Packers: Home-field advantage would be crucial in Super Bowl push

Earning the top seed would be huge in Packers’ Super Bowl push.

The Green Bay Packers are NFC North champions once again, defeating the Detroit Lions 31-24 at Ford Field on Sunday. The win improves their record to 10-3, making Green Bay the #1 seed in the NFC after the New Orleans Saints lost to the Philadelphia Eagles.

Aaron Rodgers continued his MVP-like campaign, tossing three touchdowns and running for one. His connection with starting receiver Davante Adams has never been hotter: Adams now has eight consecutive games with a receiving touchdown – a franchise record.

Now on a three-game winning streak, the Packers seem to have found their stride offensively and defensively. Sure, the Packer defense isn’t blowing any minds or racking up gaudy stats, but the offense is. Explosive offenses have been the name of Green Bay’s game for a long time.

According to ESPN, the Packers rank first in points, second in yards, first in turnovers, and second in sacks allowed.

If they can continue this for the remainder of the season, I think they’ll be a tough team to beat come playoff time – especially if Green Bay can hold on to the #1 seed.

Securing the #1 seed is vital because it’s the only seed with a first-round bye in the playoffs under the NFL’s new rules. The only way the Packers can guarantee themselves the top seed is by winning the remaining three games on the schedule: against the Panthers, the run-heavy Titans, and rival Bears.

The Week 3 win over the Saints earlier in the season gives Green Bay the tiebreaker in case both teams finish with identical records.

If Green Bay can secure the top seed they’ll have two distinct advantages: an additional week of rest, and the perks that come with playing at the frozen tundra of Lambeau Field in January. If it comes to that, then I think the Packers make a Super Bowl run.