Green Bay Packers’ Playoff Picture Grows Clearer
The Green Bay Packers looked much improved in a 20-3 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday. This may not have been the dominant bounce-back offensive performance that some envisioned, at least points-wise, but the ship appears to have been righted following a worrying defeat at the hands of the Buffalo Bills one week prior. With one game remaining on the NFL schedule, the Green Bay Packers’ playoff projections have begun to come into focus.
- To earn 2nd place in the NFC and a 1st Round bye, the Green Bay Packers must beat the Detroit Lions
- To earn 1st place in the NFC and home field advantage throughout the playoffs, the Green Bay Packers must beat the Detroit Lions and have the Seattle Seahawks tie or lose to the St. Louis Rams
Green Bay’s game at Lambeau Field against the Detroit Lions will kick off at 3:25 PM local time, meaning it will take place at the same time as Seahawks vs. Rams. Detroit has performed inconsistently throughout the season, but with Calvin Johnson back at full health and a very strong defensive front, the Lions pose a clear threat to the Packers’ hopes of a bye. To do so, though, Detroit will need to snap a colossal losing streak at Lambeau Field.
DET at GB for NFC North: Lions' 22-game losing streak in Green Bay is an NFL record for most consecutive road losses vs. single opponent.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 22, 2014
After not allowing an offensive touchdown in their loss to the Buffalo Bills, Green Bay allowed a season-low 109 yards against the Buccaneers, recording seven sacks and 12 hits on the Quarterback. Dom Capers’ defense has been trending upwards at the right time with Clay Matthews excelling on the inside and Morgan Burnett playing admirably, especially against the run. Most valuable to the Packers, though, may be the depth of their pass rush, which has seen heavy pressure in recent weeks from Matthews, Julius Peppers, Mike Daniels, Mike Neal and Datone Jones.
The loss to Buffalo could be a source of regret in the likely scenario that Seattle beats St. Louis, thus preventing Green Bay from securing home field advantage throughout the playoffs. Travelling to CenturyLink Field is not high on the Packers’ list of priorities, but given that this team was in the 7th spot looking in not long ago, the opportunity to secure a bye with a Week 17 win is miles from disappointing.