Packers: Three teams to root for in Week 13 as playoff race continues
Which teams should Packers fans root for in Week 13?
The Green Bay Packers took a giant step towards the playoffs and retaining their NFC North title with an impressive victory over the Chicago Bears last Sunday night.
Now with a three-game cushion atop the NFC North with just five games to go, the division title is close to being the Packers’. Win on Sunday afternoon against the Philadelphia Eagles and they’ll inch even closer.
But not only is winning the division important, also earning the highest seed possible. If the season ended today, the Packers would hold the No. 2 seed behind the New Orleans Saints.
As well as beating the Eagles in Week 13, the Packers can get some help from these three teams:
Atlanta Falcons (vs. Saints)
Since losing to the Packers, the NFC-leading Saints have eight wins in a row. They sit one game ahead of Green Bay but remember it’s the Packers that hold the head-to-head tiebreaker after beating them.
For that to come into play, the Packers would need to match the Saints’ record, who are currently one game ahead with a 9-2 record. Outside of a game with the Kansas City Chiefs to come, New Orleans’ schedule isn’t all that daunting.
However, this is one we could see an upset in. Winners of three in their past four, the Atlanta Falcons have turned the corner and improved their performances, including a surprise 43-6 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders a week ago.
This is a division rivalry and anything can happen.
New York Giants (at Seahawks)
Just like last week when the Seattle Seahawks visited the Eagles, I don’t feel too confident about this. However, any given Sunday, right? The Packers are tied with the Seahawks at 8-3 although Green Bay is currently ahead in the NFC standings.
The NFC West race is wide open although Seattle has pulled ahead. No matter who wins that division, Green Bay will want to finish with a higher seeding. A Giants win would help that this week.
Jacksonville Jaguars (at Vikings)
While the Minnesota Vikings are unlikely to catch Green Bay in the NFC North with only five weeks to go, they are only a game out of the playoffs right now.
We’ve seen Green Bay defeat Minnesota already this season but we’ve also seen Dalvin Cook score four touchdowns in a Vikings win at Lambeau Field. The idea of the Packers’ run defense having to stop Cook in the playoffs doesn’t sound all that fun.
Also, it’s always nice to see the Vikings lose.