NFL Makes 17-Game Schedule Official; Packers to Play Kansas City

By Adam Roberts – 3/30/2021

What we already knew was going to be official in a matter of time was officially confirmed by the NFL today: 17 games are coming for 2021.

The debate on the merit of a 17 game schedule will likely continue all offseason, but as for the details: an extra week has been added to the NFL regular season, with teams competing in the extra game against an opponent from the opposing conference that finished in the same place within their division the previous season, much like the two games a team already plays against in-conference opponents that aren’t in the division they’re slated to play entirely. For the Packers, this means the extra game will be against the defending AFC champions from Kansas City, adding on to an already tough schedule, while the Vikings will face the LA Chargers.

On top of the extra regular season game, the preseason will be reduced from four games to three.