Green Bay Packers schedule 2015: Diagnosing the vital games

Thomas Emerick (Contributor)

Green Bay Packers schedule 2015: Diagnosing the vital games image

The NFC North doesn't shape up any easier for the Green Bay Packers this year and their non-division schedule doles out a couple really interesting challenges in enemy territory, while Brett Favre's jersey will be retired at Lambeau on Thanksgiving.

It's a bit far out to deem Green Bay's 2015 regular season schedule as easy or brutal. However, there are a few data points in the future that will probably shed more light than others.

MORE: Who has easiest and toughest schedule? | Best NFL games each week | NFL TV info

The biggest test will be ... Week 2 vs. Seattle Seahawks, Sept. 20, 8:30 p.m. ET

The Packers are 0-3 against the Seahawks with Russell Wilson at the helm — how that record isn't 2-1 must keep Cheeseheads up at night. Beating Seattle in a regular season game won't erase the memories, but it would be like a warm glass of milk before bed.

A playoff team must win ... Week 15 at Oakland Raiders, Dec. 20, 4:05 p.m. ET

One would imagine the Raiders will improve in year two under Derek Carr and a coach with franchise reboot experience in Jack Del Rio. However, Oakland's a long way from beating a perennial contender in December.

Make-or-break time in ... Week 17 vs. Minnesota Vikings, Jan. 3, 1 p.m. ET

It's not crazy to think Teddy Bridgewater and Co. could enter Lambeau for a winner-takes-division battle. Minnesota has matched Green Bay's draft prowess in recent years and now finally appears to have their franchise quarterback.

2015-16 GREEN BAY PACKERS SCHEDULE

(All times pm ET)

Sept. 13 at Chicago Bears, 1 - FOX

Sept. 20 Seattle Seahawks, 8:30 - NBC

Sept. 28 Kansas City Chiefs (Monday), 8:30 - ESPN

Oct. 4 at San Francisco 49ers, 4:25 - FOX

Oct. 11 St. Louis Rams, 1 - CBS

Oct. 18 San Diego Chargers, 4:25 - CBS

Oct. 25 BYE

Nov. 1 at Denver Broncos, 8:30 - NBC

Nov. 8 at Carolina Panthers, 1 - FOX

Nov. 15 Detroit Lions, 1 - FOX

Nov. 22 at Minnesota Vikings, 1 - FOX

Nov. 26 Chicago Bears (Thursday), 8:30 - NBC

Dec. 3 at Detroit Lions (Thursday), 8:25 - CBS/NFLN

Dec. 13 Dallas Cowboys, 4:25 - FOX

Dec. 20 at Oakland Raiders, 4:05 - FOX

Dec. 27 at Arizona Cardinals, 4:25 - FOX

Jan. 3 Minnesota Vikings, 1 - FOX

Thomas Emerick (Contributor)