Packers: Five things they need to reach the Super Bowl

3. Build on strong defensive performances in December

Since the start of December, the Packers defense has been on a roll. The unit has allowed 14.2 points per game over the past five weeks. Only the Lions have reached 20 points against the Packers in that time.

Against the pass? The Packers have been excellent, allowing just 200 yards per game, and they’ve also allowed only five touchdowns with eight interceptions.

Stopping the run? This is an area the Packers have struggled in 2019 but were much improved in the final five games. Despite a disappointing performance in the season finale in which the Lions rushed for 171 yards and a touchdown, the run defense as a whole has improved late in the year.

In the final five weeks, the Packers allowed 108 rushing yards per game. They’ve held their opponents to less than 100 yards rushing on three occasions since Week 13, and they’ve given up a total of just two rushing touchdowns, which is 0.4 per game.

The best performance was saved for the Vikings in Week 16. Minnesota only scored 10 points in the entire game, both of which came from turnovers and great starting field position. The Packers allowed just 122 passing yards and 57 rushing yards, and one passing touchdown with an interception.

Defense wins championships. If the Packers can keep this up on defense, they’ll have a great chance of going far in January.