Packers: Top five players from NFC North-clinching win vs. Vikings

5. Allen Lazard

The Packers are desperate for another playmaker to step up on offense. Adams and Jones are doing all they can and could use some help. Aaron Rodgers has had a deep stable of receivers during his career. With as many as four deep worthy of being a number one or two receiver in some years. This is not that year. There are only two Packer draft choices on the roster and the rest are made up of undrafted free agents or waiver claims. Allen Lazard falls into both of those categories. Still, it seems he has become the number two receiver in this offense.

His numbers weren’t great in this game. Lazard had five catches for 45 yards with the longest gain being only 15 yards. But Lazard made those catches count with four of those five being for first downs.

Lazard wasn’t just a weapon in the passing game. He is a good blocker and was a key player sealing the edge for more than a few of Jones’ big runs.

Prior to the season, starting the checklist for a successful season probably went something like, finish with a winning record, earn a playoff berth, fight for a division crown. Well after 16 weeks, the Packers have checked off all three and are still chasing more.

Matt LaFleur has already done what no other Packers coach has done: 10-plus wins, division title and playoffs in his first year. Now he has a chance to do even more. One more win and he earns nothing less than a two seed. One more win and a Seattle victory, and all roads lead through Green Bay and Lambeau Field.

When the season started, I felt 10 wins would have been more than successful, now the Packers are staring at a 12-win season with a chance for 13 and an all-important bye. The key will be to not lose focus and keep finding ways to win.

If there’s one thing for the team to hang their hat on, it’s this: they keep finding ways to win.