5 games the Packers must win to make the playoffs in 2019
1. vs. Chicago Bears (Week 15)
The Chicago Bears entered Lambeau Field in the season opener last season as underdogs. A team looking to make a statement. And they did just that despite throwing the game away in the second half. Green Bay won that particular battle, just, but Chicago had the last laugh by winning the NFC North.
This game will be very different. For starters, it will take place 15 months after the Bears’ last trip to Lambeau Field. And both teams will know exactly what to expect. Last season, the Packers had to deal with an unfamiliar offense in Matt Nagy’s first game as head coach. That won’t be the case this time. And by Week 15, the Bears will have a good understanding of Matt LaFleur’s offense in Green Bay.
But so late in the season, this game could potentially be an NFC North decider. The losing team might have to settle for a wild-card berth or miss out on the playoffs completely.
The Packers haven’t won a division game since their thrilling comeback victory against the Bears at Lambeau Field last season. They will need to be much better against their rivals in 2019, especially at home. To make the playoffs in arguably the toughest division in the NFL, the Packers have to pick up a victory on a frozen Lambeau afternoon against the Bears.