5 reasons why Packers are serious Super Bowl contenders

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GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN – NOVEMBER 10: Tramon Williams #38 of the Green Bay Packers celebrates with his teammates after an interception against Kyle Allen #7 of the Carolina Panthers during the third quarter in the game at Lambeau Field on November 10, 2019 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) /

2. Defense continues to make game-changing plays

The defense is far from perfect and they have a lot to improve as the season goes on, but they continue to make game-changing plays. LaFleur’s focus is always on the football. Rodgers protects the ball like few other quarterbacks can, and the defense is opportunistic and ready to force a turnover at any moment.

Green Bay’s plus-nine turnover differential is the third-best in the NFL. The defense has forced 16 turnovers, good for fourth-best in the league, while the offense has only given it up seven times, which is the third-fewest. That’s the recipe for success and it could make the difference in the playoffs.

All it takes is one interception or a forced fumble to change a game. In a close playoff game, one game-changing play by the defense could be the difference between the Packers winning and losing.

What’s even better is that multiple players are making those plays. Seven different players have an interception this season. Kevin King leads the way with three. Nine different players have forced a fumble.

But it’s not just the takeaways. Jaire Alexander is second in the NFL with 12 passes defended. King is tied for fifth with 10. Blake Martinez might not be having his best season, but he still leads the league in tackles.

The Packers give up a lot of yards but they rank 12th in scoring defense. This defense makes big plays, and that could help them make a run in the playoffs.

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