Packers: Three teams to root for in key Week 16 matchups

2. Arizona Cardinals (at Seahawks)

If it seems unlikely the Arizona Cardinals will pull off the upset against the Seattle Seahawks, that’s because it is. Prior to last week’s win against the Cleveland Browns, the Cardinals had lost six straight, and their only two road wins this season have come against the Cincinnati Bengals and New York Giants.

But any given Sunday. And this is a divisional rivalry, so who knows?

Let’s look at what a Cardinals win would do for the Packers.

Immediately, not a whole lot. But it would be one step towards Green Bay getting the number one seed. If the Seahawks lose to the Cardinals but then defeat the San Francisco 49ers at home next week, the Packers would take the top seed by winning their remaining two games.

It’s a lot of ifs, buts and maybes. This is one of two ways the Packers can get the top seed, although the other option is the most likely. We’ll come onto that in a moment.

Green Bay has some margin for error when it comes to winning the NFC North. A loss this week won’t matter if it responds with a victory at Ford Field next week. But when it comes to the top two seeds, one loss could end the Packers’ chances.