The Green Bay Packers picked a bad time to go on a two-game losing streak. After winning three straight games and four out of five to climb back to the .500 mark, Green Bay gave two back heading into Week 16.
The Packers lost to the New York Giants in Week 14 on Monday Night Football before losing to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 15 at Lambeau Field. Those losses put a real damper on the team’s chances of making the postseason, but they got things back on track defeating the Carolina Panthers in Week 16.
Despite being 10th in the NFC, that victory in Carolina has kept Green Bay alive for a Wild Card spot. What are their chances of making a run to the postseason? According to Matt Schneidman of The Athletic, they’re very strong if the Packers can win their final two games of the season against the Minnesota Vikings and Chicago Bears.
With victories in those two games, the Packers’ odds of making the postseason are 95 percent. Green Bay does need some help, as the Seattle Seahawks losing to the Pittsburgh Steelers would benefit them greatly. Chicago defeating the Atlanta Falcons would also help immensely.
NFL News & Rumors: Minnesota Vikings, NFL Playoffs, Green Bay Packers Updates
That would set up another Week 18 win-and-you’re-in scenario for the Packers, similar to last year against the Detroit Lions. Other scenarios would result in the Packers advancing, but the most important task is handling business against the Vikings on Sunday Night Football.
The Vikings, like the Packers, are 7-8 heading into their Week 17 matchup. That is essentially an elimination game, as the losing team will have their postseason hopes dashed. Handling business there is the first step in Green Bay making it back to the playoffs.
Advancing will seemingly come down to how well the defense can play. The Green Bay offense has proven that they can get the job done, but when push comes to shove, the defense has fallen short time and time again. There would be no better time than now for that unit to turn things around, as two strong defensive performances should send the Packers to the playoffs.
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