Can the Packers still make playoffs after fifth straight loss?

Even after losing five in a row, can the Green Bay Packers still realistically make the playoffs?

Can the Green Bay Packers mathematically make the postseason? Yes. Realistically? It’s a huge ask.

Matt LaFleur’s team has dropped six of its opening nine games, including its past five.

Bouncing back from such a tough run of results is enough of a challenge. Green Bay’s upcoming schedule only adds to that.

Interestingly, the Packers are only one win behind the San Francisco 49ers, who currently hold the NFC’s seventh and final playoff spot.

Despite that, it’s going to take a special run from the Packers to reach the playoffs after their awful start. They currently sit 12th in the conference, so will need to jump ahead of multiple teams just to clinch the seventh spot.

What are Green Bay’s chances of making the postseason?

FiveThirtyEight’s projections give the Packers a five percent chance. That’s it. And it’s hard to disagree.

Green Bay’s next three games come against the Dallas Cowboys, Tennessee Titans, and Philadelphia Eagles. Lose just one, and LaFleur’s team will already have seven defeats on the year.

It’s going to take a near-perfect, run-the-table kind of finish to the regular season for Green Bay to have any shot.

Win the division? Forget about that. Barring a Minnesota Vikings meltdown for the ages, the NFC North will be theirs. FiveThirtyEight gives Minnesota a 98 percent chance of winning the division and Green Bay just 0.6 percent.

Again, how can we disagree?

The Packers couldn’t beat the Detroit Lions, no matter how many times Dan Campbell’s time tried to hand them the victory. How can Green Bay put together a run of wins against Dallas, Tennessee, and Philadelphia?

Green Bay also meets the Miami Dolphins on Christmas Day, then the Vikings at Lambeau.

Is it still possible? Yes, and Green Bay should fight until the end. Is it likely? Not at all.