Predictions for Packers’ final three games vs. Dolphins, Vikings, Lions

The Green Bay Packers needed to win their final five games to have a shot at making the playoffs.

They’ve checked the first two games off the to-do list and now need to win their remaining three matchups with a little bit of help along the way.

Up next, the Packers hit the road for the final time in 2022 to take on the Miami Dolphins. They will then return home for divisional matchups with the Minnesota Vikings and Detroit Lions.

Can the Packers close out the season with three straight wins to give themselves a chance?

Week 16: Green Bay at Miami

Green Bay’s offense has improved since the win over the Dallas Cowboys. Christian Watson’s breakout has transformed the passing game, and the return of Romeo Doubs also helps tremendously.

If Aaron Rodgers is at his best, the Packers should have no trouble moving the ball against the league’s 27th-ranked passing defense.

The concern? Green Bay’s defense must find a way to slow down two 1,000-yard receivers in Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle.

The Packers will score points, but defensively, it could be a long day trying to stop one of the league’s most explosive offenses.

Prediction: Miami 33, Green Bay 27 (6-9)

Week 17: Green Bay vs. Minnesota

It’s a similar story here. The Minnesota Vikings have the league’s bottom-ranked defense but a high-scoring offense.

Minnesota is 4-2 in its past six games. In that time, it has averaged 26.3 points per game but allowed 31.3 points per contest.

The potential difference here to Week 16? The Lambeau factor.

It will likely be a cold afternoon in Green Bay on New Year’s Day, and that could work in the Packers’ favor. They are familiar with the conditions, but it could slow down the Vikings’ offense just enough.

Prediction: Green Bay 27, Minnesota 24 (7-9)

Week 18: Green Bay vs. Detroit

If the Packers lose to the Dolphins as predicted, their playoff hopes will almost certainly be over entering Week 18. That may not be the case for the Detroit Lions, who are very much alive in the wild-card race after winning six of their past seven.

In that seven-game stretch, the Lions are averaging 28 points per game, while allowing only 19.86.

They are a team looking strong for the future, and they make a statement win at Lambeau that could send them into the postseason.

Prediction: Detroit 31, Green Bay 24 (7-10)