Of course, the genuine Packers schedule release happens today. Throughout the day, matchups will be released piecemeal until by the time the official NFL schedule release show starts tonight, you'll know most of the schedule. Diverting from reality for a bit, I thought it would be a fun exercise to construct a Packers schedule the way I would like to see it play out. So here goes:

SEPTEMBER

Game 1 Packers vs. Eagles in Brazil - ok, that one was easy.

Game 2 Bears @ Packers - The home opener is traditionally Alumni weekend as well, and no Packers opponent brings out the Alumni like the rival Chicago Bears. I can say this with good authority, as my first ever Packers game at Lambeau Field was Mike McCarthy's first game as coach of the Packers on Alumni weekend versus the Bears. The number of Packers Alumni lined up on the field spanned close to half the field. It was so cool, although the game was lacking, as a newly cobbled together Packers defense made Rex Grossman look like Joe Montana and Brett Favre played like he wasn't all there that day. 26-0 Bears. One other big reason to bring the Bears in for the home opener: Might as well waste little time introducing Caleb WIlliams to his team's owners.

Game 3 Packers at Titans -  After two games with a lot of interest, it time to dial it back and get into the season's groove. It's an away game, but one the Packers should have little trouble winning. 

Game 4 Packers at Vikings. - Time to get the annual trip to the bird killer stadium ,where past Packers teams have struggled, overwith. But there are a lot of new faces in Minnesota, most notably, Kirk Cousins will not be behind center. Good to get them in their building while the season is still young and they're still likely figuring things out.

OCTOBER

Game 5 Texans at Packers - Two ascending teams with young ascending quarterbacks. A perfect Thursday Night showcase game. Book it.

Game 6 Saints at Packers. - Green Bay finally gets to stay at home for a second consecutive week as the cap-decimated New Orleans Saints come to town led by Raiders castoff (and Davante Adams best bud) Derek Carr. Good time for an easy game.

Game 7 Packers at Seahawks - For the first time in quite a bit, the ever annoying Pete Carroll will not be chewing gum furiously on the Seattle sideline.Their defense looks to be solid, but overall, expect this season to have them in "reset" mode. 

Game 8 Packers at Rams - Los Angeles should be delighted to have the Packers visiting them for a change after three straight season coming to Lambeau. Unfortunately for them, they can likely expect a very large contingent of Packers fans to take over their stadium.

NOVEMBER

Game 9 Packers at Bears - Two years ago the Packers had three straight road games and this season the punishment returns. If it has to happen, I won't mind it as much in the middle of the season, as it means I'll be saving some home games for warm weather teams in December in Green Bay. This feels like a Sunday Night rivalry game, assuming the Bears haven't completely stunk up the season.

Game 10 Colts at Packers - A meh game sandwiched between two rivalry games. Possible trap game.

Game 11 49ers at Packers - This will be a Monday Night showdown between the Packers and their main nemesis of the last decade. Many are predicting this to be a Christmas Day game, which would be exciting, but I'd rather just be chilling that day/night.

Game 12 Packers at Lions - Thanksgiving game. I have lots of Packers/Lions Thanksgiving memories and it's time to make a new one when both teams are good for a change.

BYE (Week 13) - Of course, this would never happen, a bye week after playing on a Thursday, but hey, this is my schedule and I can do what I want.

DECEMBER - 

Game 13 - Cardinals at Packers - Time to give the desert team a taste of chill in the air and a cold-hearted beatdown by the Packers coming off their bye week.

Game 14 - Vikings at Packers - This is a good time to pick up a division win before their showdown with the Lions.

Game 15 - Packers at Jaguars - For once, the Packers get a break and travel to Florida in December when the weather is not so oppressive and energy-sapping.

Game 16 - Dolphins at Packers - Ah yes, let's give those South Beachers a taste of Green Bay in late December. Do they have winter coats?

JANUARY

Game 17 - Lions at Packers. The NFC north title is on the line with both teams sporting identical 12-4 records, this is a "winner takes it" game. The drama. The excitement. The pressure. I can't think of a better way to end the regular season. 

On to the playoffs!

Go Pack Go!