Here we go. Green Bay Packers are going to be kicking off the NFL season with the Chicago Bears on Thursday, September 5th at Solider Field. For the second straight year, Packers-Bears are leading off the season. Last year saw Aaron Rodgers lead a memorable comeback, and one of the top moments of the Packers 100th season. National Football League liked that idea. Instead of going with the Patriots’ run of the mill game, they’re rolling with a rivalry game. Part of me smells a theme for the season. Some Packers fans might not like leading off the season like this and personally, I fucking love it.

Chicago is the big dogs now in the NFC North. What better way to take back the power than the first game of the season? Sure, the pressure on Matt LaFleur will be massive, but the game should be fun as hell. With insight from Adrian Amos plus the Ha Ha Clinton-Dix revenge game, this one will ooze with storylines. More than anything a Patriots game can bring to the table. I know Patriots fans want to kick off their season on a Thursday night, but the NFL knew they needed to pivot versus starting another year at Foxborogh. That isn’t a place to start the 100th year. It belongs with a real rivalry.

I have a feeling you’re going to see rivalry theme throughout the Thursday Night Football package. You will see matchups like Pittsburgh-Cleveland, New York-New England, Seattle-Los Angeles, Dallas-Washington, New York-Philadelphia and others. This feels like the reason for the NFL to begin their season with a rivalry. Throughout the years, the National Football League is built on rivalries. Patriots do not have a longtime rival that holds a candle to the Packers and Bears.

Go Pack Go and let’s get the season started.

Charlie.