First reactions:
- Opening on the road against the reigning World Champions is a tough start to the season.
- The Packers' bye week comes right smack dab in the middle of the season.
- Five national games: Thursday, September 4th (in Seattle), Thursday, October 2nd (Vikings), Sunday October 26th (in New Orleans), Sunday November 9th (Bears) and Monday, December 8th (Falcons). The last three of those fall within the NFL's "flex scheduling" period, so they may not end up on national television.
- In December, the Packers will face teams that finished last season with records of 4-12, 6-10, 4-12 and 7-9. While 2013's records don't guarantee anything for 2014, three of those are traditionally bad teams and the Packers should have the opportunity for a strong finish.
- What I don't see in December is much divisional play. In recent years, the NFL has deliberately scheduled divisional match-ups in the last month to provide maximum drama. This year, we have the Lions in the final game and that's it. The Packers' divisional games are front-loaded; weeks 3, 4, 5, 10, 11 and 17.
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