone cold.
Meanwhile, the Packers were the complete opposite, being one of the hottest teams in football. Now, after a long offseason, these two teams will meet – not in Philadelphia, but in São Paulo, Brazil. This game has lot going for it for a season opener: Jalen Hurts versus Jordan Love in a somewhat rematch of their game played in 2022, the game that made the Packers feel comfortable with shipping off Rodgers.
This game also showcases a lot of former Georgia players as the Packers and Eagles are both well known for drafting former Bulldogs. It oughta be a doozy for sure.
Schedule Release – Number 4
Green Bay Packers vs. Chicago Bears (twice).
The Chicago Bears always have the best offseason (tongue in cheek). They seem to always win it. This year, they were able to win the offseason by drafting presumably the best quarterback coming out of this year’s draft in Caleb Williams. They then followed that up by drafting one the top receivers in Rome Odunze. They then only drafted three other players throughout the rest of the draft.
The Bears last season had a late season resurgence thanks to the play of their defense and the addition of Montez Sweat. They still weren’t able to beat the Packers, but I digress. These games will answer a lot of questions. Will the Bears reclaim ownership of their team from Jordan Love? Does Chicago finally have their franchise quarterback? Will they be able to protect Caleb Williams? Will this rivalry finally be just that, a rivalry? Because for the longest time, it’s been one sided.
Schedule Release – Number 3
Green Bay Packers vs. Detroit Lions (twice)
This one had to be on the list for me. The Lions are the reigning NFC North champions. For the Packers to get where they want to go, they will have to go through the Lions. Ya know, I hate the Minnesota Vikings. Tom Grossi calls them, “the purple incarnate of Satan himself” and I have to agree. The Chicago Bears have bad little brother syndrome and haven’t been a true rival in a while, but they’re the Bears so I dislike them very much. The Lions have always been that team in the North that I could almost feel happy for when they would win a tough game.
They’ve just had it bad for a very long time, but no longer. Between all of the collusion with other North teams, jumping in front of the Packers in the draft, finally being good and, other than that Thanksgiving game, having the Packers number, I’d say they are the Packers biggest rival in the North. Green Bay has to win against the Lions if they want to accomplish their goals.
Number 2
Green Bay Packers vs. Houston Texans
The Houston Texans and the Green Bay Packers seasons were somewhat similar last season. They both have a young-talented roster with a young-talented quarterback. Both teams had rough stretches last season but ended being two of the hottest teams in football. And finally, both teams destroyed their opponent in the wildcard round. These teams parallel each other very well.
Which is why this game is so intriguing. These two teams are the future of the NFL with how young and talented they are. This game could be a preview of two future powerhouses in the NFL in both conferences.
Finally, there is just something appealing about CJ Stroud versus Jordan Love in Lambeau Field.
Schedule Release – Just Missing the Cut
Here are the games that just missed the cut:
- 1. Green Bay Packers vs. Miami Dolphins – The Dolphins are still one of the most explosive teams in football and will be a great measuring stick for the Packers.
- 2. Green Bay Packers vs. Los Angeles Rams – The Rams may have lost Aaron Donald but last I checked they still have Matthew Stafford at quarterback with one of the most dynamic receiving rooms in football.
- 3. Green Bay Packers vs. Indianapolis Colts – This team was a surprisingly good team last year, and that was after losing their dynamic quarterback Anthony Richardson.
The Number 1 Most Anticipated Game of 2024.
Green Bay Packers vs. San Francisco 49ers
Could it have been any other? The 49ers have been the Packers nemesis for the longest time. And it just so happens to be that they were the representative for the NFC in last year’s Super Bowl. They have play makers all over the field and the 9ers also have one of the best play callers in all of football. Their defense is full of stars and is absolutely elite.
All of that being said, the Packers still were within striking distance of beating them in the NFC Divisional round last season until self-inflicted wounds became too much. The Packers aren’t that far off from the 49ers and this game will show us a lot about each of these teams.
My stomach is knotting up just thinking about it.
The schedule release will happen on Wednesday, May 15th at 8PM eastern, 7PM central. I’m looking forward to all of the quirky ways that the NFL will announce the schedule.
And as always,
Go Pack Go!
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Damon is a diehard, fully-immersed cheesehead who currently lives in southern Missouri. He teaches at a local high school and has a family YouTube channel about all things Packers. You can follow him on twitter at @packersfamily and on YouTube at The Packers Family.
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