Packers’ playoff chances improve after 49ers defeat Seahawks

The Green Bay Packers’ playoff chances improved slightly after the San Francisco 49ers defeated the Seattle Seahawks.

One small step at a time. The Green Bay Packers have a long checklist in order to make the playoffs.

By defeating the Seattle Seahawks on Thursday night, the San Francisco 49ers added another piece to the puzzle.

Green Bay needed Seattle to lose two of its remaining four games, including to an NFC opponent.

The Seahawks have now lost one, and the bonus is that it was an NFC game. That means the Packers can overtake the Seahawks by winning out if Seattle loses one of its remaining three games.

Packers’ playoff chances improve slightly

According to FiveThirtyEight’s projections, Green Bay now has an 8% chance of reaching the playoffs following Seattle’s loss on Thursday Night Football. That’s up from 6%.

The Packers still need the Seahawks to lose another game and either the Washington Commanders or the New York Giants to lose three of their remaining four. They play against each other on Sunday.

Even if the above happens, Green Bay would also need to win all four games remaining on its schedule, which is a big ask.

Using FiveThirtyEight’s projections, Green Bay’s playoff chances would improve to 12% this weekend if it defeats the Los Angeles Rams, the Detroit Lions lose, and the Commanders-Giants game doesn’t end in a tie.

The Packers may get the help they need, it’s just a question of if they can win out.

Seattle likely won’t win out, especially with a trip to Arrowhead Stadium up next.

One of the Commanders or Giants will lose this week, barring a tie. The Packers need that team to lose two more. Washington plays the San Francisco 49ers and Dallas Cowboys. New York plays the Minnesota Vikings and Philadelphia Eagles.

But the Packers need to beat the Los Angeles Rams, Miami Dolphins, Minnesota Vikings, and Detroit Lions in consecutive weeks. That’s the concern.