Packers GM Brian Gutekunst discusses challenges of 17-game NFL schedule

The NFL recently switched to 17-game regular season schedules, which has impacted the flow of the year. For the Green Bay Packers, general manager Brian Gutekunst is still focused on playing good football as a team, while also acknowledging that the timing of certain games can create interesting matchups.

“There’s a lot to that, and I think more importantly it’s just focusing on us and what we can control,” Gutekunst said. “We feel we got a good team, and if we’re able to play well, we’re gonna be a tough team to beat. The ebbs and flows of the season are interesting, when you do face opponents.”

With the 17-game schedule, teams are playing more games overseas. The Packers are one of them, and will be heading to London in Week 5 for a game against the New York Giants. Instead of a bye week after the London trip, the Packers’ overseas game will be sandwiched by two home matchups.

Last season, the Packers went 13-4, their third consecutive 13-win season. Green Bay then lost in the Divisional Round of the NFC playoffs, falling to the San Francisco 49ers.

Gutekunst on the toughest part of the Packers 2022 schedule

The Packers 2022 schedule includes a road-heavy stretch in the middle of the season. Green Bay will be on the road for three games beginning in Week 7, playing the Commanders, Bills, and Lions. They then return home to host the Cowboys and Titans, but then hit the road again for a two-game road trip to take on the Eagles and Bears.

That stretch for the Packers is the toughest part of the schedule, but Gutekunst hopes that it helps the team come together.

“I think there’s a stretch in there where we’re maybe away five out of seven games,” Gutekunst said. “That’s a tough stretch of away games, but at the same time, the season hopefully is going to be one of those seasons where our guys kind of bond together as we go through it. Because obviously the ultimate goal is getting to that kind of second season of the playoffs.”

Following that stretch, the Packers have a bye in Week 14 before playing three home games in the final four weeks of the regular season.