Packers begin NFL season against the Saints, with or without Aaron Rodgers

The Green Bay Packers will play the New Orleans Saints, with or without Aaron Rodgers.

There are no guarantees that Aaron Rodgers will still be the team’s franchise quarterback when the Green Bay Packers begin the 2021 NFL season on the road vs. the New Orleans Saints.

With the 2021 NFL regular-season schedule being officially released on Wednesday night, a handful of marquee games will leak out in the lead-up to it, including the first FOX’s America’s Game of the Week between the Packers and Saints as reported by Aaron Nagler.

This one may feature two 2020 NFC division winners, will feature at least one new starting quarterback with Drew Brees retired and potentially two if Rodgers is traded, retires or holds out in an attempt to force a trade.

Green Bay Packers vs. New Orleans Saints: Will Aaron Rodgers play in Week 1?

Rodger’s trade rumors have been ever-present since the 2021 NFL Draft. He has spent his entire professional career with Green Bay, but he could potentially force a trade out of town to teams like the Denver Broncos or even the Las Vegas Raiders. Should Rodgers be dealt to either AFC West team, FOX’s signature game on the NFC side of things offers absolutely no luster whatsoever.

With Drew Brees officially retiring this offseason, the Saints are expected to regress with either Winston or Hill under center. While the Saints may be good enough to make the NFC Playoffs, they are not winning the division for the fifth year in a row, as Tom Brady and the defending Super Bowl champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers are the overwhelming favorites to win the NFC South crown.

FOX usually gets great late-afternoon window games, but this one hinges on Rodgers playing.