How the Packers can still make the playoffs, explained
The Green Bay Packers may be 4-7 on the season, but they still have a chance to make the playoffs.
The Green Bay Packers were expected to have issues on the offensive side of the football, specifically at wide receiver. Yet, the expectation was that the Packers would still play their way to a winning record. That’s not the case.
After the team’s 27-17 loss to the Tennessee Titans in the Week 11 edition of Thursday Night Football, the Packers are now 4-7 on the season. While there’s a feeling of doom and gloom, especially with the Minnesota Vikings running away with the NFC North.
But do the Packers still stand a chance at making the playoffs?
Can the Packers still make the playoffs?
The answer to that is yes. Luckily for Green Bay, the NFC is completely wide open this year, and they still have a feasible shot at making the postseason.
How can they do that? Well, they have to try and win out the remainder of the season. They have some winnable games against the Chicago Bears, Detroit Lions, and Los Angeles Rams (yes, they’re a beatable team in 2022). But the Packers have three tough matchups against the Philadelphia Eagles, Miami Dolphins and the Minnesota Vikings.
The Eagles won their first eight games of the season before they losing this past week at the hands of the Washington Commanders. This is an Eagles team that stacked up on the defensive line, adding the likes of Robert Quinn, Linval Joseph, and Ndamukong Suh dating back to the Nov. 1 trade deadline.
When it comes to explosive offenses, look no further than the Dolphins. Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa has Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle to target in the passing game, and has Raheem Mostert and Jeff Wilson to rely upon in the run game. Add those talents to the play-calling of head coach Mike McDaniel, they’ll present themselves as a tough challenge for Green Bay.
Then there are the Vikings, who find ways to win games. They did, after all, come back to beat the Washington Commanders in Week 9 and beat the Buffalo Bills in an overtime thriller this past week. The Packers will need to give it their all, and then some, against the Vikings.
Here is the exact order of games remaining:
- Week 12: at Philadelphia Eagles
- Week 13: at Chicago Bears
- Week 14: Bye
- Week 15: vs. Los Angeles Rams
- Week 16: at Miami Dolphins
- Week 17: vs. Minnesota Vikings
- Week 18: vs. Detroit Lions
The Packers need the majority of their six remaining games, and get some help from other teams to possibly make the playoffs. As in, those who pick up wins against playoff contenders. The path, or lack thereof, will be a lot clearer once the season progresses.
