5 games the Packers must win to make the playoffs in 2019

4. at Minnesota Vikings (Week 16)

Division games are the most important for every team. That’s especially true when the opponent is also in playoff contention, which the Minnesota Vikings absolutely could be this year. And in a tough division like the NFC North, the timing also comes into play. This game takes place in Week 16, and unless one of these two teams has either secured a playoff berth or already been eliminated, it could be an all-important game for both.

U.S. Bank Stadium hasn’t been home to particularly good memories for the Packers despite the stadium only being a few years old. The Packers are yet to win there in three attempts, and it’s also at this stadium that their 2017 season effectively ended when Aaron Rodgers broke his collarbone.

Green Bay will face yet another tough challenge when they return to U.S. Bank Stadium just before Christmas, and this game could potentially have huge playoff implications. Perhaps the winner will secure a wild-card berth, or even the division title. Maybe it’ll be a must-win game for one team with the other already guaranteed to reach the postseason.

Even if the Packers have a great season, it’s hard to imagine they’ll have the division title secured before Week 16. That means they’ll need a win against the Vikings.