The Green Bay Packers are officially alive in the NFC playoff race entering Week 17.
Once 4-8, the Packers now only need three individual results over the final two weeks to clinch a playoff spot in the NFC: two wins (vs. Vikings, vs. Lions) and one Commanders loss (either vs. Browns or vs. Cowboys).
The Packers could also get in with two wins and two Giants losses (vs. Colts, at Eagles).
Elimination also looms over this week. If the Packers lose, a win by either the Lions or Commanders would mathematically eliminate Green Bay entering the final week.
A win over the Vikings on Sunday afternoon ensures that Week 18 will mean something to the Packers.
The top of the NFC also factors in. Will Week 18 mean something to the Eagles and Cowboys? The Packers may need one of the teams to provide an assist in the season finale.
So, here’s the quick rooting guide for Week 17:
– Bears over Lions
– Colts over Giants
– Browns over Commanders
– Saints over Eagles
The big one is, obviously, the Commanders. If Washington loses, the Packers will know they need nothing more than wins over the Vikings and Lions at home to finish the season to get into the playoffs.
A loss by the Lions is simply insurance against elimination, and a Giants loss keeps open another realistic possibility for sneaking in.
Finally, an Eagles loss would ensure Week 18 means something to both Philadelphia and Dallas. The Packers may need help from the two teams (vs. Giants and Commanders) in the season finale. The Cowboys won on Thursday night, keeping pressure on the Eagles this week and next week too if the Saints can pull off the upset.
It’s no longer “win and get a lot of help” in Green Bay. It’s “win and get a little bit more help.” The Packers’ magic number for getting into the playoffs could be down to one by the end of Week 17.
