The Green Bay Packers have received a delayed Christmas present! Against all odds (And not the Phil Collins song) The Green Bay Packers are in a potential coveted win and in scenario. But because of how the Steelers and Bears were able to close out their games with wins against contending NFC team, a late Christmas card may be in store from the Green Bay Packers organization.
Green Bay Packers Have Everything Lined Up
The Green Bay Packers need to take care of business tonight, but received some unexpected good news and help from around the league. For all of the concern of possibly winning out and still finding the unlikely scenario of missing the playoffs, those worries can be put to rest.
The win tonight is needed against the Vikings, and then next week at home when they face the Chicago Bears. While it has not always looked great, and the once relatively easy path become very bumpy and full of self-imposed obstacles, the football gods have lined everything up for the Packers to be able to make the playoffs now in the most straightforward manner.
Wm. Glasheen USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin
Green Bay Packers Inactives
The Green Bay Packers will have several impactful players missing for their game against the Vikings.
On offense, the Packers will be without Christian Watson and Dontayvion Wicks from the wide receivers. While this group has faced numerous injuries throughout the year it does not bode well for first-year starting quarterback Jordan Love who is trying to establish a rhythm and timing with his receivers.
Against a Brian Flores defense that is known for exotic blitzes, Love will need to likely utilize his hot route options often. It will be something to continue to monitor if tonight’s receiver corps will be on the same page as Love when these critical scenarios happen throughout the game, particularly on third down.
The other inactive player is lineman Caleb Jones, the second-year lineman has only seen the field once this year on a special teams play and will not be able to contribute any additional plays today.
Also, the Green Bay Packers will be missing De’Vondre Campbell and Brendon Cox Jr. on defense. The active players today will need to be on the lookout for the scrambling ability of Jaren Hall. Against a similar young quarterback and new starter Tommy DeVito we saw this Joe Barry-led defense get exposed from the running ability of a signal caller.
Green Bay Packers Bottom Line! Win!
Who knows how this team will perform in the playoffs? One thing is for sure. Making the playoffs and overcoming a sloppy end of the 2023 year will prove to be beneficial for this young group no matter how they get the win.
Especially with all of the internal turmoil that has been going on, this would be a positive stepping stone for this franchise.
Against what is a now depleted Vikings roster, and what is a very poor Bears organization, the Packers and this coaching staff need to show that they can prepare this team and put them in a position to win.
