Indirect Effects: Green Bay Packers Playoff Positioning

Nov 16, 2014; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers wide receiver Kelvin Benjamin (13) is tackled by Atlanta Falcons outside linebacker Jonathan Massaquoi (94) during the fourth quarter at Bank of America Stadium. The Falcons defeated the Panthers 19-17. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports

Carolina @ Atlanta

What A Carolina Win Means:

A win locks the Panthers into the #4 seed of the playoffs, giving them a home game during wild-card weekend.

Green Bay would not face them unless both make it to the NFC Championship (fat chance!), where the Panthers would get to face the Packers in the comforts of Carolina.

What An Atlanta Win Means:

A win locks the Falcons into the #4 seed of the playoffs, giving them a home game during wild-card weekend.

Green Bay would not face them unless both make it to the NFC Championship (fat chance again!), where the Falcons would get to face the Packers in the comforts of Atlanta.

Who To Root For:

Despite the supposed road woes of Green Bay this season (4-4 on the year), I like Green Bay in either matchup. Three of those four road losses were against dominating defense, something neither of these squads possesses. Green Bay has also already collected wins against both on the year.

If I have to pick, I’d prefer that Green Bay take on Carolina again. Even though they have a surprisingly much better defense than Atlanta (#14 in Defensive DVOA compared to #29), the Falcons are led by a much more potent offensive attack (#8 in Offensive DVOA compared to #23).