The Packers have a weak schedule
One positive of the Packers disappointing 2017 season is their 2018 schedule is weaker. Meanwhile, the Vikings and Lions will be facing a more difficult schedule. Placing third in the NFC North means the Packers will be facing third-place teams from each of the other NFC divisions. This means no Saints or Eagles in the regular season for Green Bay.
Additionally, Lambeau Field is a historically difficult venue for opposing teams to play in giving Green Bay a significantly helpful home field advantage. It’s truly not out of the question to see Green Bay win 12-13 games. Winning 12 games secures the North for the 19th time overall and the fifth time in the last eight seasons.
The three biggest hurdles on their schedule are facing the young and revamped Rams in Los Angeles. Then they head to Foxborough to take on Tom Brady and the Patriots. The last of their three toughest games will be heading across the state border to face Minnesota Vikings.
Although if you look purely at strength of schedule, Green Bay has it the most difficult. According to CBS Sports, Green Bay faces opponents with a winning percentage of .539 last season. Fortunately, last year’s wins do not dictate the success of a team this year.
That strength of schedule can be attributed to playing in a division with two 2017 playoff teams. Furthermore, the Bills, Cardinals, Redskins, Seahawks, and Jets were all in playoff contention late into the 2017 season or did make the playoffs. Each of these teams is taking a significant step back this year. The lone exception is the Redskins, who are arguably still weaker than last year.
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