We’re getting close to the end of the NFL season and the Packers are in danger of missing the playoffs for the first time since 2008. With only three games left to play, the Packers don’t control their own destiny and therefore need some help. Here’s a simple guide of who to root for in Week 15.
NFC NORTH TITLE
Lions (9-4)
Vikings (7-6)
Packers (7-6)
Bears (3-10)
Packers at Bears (Sunday Noon)
Packers, duh. A Lions win and a Packers loss eliminates Green Bay from the North title contentions.
Lions at Giants (Sunday Noon)
A Packers win will guarantee they gain ground on either the Lions in the Division race or the Giants in the Wild Card race. With the Packers playing the Lions in Week 17, the division title is more likely than sneaking into the Wild Card. Go Giants.
Colts at Vikings (Sunday Noon)
The Packers play the Vikings in Week 16, which will kind of act like an elimination game should they both win this week. Green Bay would however love to have a game lead going into next week’s matchup. Colts are in the AFC and have no affect on the Packers playoff hopes. Cheer for Andrew Luck and his book club on Sunday.
NFC WILD CARD RACE
Giants (9-4)
Falcons (8-5)
Buccaneers (8-5)
R-Words (7-5-1)
Vikings (7-6)
Packers (7-6)
49ers at Falcons (Sunday 3:05)
Atlanta is technically leading the NFC South, but are tied in record with Tampa Bay. The Falcons and Bucs both play the Saints and Panthers in their Week 16 and 17 games, so this division race could come down to who can get a win this week. San Fran isn’t likely to get a win in Atlanta, but the Packers will take a loss from anyone ahead of them.
Buccaneers at Cowboys (Sunday Night)
Tampa Bay will have a tough task trying to stay in a divisional tie with Atlanta, having to go through the Cowboys, who own the NFL’s best record. Dallas has already locked up a playoff spot, so cheer for them to continue their winning ways and give another team directly ahead of the Pack another loss.
Panthers at Redskins (Monday Night)
Carolina is two games behind the Packers in the Wild Card race at 5-8. They must win out to have even the smallest chance at sneaking in the playoffs. With that scenario highly unlikely, and Washington being another team ahead of the Packers, a Panthers win would be huge.
The Expansion Team 