Packers: 3 teams that can help in playoff race in Week 14

The Green Bay Packers‘ playoff hopes might be small, but they remain alive after defeating the Chicago Bears last week.

Green Bay doesn’t play this week, but results elsewhere can dramatically impact its chances of making the postseason.

While the Packers aren’t playing a game in Week 14, there are still plenty of teams to root for to help give Matt LaFleur’s team an opportunity of making the playoffs.

Carolina Panthers (at Seattle Seahawks)

To have any realistic shot at the playoffs, the Packers need to overtake the Seattle Seahawks.

Considering the Seahawks are 7-5 and the Packers can finish no higher than 9-8, Seattle needs to start losing some games.

The Seahawks currently hold the NFC’s seventh seed. They host the Carolina Panthers in Week 14. A win would make it increasingly difficult for Green Bay to secure a wild-card berth.

A Panthers win would put the Seahawks 7-6 with games against the San Francisco 49ers, Kansas City Chiefs, and New York Jets to come.

Philadelphia Eagles (vs. New York Giants)

It’s even less likely the Packers will catch the 7-4-1 New York Giants. Remember, New York holds a head-to-head tiebreaker over Green Bay.

However, there is a glimmer of hope, which is the Giants’ schedule. They play the Philadelphia Eagles twice, as well as the Minnesota Vikings and Washington Commanders on the road.

If the Eagles win on Sunday, game on?

Minnesota Vikings (at Detroit Lions)

The Packers can’t catch the Minnesota Vikings in the NFC North, so they may as well help us out a bit.

The Detroit Lions are ahead of Green Bay in the NFC standings, but a loss would put them 5-8, the same record. Detroit would still be ahead on the head-to-head tiebreaker, but a loss prevents the Lions from taking a one-game lead.

It might not feel great, but root for the Vikings this week.