The Packers have punched their playoff ticket. Last week, after a brutal collapse against Chicago, Green Bay found themselves back in second place in the NFC North. With that loss, the percentage to capture the North plummeted.
While Green Bay lost a very important game, so did Detroit. Former Packers legend, and arguably one of the best quarterbacks of all time, Aaron Rodgers, led his Pittsburgh Steelers to a victory over the Lions.
This win was especially important for Green Bay and put them ahead of Detroit by over a game in the playoff race. Following Detroit’s loss, the Packers needed to win just one more game, or have Detroit lose any of their remaining games to punch their ticket.
On Christmas day the Vikings found a way, officially eliminating Detroit from the playoffs and punching Green Bay’s ticket into the post season.
So, what happens now? Well, the hopes of winning the NFC North are slim, but not totally dead. The Packers must win out in their last two games against Baltimore and Minnesota, while the Bears must lose out to San Francisco and Detroit.
According to ESPN, the Packers have just a 15% chance to win the North. That last game against Chicago was crucial, and Green Bay would be in the driver’s seat had they managed to pull it off.
With the loss of Jordan Love early in the game to a concussion, it was not ideal to have to rely on a backup quarterback to win the game, but Malik Willis is arguably the best backup in the league.
The Packers had multiple opportunities to put the game away and failed to do so. Despite having their spot claimed in the post season for the NFC, that loss still stings.
Today, the Packers take on the Ravens. The Ravens are eliminated from AFC playoff contention with a loss. While this matchup was probably looked at as one of the better ones to start the season, both teams will be without their starting quarterback.
Jordan Love has been ruled out, as he is still dealing with his concussion and Lamar Jackson has been listed as doubtful with a back injury.
So, it’s Malik Willis against Tyler Huntley. A better way to put it; it’s Malik Willis against a team on the brink of playoff elimination if they lose.
Do the Packers play for the win, or do they play for health? Either way, this is a winnable matchup considering Green Bay will have the better quarterback today.
The Packers win this one 24-17. Establish the run game, protect Willis, and get pressure on Huntley.
The post The Packers Have Punched Their Playoff Ticket first appeared on PackersTalk.com Blog Posts and Podcasts.