The Green Bay Packers couldn't match last year's effort of reaching the NFL Divisional Round, but several former players are in action this weekend.
Throughout the regular season, the Packers proved they were a good team. Maybe even a very good team. But they weren't a great one, and it will take a strong effort this offseason to close the gap in the NFC.
That could include being aggressive in free agency. Maybe it means targeting a top wide receiver to give Jordan Love more support.
Unfortunately, the Packers couldn't make it to the NFC's final four this season, but a handful of former players did. Of the remaining eight teams, the Lions, Kansas City Chiefs, Buffalo Bills, and Philadelphia Eagles will feature a former Green Bay player.
Former Packers competing in the NFL Divisional Round this weekend
Houston Texans at Kansas City Chiefs (Saturday - 3:30 p.m. CT)
- Mike Pennel, DT, Chiefs
It's easy to forget that Mike Pennel started his NFL career as an undrafted free agent in Green Bay. He played in 37 games with five starts for the Packers, but his biggest opportunity came later with the Kansas City Chiefs.
While he only has five career sacks, Pennel is an excellent run defender and has helped the Chiefs win two Super Bowls.
Washington Commanders at Detroit Lions (Saturday - 7 p.m. CT)
- Za'Darius Smith, DE, Lions
Za'Darius Smith has had plenty to say about the Packers since getting traded to the Lions before this season's deadline. He has helped Detroit's pass rush after losing Aidan Hutchinson, making four sacks and 10 quarterback hits in eight games.
While in Green Bay, Smith saved some of his best performances for the postseason, making four sacks and seven quarterback hits in five playoff games for the Packers. The Lions will need a similar performance from the former Pro Bowler to slow down a talented Commanders offense.
Los Angeles Rams at Philadelphia Eagles (Sunday - 2 p.m. CT)
- Oren Burks, LB, Eagles
Oren Burks made arguably the biggest play of the Packers' loss to the Eagles last week. It was Burks' hit on Keisean Nixon that led to the controversial fumble on the opening kickoff. Philadelphia needs Burks to play an even bigger role this week after losing star linebacker Nakobe Dean.
Burks played mostly on special teams during his time in Green Bay, and the same has been true in Philadelphia this year. However, the former third-rounder is in line to make only his third start of the season.
Baltimore Ravens at Buffalo Bills (Sunday - 5 p.m. CT)
- Rasul Douglas, CB, Bills
When the Packers traded Rasul Douglas in 2023, they were 2-5 and seemingly going nowhere. Since then, they are 18-9, proving they became sellers too soon. The trade has haunted Green Bay ever since, as it has lacked quality cornerback depth, with Jaire Alexander only playing seven games this season.
Douglas has started 23 games for the Bills and will have a crucial role to play in Sunday's matchup against the Ravens. It won't be surprising if Douglas makes a game-changing play, as he did so often for the Packers.