Breaking Down the Green Bay Packers 2019 Schedule

Week 1: Green Bay Packers @ Chicago Bears

Last year in their Week One match up, Aaron Rodgers returned to the game after suffering a leg/knee injury to bring the Packers back from a 20-0 halftime deficit.  Unfortunately, the season’s for the two teams went in completely different directions. Chicago won the division for the first time since 2010. The Packers failed to make the playoffs for the second consecutive season. Both teams will want to get out to a hot start, but Rodgers will come in with a big chip on his shoulders. However, Chicago will squeak out a win. 

Loss – Packers 0-1

Week 2: Green Bay Packers vs Minnesota Vikings

The Pack open up at home against the Minnesota Vikings. The Vikings are coming into the season disappointed after hoping to repeat as division champs the year before. In their week two match up last season, both teams were in position to win multiple times, but due to missed kicks, a bogus roughing the passer penalty, and blown coverages, the game ended in a tie.  Both teams will want a different outcome this time and it will be the Pack who end up victorious. 

Win – Packers 1-1

Week 3: Green Bay Packers vs Denver Broncos

The Packers will be staying home this week to play the Denver Broncos.  Joe Flacco may be an upgrade over Case Keenum and the combo of Phillip Lindsay and Royce Freeman gives them a legit one-two punch. Their defense can always keep it close with Von Miller and Bradley Chubb, but I just don’t think it’ll be enough to get a win at Lambeau Field. 

Win – Packers 2-1

Week 4: Green Bay Packers vs Philadelphia Eagles

In their third straight home game, the Packers will be hosting the Philadelphia Eagles. The Eagles narrowly made the playoffs last season due to Nick Foles, but he’s gone and it’s up to Carson Wentz to stay healthy after season-ending injuries the previous two seasons.  Philly should have a stud defense after resigning Brandon Graham and signing Malik Jackson. It’ll be a tough game for the Packers and this could be the biggest test for their interior offensive line. I think Philly will come away with a close win.

Loss – Packers 2-2

Week 5: Green Bay Packers @ Dallas Cowboys

The Packers will be heading south to play the Dallas Cowboys in Week 5. Green Bay will be watching former Packer, Randall Cobb, catch passes from Dak Prescott. Depending on what happens with the Ezekiel Elliott deal, the Cowboys could be without their star running back. Although Dak Prescott has already shown good chemistry with Amari Cooper, Aaron Rodgers has had some great games at Jerry World (including a Superbowl victory) and I don’t see that changing now.

Win – Packers 3-2

Week 6: Green Bay Packers vs Detroit Lions

The Packers are back at home this week playing the Detroit Lions. Detroit did sweep the Packers last season, including a 31-0 shutout in Week 17 at Lambeau. The Lions have won the last four matchups vs the Pack, but with Aaron Rodgers missing most of three of those games, the Packers look to get back on track. Although I do love Kerryon Johnson and Kenny Golladay, I think the Packers improved defense will be able to contain them. 

Win – Packers 4-2

Week 7: Green Bay Packers vs Oakland Raiders

Antonio Brown and the Oakland Raiders will be traveling to Green Bay for a showdown with the Packers. The Raiders have undergone a big transformation of their club this offseason. The team was very active in free agency and had two first round picks. ONe drafted on each side of the ball. No one knows what this team will look like, but it wont be good enough to come to Lambeau Field and win.

Win – Packers 5-2

Week 8: Green Bay Packers @ Kansas City Chiefs

Aaron Rodgers and the Packers will be traveling to visit Pat Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs. Mahomes lit the NFL up last year, throwing for 50 touchdowns. With Tyreek Hill not suspended, the offense will be at full power. Kansas City’s defense is arguably worse than last year and this game can become a shoot out, but I think the Chiefs take it.

Loss – Packers 5-3

Week 9: Green Bay Packers @ Los Angeles Chargers

The Packers are heading to the west coast to take on the Los Angeles Chargers. If Melvin Gordon holds out into the season, this would be the week he would have to return, otherwise the season will not count and he will be playing on his fifth-year option next season as well. If he is back with the team, I think the game will be close, but either way the Packers will finish their two game road trip 0-2.

Loss – Packers 5-4

Week 10: Green Bay Packers vs Carolina Panthers

The Packers return home to play the Carolina Panthers. Cam Newton struggled for the Panthers last year, but with a healthy Cam they look to get back to contending for the division. Their offense has a lot of fire power, but their secondary still needs work even after signing Tre Boston. The Packers will need their defense to be on top of their game to slow down Christian McCaffrey, but I see them coming away with the win.

Win – Packers 6-4

Week 11: BYE

Week 12: Green Bay Packers @ San Francisco 49ers

The Pack are back on the road again, this time they’re out west to play the San Francisco 49ers. This 49ers team will be significantly different from last season after getting Jimmy Garoppolo and Jerick McKinnon back from ACL injuries. They also added Tevin Coleman and three rookie wide receivers. They added Nick Bosa to a defensive line that already had DeForest Buckner and Dee Ford. Like last years matchup, this could be a nail biter, but I have Green Bay taking it.

Win – Packers 7-4

Week 13: Green Bay Packers @ New York Giants

The Packers will be going to the other side of the country to play the New York Giants. There’s a good chance that Daniel Jones could be starting for the Giants. And the Packers should be able to take advantage of the rookie quarterback. Saquon Barkley is a always a threat to score, but with him being the only decent weapon, the Packers will win.

Win – Packers 8-4

Week 14: Green Bay Packers vs Washington Redskins

The Washington Redskins will be traveling to Green Bay for a Week 14 showdown. Washington is not expected to be a very good team this year and although their defense is solid, they could be starting rookie quarterback Dwayne Haskins. I don’t see Green Bay struggling much and should win pretty convincingly.

Win – Packers 9-4

Week 15: Green Bay Packers vs Chicago Bears

Green Bay plays their last home game of the regular season against the Chicago Bears. Both teams may be playing for not only the division, but a top seed in the playoffs. I think that with the pressure of returning to the playoffs, Aaron Rodgers plays one of his best games and the Packers will take care of business at home

Win – Packers 10-4

Week 16: Green Bay Packers @ Minnesota Vikings

The Packers will be traveling north to play the Minnesota Vikings. Green Bay has yet to win in the Vikings new stadium, and with playoff positioning potentially on the line for both teams, I don’t see the Packers coming in and winning. In a close game, home field will be the difference.

Loss – Packers 10-5

Week 17: Green Bay Packers @ Detroit Lions

For the third straight year, the matchups between the two teams will end in a sweep. This time though, I have Green Bay doing the sweeping. Motivation to finish strong and potentially getting a first round bye should push the Packers over the Lions.

Win – Packers 11-5

11-5 should be good enough for not only the division, but the first or second seed as well. Let’s keep in mind that the rosters are not set yet and injuries can always derail a season. Green Bay has a lot to be optimistic about but they need to stay focused and keep the injuries to a minimum. They have potential to be a top team but as we saw last year, it can be ugly too. Either way I’m excited for what this season will bring.

On twitter @Jcsirianni