Three Biggest Games: Green Bay Packers

A dominant 2014 for the Packers will be remembered for a tumultuous pair of playoff games, in which adulation turned to despair in the span of one cruel week. With a gruelling 2015 schedule packed with playoff contenders flanked by an ever-improving NFC North, it’s no surprise that the Packers take on both the Seahawks and Cowboys in a pair of encounters that will heavily dictate playoff placement for all concerned.

Week 2 vs. Seattle Seahawks

Let’s settle this for the final time: the Seahawks didn’t win last season’s NFC Championship Game nearly as much as the Packers lost it. A Green Bay choke of monumental proportions saw Seattle rally to score two late touchdowns and straight-up steal a second Super Bowl berth from Aaron Rodgers. Now, the two teams will square off on Sunday Night Football from Lambeau Field, with the wounds still very fresh in the minds of all cheese heads watching. The Packers don’t lose at home, so expect Rodgers – in quarterback-friendly conditions – to outgun Wilson and bring at least a little solace to a heartbroken fanbase.

Week 8 at Denver Broncos

The league’s reigning MVP faces off against the league’s most frequent MVP in this titanic primetime affair. While the Packers look every bit as dangerous this season as last year, the Broncos have, at least on paper, taken some steps back. Gary Kubiak has replaced John Fox as head coach, Peyton Manning is still swarmed by questions over the impact his injuries are having on his ageing frame, and excellent left tackle Ryan Clady has just been lost for the season. Denver’s championship window is certainly closing, but incredible things have been born out of desperation.

Week 14 vs. Dallas Cowboys

The Cowboys are the last true test on the Packers’ schedule. With following matches against the Raiders, Cardinals and Vikings, Green Bay and Dallas may well find this week 14 clash to be the ultimate determinant in settling home-field advantage throughout the NFC playoffs. A bitterly cold evening in Wisconsin will call for a heavy dose of power running, which both teams are only too happy to accommodate. Human boulder Eddie Lacy will see plenty of carries, while Darren McFadden and Joseph Randle will lean on the versatile Great Wall of Dallas in an attempt to keep Green Bay’s vaunted offense surrounded by heaters and sleeveless jackets.