Breaking Down the Packer's 2011 Schedule

With the Lombardi Trophy now resting comfortably in Green Bay, it isn't too early to take a look at the Green Bay Packer's 2011 schedule. We can also try to decypher who they will open up the season with on Thursday Night, who they will play on Monday Night games and will they play the Lions on Thanksgiving.

Based on the rotating cycle and second-place finish, The Packers will face the NFC South and AFC West, the New York Giants (second in the NFC East), and the St. Louis Rams (second in the NFC West), along with their NFC North opponents.

Home Games:

Chicago Bears, Detroit Lions, Minnesota Vikings, New Orleans Saints, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, St. Louis Rams, Denver Broncos, Oakland Raiders

Away Games:

Chicago Bears, Detroit Lions, Minnesota Vikings, Atlanta Falcons, Carolina Panthers, New York Giants, Kansas City Chiefs, San Diego Chargers

Since the Super Bowl champs now open up the NFL season with that Thursday Night game at home, it looks to me like it will either be the Saints, Bears or Buccaneers who will make the trek to Lambeau to open the season, I give the edge to the Saints and Drew Brees coming to Green Bay, as they are the last two Super Bowl champs.

Monday Night games (3) Monday Night games at Atlanta, at home with the Bears and at San Diego appear to be the logical choices.

Sunday Night game (1) - How about a home game against the Rams matching up Aaron Rodgers and another good young quarterback, Sam Bradford.

Thanksgiving - I don't think they will be on Thanksgiving against the Lions this year.

Another tough schedule.

Packers Find Out 2011 Opponents, Still Tough

While all focus should be on the wildcard game Sunday in Philadelphia, for those wanting to look ahead to 2011, the Green Bay Packers opponents have been announced.

The Packers' opponents for next season, which were determined by formula, had a composite record of 130-126, or a winning percentage of .508.

In 2011, Green Bay will play five games against opponents that made the playoffs. This season, the Packers wound up playing six games against playoff teams.

Next year at home, the Packers will play New Orleans (11-5), Tampa Bay (10-6), Denver (4-12), Oakland (8-8) and St. Louis (7-9).

On the road, the Packers will play Atlanta (13-3), Carolina (2-14), Kansas City (10-6), San Diego (9-7) and the New York Giants (10-6).

In addition, the Packers will play home-and-away series against NFC North foes Chicago (11-5), Detroit (6-10) and Minnesota (6-10).

Denver will be making its first appearance at Lambeau Field since 2003. Conversely, the Packers will be making their first trip to San Diego since 2003.  If it's late in the year, that San Diego trip might be a nice on to make.