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Five reasons why Green Bay Packers will still make the playoffs

By Freddie Boston

Oct 30, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) celebrates after a touchdown pass against the Atlanta Falcons in the first quarter at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 30, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) celebrates after a touchdown pass against the Atlanta Falcons in the first quarter at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 4, 2016; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers wide receiver Jordy Nelson (87) celebrates after making a catch during the fourth quarter against the Houston Texans at Lambeau Field. Green Bay won 21-13. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 4, 2016; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers wide receiver Jordy Nelson (87) celebrates after making a catch during the fourth quarter against the Houston Texans at Lambeau Field. Green Bay won 21-13. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports /

Wild-card race is wide open

Winning the division remains the simplest route to the playoffs for Green Bay, but let’s assume for a moment Detroit doesn’t lose a game before Week 17. The Packers would remain in the wild-card race.

The New York Giants (8-4) currently own the NFC’s fifth seed, two games ahead of the Packers. Tampa Bay (7-5) is a game ahead in the sixth seed. Green Bay holds the tiebreaker over New York after beating them in Week 5.

Assuming the Lions beat the Giants, the Packers would need them to lose just one more to have the opportunity to overtake them in the playoff race.

Washington (6-5-1) could be a problem as they own the tiebreaker over the Packers, but Minnesota (6-6) appears to be in free fall. The Packers meet the Vikings at Lambeau in Week 16.

Directly below Green Bay is Arizona (5-6-1), New Orleans (5-7) and Philadelphia (5-7). Not one of these three teams has looked a legitimate playoff contender in recent weeks. The Packers hold the tiebreaker over the Eagles.

Next: Packers stock up, stock down report entering Week 14

Earning a wild-card berth would require near perfection from the Packers, but last week’s results puts them firmly in the race.

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