2011 Football Schedule Game-By-Game for the Green Bay Packers: Do They Repeat?

The 2010 season was one to remember for Green Bay Packer fans. They entered the season as most experts' hot pick to hoist the Lombardi trophy when it was all said and done, and I can't say I disagreed. Well, a little bit-yeah, I picked the Chicago Bears, but understand I had to; it's an illness, an addiction.

The Packers seemed to have everything: Aaron Rodgers, a good defense and a good offense as well as a good coach in Mike McCarthy. Unfortunately for the Pack, everything went "south" when they had so many injuries.

As everyone knows, the Packers rebounded and despite roughly 15 injuries won the Super Bowl. Will they retain their title in 2011?

The Green Bay Packers against the NFC North:

The NFC North is the most storied division in pro football. You have the NFL's two signature teams locked continuously in the NFL's oldest and most bitter rivalry, the Packers and the Bears. Considering both teams were serious forces in the NFC last season, I'm predicting a 1-1 split between the two. I believe Green Bay will face similar results with the upstart Lions, as well as face an upset to the under-manned Minnesota Vikings, ending their fight with the NFC North holding a disappointing 3-3 record.

The Green Bay Packers against non-divisional opponents on the road:

Green Bay travels to New Orleans, Tampa Bay, the New York Giants, Denver, and Oakland in 2011. I believe they will be victorious at New Orleans, Tampa Bay, New York, and Denver, with their sole non-divisional road loss coming in Oakland. That puts Green Bay at a 4-1 record for this section. No one can argue after 2010 that Green Bay cannot win on the road.

The Green Bay Packers against non-divisional opponents at home:

Green Bay hosts the Atlanta Falcons, Carolina Panthers, St. Louis Rams, Kansas City Chiefs and San Diego Chargers for the 2011 season. I predict victories against all teams listed, save the Chargers, who I believe will take away a win in an extremely close shave. Once again, for this section, Green Bay finds itself at 4-1.

In the end, I've got Green Bay finishing 11-5: good enough for second place in the NFC North (the Lions also go 11-5 here, but Green Bay takes second place due to a better conference record) and a wildcard berth. I certainly believe they could repeat, considering the talent they have and the players they're getting back, but I can't predict that quite yet. Only time will tell.

Certainly I could be accused of favoring the NFC North because my Bears are there. I did, but I felt I had good reason. I guarantee the Bears will be tough. The Packers will still be tough. Detroit is going to have a breakout year.

References:

FB Schedules Website, "2011 Green Bay Packers Opponents"