Packers schedule: Predicting every 2021 game with and without Aaron Rodgers

Week 16: Cleveland Browns at Green Bay Packers

Show me the weakness on the Browns roster at this point? They aren’t a perfect team, to be sure, as they still need some of their talented pieces — especially on defense — to live up to their potential or stay healthy. That being said, Cleveland is primed to do big things in the 2021 season. And in doing so, they’ll go to Lambeau Field for this matchup and make a big late-season statement, whether that means topping Rodgers or not.

Prediction with Rodgers: Loss | Prediction without Rodgers: Loss

Week 17: Minnesota Vikings at Green Bay Packers

With Rodgers at the helm, as was the case in the first meeting between these divisional rivals, I just don’t have faith in the Vikings to be able to keep the pace, especially with how bullish I am about the Green Bay defense. That said, Minnesota will put up a fight regardless. And the results are pretty predictable at this point, taking a win with A-Rod and a loss if he’s either on another team or hosting Jeopardy! or whatever else he could be doing.

Prediction with Rodgers: Win | Prediction without Rodgers: Loss

Week 18: Green Bay Packers at Detroit Lions

Even in the 17th game of the season, I don’t expect the Lions to be able to show me that much. There is just too substantial of a talent gap between Detroit and Green Bay, even if Rodgers isn’t on the field. That probably speaks to a severe lack of faith in Goff but, at this point in his career, it’s hard to say he’s done much to earn trust from anyone.

Prediction with Rodgers: Win | Prediction without Rodgers: Win

Green Bay Packers 2021 final records with and without Aaron Rodgers

At the end of the day, the Packers don’t have a chance at making the playoffs or really making much of a whimper if Aaron Rodgers doesn’t play.

While I understand that Green Bay has a strong defense, the drop-off in quarterback play is substantial from Rodgers to either Love or Bortles. When you then factor in a first-place schedule that has one test after another, things can go downhill pretty quickly if the three-time MVP isn’t taking snaps.

Final Record with Rodgers: 12-5  | Final Record without Rodgers: 5-12