For the third time in a row, the Green Bay Packers entered the playoffs as the 7th seeded NFC team. For the second time in a row, a rematch against the second seed ended in a Packers playoff loss.
Other than a blowout win against the Cowboys in 2024, the Jordan Love era of Packers football has felt predictable once the regular season ends. Unfortunately, the predictability began in the regular season with 4 signs that the Packers were set up for failure in the playoffs.
1. Limping to the playoffs
The first excuse of many losing fans is pointing to the number of injuries their team has. The classic response is to say that all teams are missing players. While this may be true, not all injuries are alike.
Sports Info Solutions published an article at the end of the 2025 season tracking which teams missed the most points to injured players. According to their chart, only 3 playoff teams lost more value to their teams than the Packers. Those teams were the Steelers and the Chargers, who were both eliminated in the Wild Card round, and the 49ers.
This chart validates the feeling of Packers fans who never had a fully healthy team to cheer for. Two of the biggest contributors the Packers lost were Micah Parsons and Tucker Kraft. Parsons was chosen as a first team All-pro for his excellence, and Tucker Kraft ended the year as the 10th ranked fantasy tight end despite missing half of the season.
Beyond the stars, the Packers lost starting center Elgton Jenkins, 1st round defensive lineman Devonte Wyatt, and rookie kick returner Savion Williams. Christian Watson was not able to start the season due to an ACL tear at the end of the 2024 season, and rookie speed rusher Colin Oliver did not get a start until the last week of the season.
In reviewing the players not available for the Packers throughout the season, it’s not surprising Matt Lafleur wants to do everything possible to prevent injuries. We will see if he has any power to prevent another Packers playoff loss.
2. Offense feeling off
The two halves of the Wild card game were perfect examples of the Packers offense this season. The first half showcased the unstoppable offense that earned the Packers a 4th overall offense in EPA/play and 2nd passing EPA/play.
The Packers second half opened with 4 drives that earned a total of 19 yards and one touchdown. These drives were examples of the 3 losses this year where the Packers failed to score more than a single touchdown.
Several factors contributed to the Packers inconsistency on offense. One is the run blocking, as the Packers ranked 7th worst in yards before contact for their running backs. Josh Jacobs dropped from over 1300 yards in his first year in Green Bay, to under 1000 this year.
Another factor present in a few of the offensive failures were drops. Although much improved from 2024, the drops came at crucial moments in the final drive that ultimately led to the Packers playoff loss.
3. Kicking ourselves
After making three extra points, Brandon McManus had the opportunity to extend the Packers lead to 21 points at the end of the half. Although it was called back by a Bears timeout, the first attempt was successful. The second attempt was missed, as was the remainder of his kicks for the rest of the game.
Entering the season, McManus seemed to be the answer to the Packers kicking problem that had existed since the departure of Mason Crosby. Despite kicking well enough 2024 to earn a $15 million contract extension, 2025 left a lot to be desired.
Of the 38 players to attempt a kick this NFL season, McManus ranked 29th with a field goal percentage of 80%. Although he was perfect on kicks attempted inside the 40 yard line, he only made 50% of his kicks outside the 40. In an era where kickers regularly hit kicks of 50 yards or more, this is unacceptable.
The Packers have decisions to make this offseason for the kicker position. Whether they sign a veteran, UFL player, UNdrafted rookie, or give McManus another chance, they cannot allow kicking to cause another Packers playoff loss.
4. Playoff team pains
Many Packers fans are questioning whether Matt Lafleur should be the head coach next year. While nearly everyone recognizes his ability as an offensive playcaller, he has shown a weakness to playoff teams.
This season, the Packers won 2 of the 6 matchups against playoff teams. In two of those losses, the Packers failed to score more than a single touchdown.
This continues a trend of the last few years. Last season, the Packers also only gained 2 wins in their 5 matchups against playoff teams.
While the Packers have kept these matches close, only having a -3 point differential in the 6 playoff team matchups this season, they need to flip the script. Every win against playoff-caliber teams in the regular season decreases the chance of an immediate Packers playoff loss.
The post 4 signs from the regular season that predicted the Green Bay Packers playoff loss first appeared on PackersTalk.com Blog Posts and Podcasts.