Aaron Rodgers will be put under the national microscope against the rival Vikings in the first Packers game that Brett Favre isn’t starting since Sept. 13, 1992.

Last week, the 2008 National Football League schedule was released on what is the busiest day of the year for the Fox Valley hotel industry. There’s a lot going on in these parts between now and week one, including a season known as “summer.” Nonetheless, here’s an early quick-peak at the 2008 season. Sunday and Monday Night games are in bold.

Sept. 8, Minnesota: Aaron Rodgers will be put under the national microscope against the rival Vikings in the first Packers game that Brett Favre isn’t starting since Sept. 13, 1992.

Sept. 14, at Detroit: Coach Mike McCarthy is 4-0 in his two years against the Lions, who haven’t had a winning season since 2000.

Sept. 21, Dallas: Last year’s duel in Dallas featured two 10-1 teams. Rodgers filled in admirably for Favre, nearly leading the Packers to a comeback win by directing the offense to 17 points. Dallas is 0-5 all-time at Lambeau Field.

Sept. 28, at Tampa Bay: Tampa is the defending NFC South champion, but they lost in the first round to the world champion Giants. The two teams have not met since 2005.

Oct. 5, Atlanta: The Falcons went 4-12 in 2007 and won’t be much better in ‘08.

Oct. 12, at Seattle: This is the final season in a 17-year career for Seahawks and former Packers Super Bowl champion coach Mike Holmgren. Seattle is tough at home, going 8-1 there a year ago. Of course, the teams met in a blizzard at Lambeau a year ago in the divisional round, as the Packers rebounded from an early 14-0 deficit to a resounding 42-20 win behind 201 yards and three touchdowns from Ryan Grant.

Oct. 19, Indianapolis: The Packers will play their fourth 2007 division champion in five games as the Colts and Peyton Manning come to town for the first time since 2000.

Oct. 26: Bye Week

Nov. 2, at Tennessee: Green Bay will meet inconsistent Titans quarterback Vince Young for the first time in the regular season. Tennessee went 10-6 a year ago.

Nov. 9, at Minnesota: McCarthy is 4-0 against the Vikings and the Packers have won four of their past five overall at the Metrodome.

Nov. 16, Chicago: Chicago has won four straight at Lambeau Field.

Nov. 24, at New Orleans: The Packers in 2008 will look to avoid the same fate that the Saints had in 2007- going from NFC runner-up to 7-9 the next year.

Nov. 30, Carolina: The Panthers fell 31-17 at Lambeau a year ago en route to a 7-9 record.

Dec. 7, Houston: The Texans had their first non-losing season in franchise history in 2007, going 8-8. It is Houston’s first-ever trip to Green Bay.

Dec. 14, at Jacksonville: The Jaguars look to make a Super Bowl run after an 11-5 season in 2007. Green Bay is 2-0 all-time in Jacksonville.

Dec. 21, at Chicago: The Bears finished the sweep of the Pack last season on an icy December day at Soldier Field.

Dec. 28, Detroit: Green Bay has won 17 straight against Detroit at home.

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