Predicting the rest of the 2023 Packers schedule with playoffs on the line

Week 17: Green Bay Packers @ Minnesota Vikings

This matchup between the Packers and Vikings will have huge implications. As we focus in on who the Packers have to play, what is going to happen to the Vikings in Week 16 before these two match up in Week 17? Well, it looks like the Vikings could be running into the buzzsaw that is the Detroit Lions right now.

The Lions are coming off of a 42-17 beatdown of the Denver Broncos, one of the hottest teams in the league. Although Detroit has struggled a bit in the second half of the season, that was the get-right game they needed in order to continue their path toward potentially getting that top seed in the NFC.

If not the #1 overall seed, Detroit will certainly be gunning for #2. And the Vikings -- with Nick Mullens in the QB seat -- stand in their way.

I don't see that ending well.

Which means I think this matchup in Week 17 will feature two 7-8 teams, and the Packers could potentially take over a Wild Card spot here with a victory. I just don't think the Vikings have what it takes at the QB position right now to find a way to get meaningful wins. I think they played as well as they can possibly play with Nick Mullens under center against the Bengals, and they still found a way to lose.

You can't underestimate this matchup, but I like the Packers' chances.

Prediction: Packers win 24-20 (8-8)