Following the Seattle Seahawks’ Week 13 loss, the Green Bay Packers now have complete control of their playoff destiny.
Many Green Bay Packers players told the media prior to the 2023 NFL season that they expected to win the NFC North and return to the playoffs. Last year, the Packers finished 8-9 and missed out on the seventh and last position in the NFC playoffs in Aaron Rodgers’ final season as the starting quarterback. While Jordan Love’s 2023 season was projected to be one of learning and progress, the team was still predicted to return to the postseason.
For a while, it did not appear to be the case. The Packers were 2-5 and rapidly fading after losing four straight games. They have won three of their last four games, thanks to Love and his rookie pass catchers demonstrating the growth and chemistry that everyone expected.
The Packers are fortunate in that the rest of the NFC is unimpressive this season. With 5-6 records, the Atlanta Falcons and New Orleans Saints are tied for the NFC South lead (with Atlanta holding the tie-breaker).
Following the Seattle Seahawks’ loss to the Dallas Cowboys, the Green Bay Packers may be able to enter the NFL Playoffs.
The Dallas Cowboys defeated the Seattle Seahawks in a thrilling game on Thursday night, headed by former Packers head coach Mike McCarthy. This outcome has a direct impact on Green Bay’s playoff chances.
On the one hand, the Cowboys improved to 8-3, extending their lead over the NFC’s first Wild Card slot. With a 10-1 record, the Philadelphia Eagles lead the NFC East.
The result, on the other hand, lowered the Seahawks to 6-6 and into the seventh and final slot in the NFC Playoff picture. The Minnesota Vikings are in sixth place with a 6-6 record. They have the tiebreaker against Seattle because they have a better record against NFC opponents.
If the Packers defeat the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday night, they will improve to 6-6 and jump the Seahawks in the postseason standings. This is because Green Bay would have a higher conference winning percentage than Seattle.
Because the Vikings are on bye this week, the Packers’ best chance this week is to secure the final playoff place.
Other Teams to Keep an Eye on in the Standings for the Green Bay Packers
The New Orleans Saints and the Los Angeles Rams are both 5-6. However, the Packers defeated both teams this season, giving them the tie-breaker advantage. Given their identical records, Green Bay will be watching how they play for the rest of the season.
The Packers host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Lambeau Field on December 17, and they are one game behind them with a 4-7 record.
If the Saints seize the lead in the NFC South and the Falcons finish with the same record as the Packers, Atlanta will have the tiebreaker because they won their Week Two encounter.
The Packers, on the other hand, have an easy path to the playoffs: win and they’re in. That will be a difficult assignment with the defending Super Bowl champions Kansas City visiting, but the rest of their schedule after this week is favorable, with games against the New York Giants, Tampa Bay, Carolina Panthers, Vikings, and Bears.
