Here we are: the final weekend of the NFL regular season. 17 weeks are in the rearview mirror. 16 outcomes have been tallied. The Packers have had their ticket to the second season punched since their decisive December 23rd victory over the New Orleans Saints. However, they forfeited sole control of their playoff positioning with their most recent defeat at the hands of the Vikings. Well, that’s not entirely true. It all depends on how you look at control. It’s true that they forfeited sole control of the #6 seed – they no longer can simply win out to lock it up – but futility also proves a measure of control. The Packers are certainly capable of limping into the postseason as losers of their final two, and thus the #7 seed. With one to play, let’s look at the scenarios.
CliffsNotes Version
At the regular season’s final whistle, the Packers can emerge as two possible seeds – #6 or #7 – with three possible opponents – LA Rams, Philadelphia Eagles, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (all on the road).
The Packers presently occupy the final postseason position, last one in, if you will. Tied with the Washington Commanders at 11 wins, Washington owns the tie breaker, based upon conference record. A Packers victory on Sunday against the Bears guarantees only that they COULD land at #6. There’s going to have to be some significant scoreboard watching to see how it all plays out.
The Path to Each Outcome
Packers secure the #6 seed and play at Los Angeles:
* Packers win…AND
* Commanders lose…AND
* Rams win OR Buccaneers lose
Packers secure the #6 seed and play at Tampa Bay:
* Packers win…AND
* Commanders lose…AND
* Rams lose…AND
* Buccaneers lose
Packers secure the #7 seed and play at Philadelphia:
* Packers lose…OR
* Commanders win
So there you go. Just the facts…all preferences aside.
