Packers’ Strength of Schedule Eases After Bye

After facing one of the most challenging schedules in the NFL through the first nine weeks, the Green Bay Packers can exhale – just a little – during the second half of the season.

Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love will face the Chicago Bears twice during the second half of the season. / Wm. Glasheen / USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin / USA TODAY NETWORK

GREEN BAY, Wis. – The Green Bay Packers are 6-3 at the bye despite facing one of the toughest schedules in the NFL.

The second-half schedule isn’t quite as challenging.

Green Bay’s final eight opponents have a combined record of 33-33. As you’d expect, that .500 winning percentage is right in the middle of the pack.

Green Bay’s first nine games came against opponents with a .553 winning percentage. Only the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (.684), Arizona Cardinals (.613), New York Giants (.577) and Los Angeles Rams (.559) faced a more difficult schedule, according to the NFL. All those teams reside in the NFC; the Raiders (.544) have faced the hardest schedule among AFC teams.

On paper, anyway, the schedule eases a bit once the Packers return from their bye. Only the NFC North-rival Detroit Lions (7-1) and Minnesota Vikings (6-2) have winning records. Both teams won at Lambeau Field earlier in the season.

The Chicago Bears (twice) are 4-4, as are the San Francisco 49ers. The Seattle Seahawks (4-5), Miami Dolphins (2-6) and New Orleans Saints (2-7) have losing records.

NFC Strength of Schedule

Here is a look at the NFC playoff standings with their remaining strength of schedules via Tankathon:

1. Detroit Lions: 7-1 (first place, NFC North). Remaining strength of schedule: .558.

2. Washington Commanders: 7-2 (first place, NFC East). Remaining strength of schedule: .515

3. Atlanta Falcons: 6-3 (first place, NFC South). Remaining strength of schedule: .443.

4. Arizona Cardinals: 5-4 (first place, NFC West). Remaining strength of schedule: .420.

5. Minnesota Vikings: 6-2 (second place, NFC North). Remaining strength of schedule: .519.

6. Philadelphia Eagles: 6-2 (second place, NFC East). Remaining strength of schedule: .526.

7. Green Bay Packers: 6-3 (third place, NFC North). Remaining strength of schedule: .500.

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8. Chicago Bears: 4-4 (last place, NFC North). Remaining strength of schedule: .632.

9. Los Angeles Rams: 4-4 (second place, NFC West). Remaining strength of schedule: .449.

10. San Francisco 49ers: 4-4 (third place, NFC West). Remaining strength of schedule: .558.

11. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 4-5 (second place, NFC South). Remaining strength of schedule: .319.

12. Seattle Seahawks: 4-5 (last place, NFC West). Remaining strength of schedule: .544.

13. Dallas Cowboys: 3-5 (third place, NFC East). Remaining strength of schedule: .550.

14. Carolina Panthers: 2-7 (third place, NFC South). Remaining strength of schedule: .551.

15. New Orleans Saints: 2-7 (last place, NFC South). Remaining strength of schedule: .465.

16. New York Giants: 2-7 (last place, NFC East). Remaining strength of schedule: .479.

Packers’ Remaining Schedule

Here is a look at what’s ahead for the Packers:

Week 11: at Chicago Bears (4-4)

The Bears are 4-0 at home. At Soldier Field, they are second in opponent passer rating and third in interception percentage.

Week 12: San Francisco 49ers (4-4)

The Packers have won the last two games … the last two regular-season games, anyway. The Niners are fourth in the NFL with 10 interceptions.

Week 13: Miami Dolphins (2-6)

This is the first of four consecutive primetime games for the Packers. Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa has lost five in a row under the lights.

Week 14: at Detroit Lions (7-1)

The last five games, the Lions have 11 takeaways and one giveaway. The Lions are tied for second in the NFL with 11 interceptions.

Week 15: at Seattle Seahawks (4-5)

Seattle’s renowned homefield advantage hasn’t been much of an advantage at all. Plus, the Seahawks are minus-6 in turnovers.

Week 16: New Orleans Saints (2-7)

The Saints have lost seven consecutive games. Oddly, though, they rank second in the league in interceptions.

Week 17: at Minnesota Vikings (6-2)

LaFleur’s teams are 3-2 in Minneapolis, including a 33-10 rout last year. The Vikings are No. 1 with 13 interceptions.

Week 18: Chicago Bears (4-4)

The Bears are 0-4 on the road. They failed to reach 17 points in any of those games. Caleb Williams’ passer rating is 105.1 at home and 67.2 on the road.

More Green Bay Packers News 

I've got the #Packers finishing 12-5 (and here's how I got there). What's your prediction? https://t.co/hZZd2e5r1W

— Bill Huber (@BillHuberNFL) November 8, 2024

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