The Green Bay Packers are poised to be the second seed in the NFC. This is a welcome change for the Pack following the last few seasons of missing the playoffs. As starting quarterback, Aaron Rodgers, has mentioned a few times, no one expected this team to be 10-3. The Packers haven’t been winning in a dominant fashion lately. However, wins are wins, no matter how ugly. The good news is that the Packers control their fate, for the most part, this season. They could even claim a playoff berth this Sunday with a win over the Chicago Bears and a Los Angeles Rams loss. However, the Green Bay Packers have a few playoff scenarios that could unfold.
Possible Green Bay Packers Playoff Scenarios
#1 Seed in the NFC
For the Packers to become the number one seed, they would definitely need some help. First of all, they would have to win the remainder of their games. Also, they would need the San Francisco 49ers to lose two more games and the Seattle Seahawks to lose one more game. The 49ers’ remaining schedule is against the Atlanta Falcons, the Rams, and at the Seahawks. Obviously, somebody has to lose the Niners/Hawks game, but that is only one part of the puzzle. The likelihood of San Francisco losing two of these games is not high.
#2 Seed in the NFC
If the Packers win out, they will remain the second seed in the NFC. Currently, they have sole possession of the number two seed. Even though the New Orleans Saints have a 10-3 record, too, the Packers have a better record within their division.
NFC North Champs
To reclaim the NFC crown, the Packers must win at least two of their remaining games. They do not have to beat the Minnesota Vikings on December 23rd because they own the tiebreaker. If the Packers win the division it would be their first time to own the NFC North since 2016.
Winning Is the Only Thing That Matters
Following the Week 14 win over the Washington Redskins, Rodgers and head coach, Matt LaFleur, were all for the one-two punch run game plan. When asked why they aren’t giving Aaron Jones all of the touches, LaFleur explained that using both Jones and Jamaal Williams helps lessen the wear and tear that running backs tend to have, especially if one guy is carrying the load alone. LaFleur said that the season isn’t a sprint. It’s a marathon. So, he feels continuing forward with Jones and Williams is what keeps the Packers at their best.
Similarly, Rodgers agreed that utilizing both running backs is their best way forward. He added that he’s happy with LaFleur’s leadership and how everyone continues to work together to win. No matter how the win might look, QB 1 says, “Winning is the only thing that matters.”
In Wednesday’s locker room interview, Rodgers said that consistency is key to making a deep postseason run. The media asked if there was an obvious number two option in the passing game. Rodgers admitted there is not, but he stressed that what’s important is for someone to step up to that number two spot. It doesn’t matter who steps up; it could even be a combined team effort. The quarterback was also asked about how not having a clear number two option has contributed to scoring fewer points. Rodgers reminded the media that even in 30+ point games, there still wasn’t an obvious number two receiver.
Of the more-plausible outcomes, the Packers best case playoff scenario would be to maintain possession of the second seed in the NFC. Forcing opponents to play them at Lambeau Field in the winter could prove to be their 12th man.
Main Photo:
Embed from Getty Images
