It’s been a rollercoaster season for the Packers, who have been as streaky as any club in the league.
Jordan Love’s good start gave hope that the transition away from Aaron Rodgers would be smooth, but the fourth-year quarterback hit some big snags in October, burying Green Bay in the standings.
The Packers showed flashes of improvement as Love did. Green Bay momentarily leaped into a playoff berth, only for the defense to falter in key matches, leaving the Packers scrambling for survival.
A Week 16 victory over the Panthers, while much closer than expected, keeps the Packers’ chances alive heading into Week 17. However, a game against the Vikings in prime time will be crucial.
MORE: Week 17 of the NFL playoffs has underway.
Here’s what the Packers must do to make the playoffs, as well as a look at who teams Green Bay fans should root against in the final two weeks.
The playoff picture for the Green Bay Packers
The Packers are now ranked 10th in the NFC, but they are only one game shy of a wild-card place with two games remaining. Green Bay needs to win out and need some help in order to make the playoffs.
Team Record Placement
Eagles WC1 10-4
8-7 WC2 Rams
WC3 Seahawks (8-7) vs. Vikings (7-8) vs. Falcons7-8 – Packers7-8 – Saints 7-8
The Packers’ game against the Vikings on Sunday night isn’t officially a must-win for Green Bay, but it becomes one if the Rams or Seahawks win earlier in the day.
Green Bay has a tiebreaker advantage over the Rams and Saints, but not over the Falcons. The conference record of each club will determine the head-to-head tiebreaker against the Seahawks.
MORE: How the NFL playoff bracket for 2023 works
As of Week 17, NFL.com had the Packers’ playoff chances at 25%. However, if Minnesota wins, that percentage rises to 55%, subject to other results. With a loss, Green Bay’s odds drop to 1%.
The Packers’ aim is simple: beat the Vikings. If they don’t, their hopes may be over by Week 18.
Packers schedule until 2023
The Packers finish the season against two sub-.500 teams, albeit traveling on the road and winning in Minnesota will be difficult in Week 17 with CB Jaire Alexander suspended on an already ailing defense.
If Green Bay’s playoff dreams are still alive in Week 18, a home game against the rising Bears will be crucial.
Date and opponent record Dec. 31 at Vikings 7-8
6-9 vs. Bears on January 7
