Green Bay Packers: 5 Most Important Games in 2015

Nov 9, 2014; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) throws a 40-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Jordy Nelson (not pictured) in the second quarter against the Chicago Bears at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

Week 1
Date: Sunday, Sept. 13
Opponent: at Chicago Bears
Time: 1 p.m. ET

This will be the first of two meetings for the legendary franchises, though the Packers have had the number of the Bears as of late, winning their game at the home of the Bears four consecutive seasons:

2011: Packers 27, Bears 17
2012: Packers 21, Bears 13
2013: Packers 33, Bears 28
2014: Packers 38, Bears 17

Green Bay has also defeated the Bears in the 2010 NFC Championship Game by a 21-14 score at Soldier Field. The last time the Bears defeated the Packers at Soldier Field was on Sept. 27, 2010 by a 20-17 score.

In their last 10 meetings, the Packers are 9-1 against Chicago, with the lone loss against the Bears coming on Nov. 4 at Lambeau Field by a 27-20 score.

This game is more important than their Thanksgiving meeting with the Bears because by the time these two teams meet in late November, the Packers will be in “mid-season form,” possibly playing their best football of the season by that point. When it comes to the first game of the season, who knows what we’ll see when the gate opens, so it will be very important for the Packers to get an early-season division win against the Bears.

For the Packers, it isn’t necessarily Aaron Rodgers who needs the quick start, but rather Eddie Lacy and the Packers’ offensive line. I believe for them to go even further than they did a year ago in the NFC, they will have to establish their running game early, keep the defense off the field a little more and keep the clock moving before they air the ball out to Cobb, Jordy Nelson and Co.

Next: NFC Championship rematch