These five NFL playoff contenders face brutal paths after 2026 schedule release
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- Green Bay Packers open the 2026 season against the Minnesota Vikings, New York Jets, Atlanta Falcons, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers in their first four games.
- Sharp Football Analysis notes the Packers have five games with less rest than opponents, including a Friday night game at the Chicago Bears in Week 16.
- Chicago Bears will play a Saturday game in Week 15 while the Packers play Sunday, giving the Bears a rest advantage before their Week 16 clash.
- Detroit Lions and Minnesota Vikings could both be much improved this season, adding to the Packers' challenging midseason stretch in weeks 5‑7.
- Micah Parsons is expected to miss the season’s start after a torn ACL, a development that could affect the Packers’ upcoming matchup against the Dallas Cowboys.
Why it matters: The Packers’ compressed rest and early‑season defensive loss could shrink their win total, jeopardizing a playoff berth and giving rival NFC North teams a decisive edge.
