The NFL season has four weeks remaining and the Packers have an outside shot at the postseason. At this time there is no reason to think about what happens if they get there, but rather how they can get there. Unfortunately for the Packers, they do not control their own destiny. However, to say they are out of the race might be foolish. Here’s what needs to happen if the Green Bay Packers want to make the big dance.
Step 1: Packers Win Out
This is the only thing the Packers can control, and it is by far the most important. The Packers are currently the number ten seed in the NFC. They need to be at least number seven when the final clock hits zeros in week 18. The teams ahead of them that they could realistically jump are the Lions, Seahawks, Commanders and Giants. Currently, the Commanders, Giants and Lions all hold the tiebreakers against the Packers. The Packers’ remaining schedule is as follows.
- Week 15 vs. the Rams (MNF)
- Week 16 @ the Dolphins (Christmas Day)
- Week 17 vs. the Vikings (Sunday @ 3:25)
- Week 18 vs. the Lions (TBD
The Packers have one road game remaining which means they will have the weather to their advantage for the majority of the stretch.
Step 2: Giants OR Commanders Lose 3/4
Both teams hold the head-to-head tiebreaker over the Packers. Luckily for the Packers, the teams tied in their first matchup, and at least one of them will lose when they play this week unless they tie again. Each of them has a fairly tough schedule ahead.
Giants
- Week 15 @ the Commanders (SNF)
- Week 16 @ the Vikings (Christmas Eve @ Noon)
- Week 17 vs. the Colts (Sunday @ Noon)
- Week 18 @ the Eagles (TBD)
Commanders
- Week 15 vs. the Giants (SNF)
- Week 16 @ the 49ers (Christmas Eve @ 3:25 p.m.)
- Week 17 vs. the Browns (Sunday @ Noon)
- Week 18 vs. the Cowboys (TBD)
Both teams on paper have tough schedules, but games are not played on paper. The outlook of these games could also significantly change in week 18 if the Eagles and Cowboys have nothing to play for.
Step 3: Seahawks Lose 2/4
The Seahawks losing two games seems like it would be the most likely of the events to happen. The Seahawks have cooled down since the start of the season and are coming off a tough loss to the Panther. The schedule is as follows.
- Week 15 vs. the 49ers (TNF)
- Week 16 @ the Chiefs (Christmas Eve @ Noon)
- Week 17 vs. the Jets (Sunday @ 3:05 p.m.)
- Week 18 vs. the Rams (TBD)
Overall
Are the Packers looking at an easy path to the playoffs? No. Are they out of the race completely? No. There was a point in 2016 when the team was in a similar situation, and they got there. All they can control is the outcomes of their games. If they win out, everything else might fall into place and they’ll be starting what could be a magical run.
As Always
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