If you are a Packer fan of a certain age, you may remember the days when an 8 and 8 season seemed like the promise of brighter days ahead.
Now I think many fans would think Lambeau Field splashed into the Great Lake if such a record were to occur.
Hopes are high as the Packers begin another year and national forecasters are placing them among the favorites to reach the Super Bowl.
Green Bay hasn't had two straight games to open the season since 1924, when those Packers lost to the Duluth Kelleys and Chicago Cardinals. The Kelleys aren't in the NFL anymore. The Cardinals flew off to Arizona after nesting in St. Louis for awhile.
Like last year, let's take a look at each quarter of the season:
Opening Quarter
Game 1 @ Jacksonville 9/11/2016 FOX
The Jaguars are on the hot list as a rising team with a young and potentially great quarterback and a revamped and energized defense ready to make a name for itself. It's also going to be plenty hot in Jacksonville for the Pack, so I hope they come in well-hydrated and ready to roll.
The best news for the Jaguars is this is their first sell-out in a very long time. Even better news is that a lot of the fans in attendance will be wearing Green and Gold.
This game will be close, but the Packers win it's first of four match-ups with the AFC South. 1 - 0
Game 2 @ Minnesota 9/18/2016 - SNF NBC
The Vikings return to an indoor field now that their new football palace is opening for business. The Packers are their first opponent and the Vikes had big things in mind as the rivalry is renewed. Unfortunately for Minnesota their starting QB, Teddy Bridgewater is out for the year after a serious knee injury.
Last year, the Packers lost at home to Minnesota and won there.
The crowd will be going nuts and that obnoxious Alpenhorn will be blasting away every time Minnesota gains a few yards, but at the end of the day it's cheers for the Pack as they win with a kick from Mason Crosby. 2 - 0
Game 3 v Lions 9/25/2016 - FOX
Another division rival comes to town, last year Detroit won in Lambeau for the first time since 1991. This team is getting its act together, but I don't see a repeat performance for this group out of Mo-town.
Green Bay wins going away. 3 - 0
Week 4 10/2/2016
You can't choose your bye week, and while I bet they'd like a break in a few weeks it arrives in early October so the players can enjoy the fall colors. No losses this week either, Packers stay undefeated.
Game 4 v Giants 10/9/2016 - SNF NBC
The last couple times the Giants visited Green Bay, they weren't very gracious guests, leaving town with the fine dishes and a couple of trophies and large W's. Coach McCarthy usually has the team ready to roll after a week off and he won't lose his touch this week. Former assistant to Coach Mac is leading the Giants, but he is still the student in this match-up.
Green Bay wins by at least a touchdown. 4 - 0
As I write this September 9th, I have a sneaky feeling the Pack could drop one of its four games and the game in Minneapolis is the trickiest step on the ladder. So, while it could be 3-1 out of the gate; I'll stand by a 4 and oh start.
Second Quarter
Game 5 v Cowboys 10/16/2016 FOX
There was a stretch during the 1990s when Green Bay traveled to Dallas every season and came home on the wrong side of the scoreboard. Lately, Dallas has traveled into Cheese Country and a different version of the Packers has sent them home without a horse to ride.
This edition of the Cowboys is unlikely to have a healthy Tony Romo under center, so unless their rookie Dak Prescott is their new hero, I like Green Bay at home. 5 - 0
Game 6 v Bears 10/20/2016 - Thursday Night NBC/NFLN
Hopefully some of the rest from the early bye is still in their system, because just four days after the Cowpokes giddy-up out of town, here come the big bad Bears from Chicago. The Bears are always a tough foe no matter their record, and they too beat the Pack in Green Bay last year.
Not this time. Home teams on short weeks have an advantage and Green Bay pulls away for a win. 6 - 0
Game 7 @ Atlanta 10/30/2016 FOX
If there is silver lining to a Thursday game after Sunday is the 10 day break before the next contest.
Aaron and the Pack head to Atlanta to tangle with the Falcons. Last year, Atlanta started with 6 straight wins then closed with two more wins and 8 losses for an even-Steven record. The Packers usually fare well in Atlanta and seem to thrive on the fast carpet there.
It's a close game all the way through, but the Falcons find a way to sneak past the Pack. 6 - 1
Game 8 v Colts 11/6/2016 CBS
Back in the 1960s, games between the Packers and the Colts frequently decided the NFL Champs as John Unitas and Bart Starr dueled up and down the gridiron. Indianapolis plays in the AFC now, so unless they meet in the Super Bowl or preseason - these teams only play every four years.
The Colts only get as far as Andrew Luck takes them, but it's not enough in Titletown. 7 - 1
Any team would love to have 7 wins and just 1 loss half-way through the year. The Packers like it, but realize there are a lot more goals on their check list.
Third Quarter
Game 9 @ Tennessee 10/13/2016 FOX
This feels a little like a trap game. Two road games after this visit to another AFC South foe just doesn't get the Packer's attention and the Titans stun Green Bay.
Much like this prognostication, the Packers just don't pack their 'atta boy' and fall in Nashville. 7 - 2
Game 10 @ Washington 10/20/2016 -SNF NBC
Coach McCarthy was unhappy. Aaron was unhappy. The defense went to work to pick up the pieces as the home stretch rises before them.
Green Bay won their Wildcard Playoff game in Washington back in January against a scrappy team. There's no sleep-walking in this national spotlight game and the Packers lead from start to finish.
8 - 2
Game 11 @ Philadelphia 10/28/2016 -MNF ESPN
The Eagles are under new management (former Packer backup to Brett Favre QB Doug Pederson is the coach) and a rookie quarterback. They put up a fight, but it's not enough as the Packers cruise.
9 - 2
Game 12 v Texans 12/4/2016 CBS
Coming into this season statistically Green Bay had the easiest schedule in the NFL with games against the four teams in the AFC. The Texans represent the best of that bunch and Wisconsin native J.J. Watt plays his first game since he was a Badger.
Watt leaves Rodgers with a couple bruises to remember him by, but Green Bay wins. 10 - 2
Another 3 - 1 quarter and Green Bay seems to be on a roll. However, in the NFL it's the way you go into the postseason that typically means the most to a team's trip to the title. Four games remain...
Fourth Quarter
Game 13 v Seattle 12/11/2016 FOX
Green Bay and Seattle are rivals now thanks to closely contested games over the past several years. The Fail Mary game was a crusher until the sports-tragic snatching defeat from the jaws of victory NFC Championship game after the 2014 season.
Green Bay needs to win to hold on to home field advantage for the play-offs. The Seahawks find a way to another heart-wrenching win. 10 - 3
Game 14 @ Chicago 12/28/2016 FOX
Three games and the play-offs to go. The Bears are in contention for a top 5 pick in the draft. Green Bay is ready for what Coach Lombardi used to say was the Big Push. Eddie Lacy carries the freight in a dominating victory. 11 - 3
Game 15 v. Vikings 12/24/2016 FOX
It doesn't happen very often, but the Packers are home on Christmas Eve.
Minnesota's trade before the season to bring in Sam Bradford from Philadelphia to replace Bridgewater didn't work out as they hoped, and the team is playing out the string. It'd make them feel good to knock the Pack down a notch.
Green Bay is on a roll heading to the post-season. 12 - 3
Game 16 @ Detroit 1/1/2016 FOX
Green Bay and Detroit have brought the curtain down on several seasons over the last few years. This time Ford Field awaits the division leading Packers and the still in playoff contention Lions.
The Packers need a win to lock down home-field.
The whole season is about redemption. For Rodgers after a poor year (for him) in 2015; Lacy is playing more like his first two years; and the defense is among the NFL leaders in scoring defense. Packers close it out. 13 - 3
To win the Super Bowl a team first needs to get to the tournament.
Green Bay will be there again for an 8th straight time. I expect them to have the first weekend to rest, win twice in Lambeau and head to Houston for Super Bowl LI. I don't know who they'll play, but when they get there, I believe they will bring back a 5th Lombardi trophy to Titletown.
Now I think many fans would think Lambeau Field splashed into the Great Lake if such a record were to occur.Hopes are high as the Packers begin another year and national forecasters are placing them among the favorites to reach the Super Bowl.
Green Bay hasn't had two straight games to open the season since 1924, when those Packers lost to the Duluth Kelleys and Chicago Cardinals. The Kelleys aren't in the NFL anymore. The Cardinals flew off to Arizona after nesting in St. Louis for awhile.
Like last year, let's take a look at each quarter of the season:
Opening Quarter
Game 1 @ Jacksonville 9/11/2016 FOX
The Jaguars are on the hot list as a rising team with a young and potentially great quarterback and a revamped and energized defense ready to make a name for itself. It's also going to be plenty hot in Jacksonville for the Pack, so I hope they come in well-hydrated and ready to roll.
The best news for the Jaguars is this is their first sell-out in a very long time. Even better news is that a lot of the fans in attendance will be wearing Green and Gold.
This game will be close, but the Packers win it's first of four match-ups with the AFC South. 1 - 0
Game 2 @ Minnesota 9/18/2016 - SNF NBC
The Vikings return to an indoor field now that their new football palace is opening for business. The Packers are their first opponent and the Vikes had big things in mind as the rivalry is renewed. Unfortunately for Minnesota their starting QB, Teddy Bridgewater is out for the year after a serious knee injury.
Last year, the Packers lost at home to Minnesota and won there.The crowd will be going nuts and that obnoxious Alpenhorn will be blasting away every time Minnesota gains a few yards, but at the end of the day it's cheers for the Pack as they win with a kick from Mason Crosby. 2 - 0
Game 3 v Lions 9/25/2016 - FOX
Another division rival comes to town, last year Detroit won in Lambeau for the first time since 1991. This team is getting its act together, but I don't see a repeat performance for this group out of Mo-town.
Green Bay wins going away. 3 - 0
Week 4 10/2/2016
You can't choose your bye week, and while I bet they'd like a break in a few weeks it arrives in early October so the players can enjoy the fall colors. No losses this week either, Packers stay undefeated.
Game 4 v Giants 10/9/2016 - SNF NBC
The last couple times the Giants visited Green Bay, they weren't very gracious guests, leaving town with the fine dishes and a couple of trophies and large W's. Coach McCarthy usually has the team ready to roll after a week off and he won't lose his touch this week. Former assistant to Coach Mac is leading the Giants, but he is still the student in this match-up.
Green Bay wins by at least a touchdown. 4 - 0
As I write this September 9th, I have a sneaky feeling the Pack could drop one of its four games and the game in Minneapolis is the trickiest step on the ladder. So, while it could be 3-1 out of the gate; I'll stand by a 4 and oh start.
Second Quarter
Game 5 v Cowboys 10/16/2016 FOX
There was a stretch during the 1990s when Green Bay traveled to Dallas every season and came home on the wrong side of the scoreboard. Lately, Dallas has traveled into Cheese Country and a different version of the Packers has sent them home without a horse to ride.
This edition of the Cowboys is unlikely to have a healthy Tony Romo under center, so unless their rookie Dak Prescott is their new hero, I like Green Bay at home. 5 - 0
Game 6 v Bears 10/20/2016 - Thursday Night NBC/NFLN
Hopefully some of the rest from the early bye is still in their system, because just four days after the Cowpokes giddy-up out of town, here come the big bad Bears from Chicago. The Bears are always a tough foe no matter their record, and they too beat the Pack in Green Bay last year.
Not this time. Home teams on short weeks have an advantage and Green Bay pulls away for a win. 6 - 0
Game 7 @ Atlanta 10/30/2016 FOX
If there is silver lining to a Thursday game after Sunday is the 10 day break before the next contest.
Aaron and the Pack head to Atlanta to tangle with the Falcons. Last year, Atlanta started with 6 straight wins then closed with two more wins and 8 losses for an even-Steven record. The Packers usually fare well in Atlanta and seem to thrive on the fast carpet there.
It's a close game all the way through, but the Falcons find a way to sneak past the Pack. 6 - 1
Game 8 v Colts 11/6/2016 CBS
Back in the 1960s, games between the Packers and the Colts frequently decided the NFL Champs as John Unitas and Bart Starr dueled up and down the gridiron. Indianapolis plays in the AFC now, so unless they meet in the Super Bowl or preseason - these teams only play every four years.
The Colts only get as far as Andrew Luck takes them, but it's not enough in Titletown. 7 - 1
Any team would love to have 7 wins and just 1 loss half-way through the year. The Packers like it, but realize there are a lot more goals on their check list.
Third QuarterGame 9 @ Tennessee 10/13/2016 FOX
This feels a little like a trap game. Two road games after this visit to another AFC South foe just doesn't get the Packer's attention and the Titans stun Green Bay.
Much like this prognostication, the Packers just don't pack their 'atta boy' and fall in Nashville. 7 - 2
Game 10 @ Washington 10/20/2016 -SNF NBC
Coach McCarthy was unhappy. Aaron was unhappy. The defense went to work to pick up the pieces as the home stretch rises before them.
Green Bay won their Wildcard Playoff game in Washington back in January against a scrappy team. There's no sleep-walking in this national spotlight game and the Packers lead from start to finish.
8 - 2
Game 11 @ Philadelphia 10/28/2016 -MNF ESPN
The Eagles are under new management (former Packer backup to Brett Favre QB Doug Pederson is the coach) and a rookie quarterback. They put up a fight, but it's not enough as the Packers cruise.
9 - 2
Game 12 v Texans 12/4/2016 CBS
Coming into this season statistically Green Bay had the easiest schedule in the NFL with games against the four teams in the AFC. The Texans represent the best of that bunch and Wisconsin native J.J. Watt plays his first game since he was a Badger.Watt leaves Rodgers with a couple bruises to remember him by, but Green Bay wins. 10 - 2
Another 3 - 1 quarter and Green Bay seems to be on a roll. However, in the NFL it's the way you go into the postseason that typically means the most to a team's trip to the title. Four games remain...
Fourth Quarter
Game 13 v Seattle 12/11/2016 FOX
Green Bay and Seattle are rivals now thanks to closely contested games over the past several years. The Fail Mary game was a crusher until the sports-tragic snatching defeat from the jaws of victory NFC Championship game after the 2014 season.
Green Bay needs to win to hold on to home field advantage for the play-offs. The Seahawks find a way to another heart-wrenching win. 10 - 3
Game 14 @ Chicago 12/28/2016 FOX
Three games and the play-offs to go. The Bears are in contention for a top 5 pick in the draft. Green Bay is ready for what Coach Lombardi used to say was the Big Push. Eddie Lacy carries the freight in a dominating victory. 11 - 3
Game 15 v. Vikings 12/24/2016 FOX
It doesn't happen very often, but the Packers are home on Christmas Eve.
Minnesota's trade before the season to bring in Sam Bradford from Philadelphia to replace Bridgewater didn't work out as they hoped, and the team is playing out the string. It'd make them feel good to knock the Pack down a notch.
Green Bay is on a roll heading to the post-season. 12 - 3
Green Bay and Detroit have brought the curtain down on several seasons over the last few years. This time Ford Field awaits the division leading Packers and the still in playoff contention Lions.
The Packers need a win to lock down home-field.
The whole season is about redemption. For Rodgers after a poor year (for him) in 2015; Lacy is playing more like his first two years; and the defense is among the NFL leaders in scoring defense. Packers close it out. 13 - 3
To win the Super Bowl a team first needs to get to the tournament.
Green Bay will be there again for an 8th straight time. I expect them to have the first weekend to rest, win twice in Lambeau and head to Houston for Super Bowl LI. I don't know who they'll play, but when they get there, I believe they will bring back a 5th Lombardi trophy to Titletown.
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