The Green Bay Packers have punched their ticket to the postseason with the Minnesota Vikings' win over the Detroit Lions.
The Green Bay Packers have clinched their spot in the playoffs after the Detroit Lions lost to the Minnesota Vikings on Christmas Day.
This helps the Packers a ton, as with their ticket to the playoffs punched, they can be more cautious with players dealing with nagging injuries.
Starting quarterback Jordan Love went down with a concussion in Week 16 against the Chicago Bears and is questionable to play on Saturday against the Baltimore Ravens. Backup quarterback Malik Willis is also questionable as he suffered a shoulder injury.
They also have other key players dealing with injuries. Safety Evan Williams and right tackle Zach Tom are dealing with knee injuries that they suffered against the Denver Broncos. Running back Josh Jacobs has also been playing through a knee injury.
Green Bay may be more cautious, particularly with Love now that they are officially in the postseason.
However, the Packers still have something to play for in the final two weeks. Green Bay could still win the NFC North if they win their final two games against the Ravens and the Vikings in Week 18. They would also need the Bears to lose their final two games against the San Francisco 49ers and the Lions.
If Green Bay wins the division, they could finish as high as the No. 2 seed and as low as the No. 3 seed.
It all starts with the Packers game against the Ravens on Saturday. Green Bay will have a chance as long as one of Love or Willis is ready to go. Baltimore has listed star quarterback Lamar Jackson as doubtful, meaning Tyler Huntley is likely to start.
Huntley replaced Jackson in Week 16 against the New England Patriots, and he completed 9 of 10 passes for 65 yards, zero touchdowns, and zero interceptions.
Huntley has been a quality backup quarterback over the years, like Willis. It won't be an easy game, but the Packers' defense is coming off a great performance against the Bears.
Although Green Bay lost, defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley schemed a great game, but the Packers' mistakes in the final few minutes led to their loss.
The Packers will have less stress on themselves in the final two games, but should still try to steal the division from Chicago if possible.