3. Green Bay Packers
In an epic first Sunday Night Football game of the season, the Packers, led by Aaron Rodgers, completed an overwhelming comeback to defeat the Chicago Bears. In Week 2, the Packers face yet another divisional rival in the Minnesota Vikings. Both teams are fresh off the heels of a Week 1 victory, and both are vying for a NFC North title. Unfortunately, only one team will be able to start the season with an undefeated 2-0 record.
At first, I thought it was more important for the Vikings to win this match up. However, with the injury concerns to Aaron Rodgers and the suspension to talented running back Aaron Jones, I realized that this win would mean much more for the Packers.
Rodgers is dealing with a left knee injury that sidelined him for a while against the Bears. If the injury is serious and Rodgers misses time, the Packers season could immediately be in jeopardy. That adds importance to this game against the Vikings, who are the Packers biggest threat in the NFC North.
If the Packers emerge with a victory, they have to be considered as the favorite to win the division, having two divisional victories under their belt. If they lose, and potentially lose Rodgers for a significant stretch, the Packers season outlook begins to dramatically shift. Needless to say, a win in Week 2 would mean a lot for Rodgers and the pack.