The Green Bay Packers can still make the playoffs, believe it or not. But they can’t do it based on their own results alone. Some help is required.
So, you’re saying there’s a chance? Yes.
Not a particularly great one, but there is still hope for Green Bay.
Let’s break down each scenario the Packers need to happen in the final four weeks, starting with the most obvious.
Packers must win their remaining four games
It’s simple for Matt LaFleur’s team. They must treat each of their remaining four games like the postseason has started. Win or go home.
Green Bay gets three of its remaining four games at home, but it’s far from an easy schedule.
After hosting the Los Angeles Rams, the Packers visit the Miami Dolphins before home games against the Minnesota Vikings and Detroit Lions.
Green Bay must win them all to have a realistic shot. Winning out will ensure the Packers jump ahead of the Lions in the standings as they play against each other in Week 18.
Packers need at least two of the following scenarios
Along with Green Bay winning its four remaining games, at least two of these three potential scenarios must also happen:
Seattle Seahawks: Lose two games including one against an NFC opponent
This one is slightly complicated. If the Packers win out and the Seahawks lose three or more, Green Bay will make the playoffs with a better record.
If Seattle wins two of its remaining four, it would depend on which games it wins.
For some perspective, here are the Seahawks’ remaining four: vs. San Francisco, at Kansas City, vs. NY Jets, vs. LA Rams. Two NFC opponents, two AFC opponents.
According to PlayoffPredictor.com, the Seahawks would finish above the Packers if they win two of their remaining four including both games against NFC opponents, but not if they lose one of those two games.
Here’s why: the two teams would be tied on conference record, but Seattle would have a better record against common opponents.
However, if the Seahawks win two but lose to an NFC team, their conference record would be worse than the Packers’, assuming Green Bay wins out.
So, to put it simply, the Seahawks must lose at least two games. If they lose two, one of those losses must come to either the San Francisco 49ers or Los Angeles Rams.
Simple, right?
Washington Commanders: Lose three games
It’s much more clear with the Washington Commanders. If they win two games, the Packers can’t overtake them. Lose three, and Green Bay would move ahead by running the table.
To make it interesting, Washington plays the New York Giants next week. The Commanders then take on the San Francisco 49ers, Cleveland Browns, and Dallas Cowboys.
New York Giants: Lose three games
It’s the same story with the New York Giants. They must lose three.
They play the Commanders, Minnesota Vikings, Indianapolis Colts, and Philadelphia Eagles. A tough schedule.
One of the Commanders or Giants will lose in Week 15. That team would then need to lose two of their remaining three to give the Packers a chance.