On paper at least, the Green Bay Packers will play a slightly less challenging schedule in 2011 than they just got through playing in 2010.
The Packers' opponents for next season, which were determined by formula, had a composite record of 130-126, or a winning percentage of .508.
This season, their opponents were 133-123, for a winning percentage of .520.
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).
In 2010, the NFC North teams were matched against the NFC East and the AFC East. The AFC East tied for first in best-overall record (36-28) of any division, and the NFC East was fifth at 32-32.
Next season, the NFC North clubs will be matched against the NFC South and the AFC West. The NFC South tied for the best record (36-28), whereas the AFC West finished sixth at 31-33.
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.
JSOnline wrote: