The Green Bay Packers went 10-1 against non-divisional opponents in their 2024 campaign. However, 7 out of the 11 non-divisional opponents finished with a record below .500. With a rather lackluster schedule last season that included the Packers going 4-0 against a putrid AFC South division, Green Bay was the definition of a team who won the games they should have won but failed to rise to the occasion in the games that mattered most.
The Packers are tied with the Cowboys for the 5th toughest strength of schedule in the upcoming 2025 season with their opponents having a combined winning percentage of .557. 6 out of the 11 non-divisional opponents the Packers will face in 2025 finished with a record above .500. Circle the calenders because here are the five most important non-divisional games for the Packers:
The last time these two teams played each other was week 7, 2022 in Washington as the Commanders won 23-21. Green Bay will be coming off a tough divisional matchup against Detroit which regardless of the result makes this game an important week 2 matchup. Either the Packers will be 1-0 looking to start undefeated on their home stand before a two game road trip or needing a bounce back victory to avoid starting 0-2 at home for the first time since 2003.
Washington will be coming off a home game against their own divisional opponent the New York Giants, so it is a safe bet they will be 1-0 heading to Lambeau. Also something to consider from the outcome of this Thursday night showdown is playoff seeding. Both teams finished as wild card teams in 2024, so although it will only be September the importance of this game can not be underestimated.
The last time these two teams played each other was week 5, 2021 in Cincinnati as the Packers won 25-22 in OT. Who remembers that anxiety inducing game where nobody wanted to win? Lots of missed field goals come to mind.
Fast forward four years later as the Packers look to defend their home returning from an early week 5 bye. Cincinnati is coming off an underwhelming 9-8 season, but with Joe Burrow primed for another MVP caliber year, Green Bay’s defense needs to be prepared in a tough early season test. This is the first time the Bengals come to Lambeau since 2017 and this will be the 15th time these two franchises play each other. Their all-time matchup record is 7-7.
The last time these two teams played each other was in last season's Wild Card Round as the Eagles won 22-10. Cheesehead nation is thankful that this game is not happening in Brazil or Philly as the Packers look to end their losing skid against the defending champs.
It is a pivotal primetime game that would be a huge win for Green Bay and a confidence booster. The Eagles are the favorites to win the NFC again as this has the making of strong importance when it comes to the playoff seeding outcome. If this Packers’ team has any chance of making some noise in the playoffs, then they better show up and show out against Saquon Barkley and company.
The last time these two teams played each other was week 7, 2023 in Denver as the Broncos won 19-17. The Packers will be coming off of three straight weeks of playing division opponents before their matinee meeting with the Broncos. In fact, Denver is the team that is in between the Chicago and Green Bay week 14 and 16 matchups.
Every game matters in December. It is expected that both of these teams will be making a playoff push in the final stretch of the season. Bo Nix is legit. Jordan Love and the Pack will be looking for a crucial road game victory against a worthy AFC West opponent.
Last time these two teams played each other was week 15, 2021 in Baltimore as the Packers won 31-30. This has being flexed to a primetime game written all over it. When first observing the schedule, a week 17 date with one of the AFC powerhouses in Baltimore stood out like a lightning bolt in the sky. Frozen tundra season will be in full effect as this is the last home game for the Packers until possibly the playoffs.
With how competitive both the AFC and NFC North will be, odds are good that the Ravens will not be sitting their starters and both teams will be in the midst of a tight playoff race. With these two juggernauts going at each other late in the season in cold weather, Green Bay winning would solidify this team is ready for the playoffs. Maybe a potential Super Bowl matchup?