Analytics give Packers nearly a 50 percent chance of making the playoffs
A few weeks ago, the Green Bay Packers having a shot at the playoffs would have seemed impossible.
The Packers were 2-5 and riding a four-game losing streak. Head coach Matt LaFleur seemed lost, Green Bay's talent-rich defense was massively underperforming and Jordan Love didn't look like the future at quarterback.
Less than a month later, and the vibes have miraculously changed in Green Bay. Sure, the Packers still have a losing record at 5-6, but they've won three out of their last four games, a stint that includes a statement win over the NFC North-leading Detroit Lions on Thanksgiving.
Green Bay's defense is playing up to par, LaFleur's offense is clicking and Love is starting to show some real signs that he can be "the guy."
A once dead-in-the-water season could end in the playoffs for the Packers, per ESPN Analytics.
Had you given Packers fans a 43% chance that this squad would be a playoff team, they would have jumped at the chance while telling you that you were crazy.
Green Bay has to keep winning, of course, but it certainly seems likely that the Packers can beat the New York Giants, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Carolina Panthers and Chicago Bears (a combined 12-33 at the time of this writing) on their way to a playoff berth. The real tests would come against the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 13 and the up-and-coming Minnesota Vikings in Week 17.
If the Packers somehow win out, it'll finish the season at 11-6 and certainly be a playoff team. It can be an interesting squad to watch even at 10-7 or 9-8, though, so this is a team that will, without a doubt, be in the mix when all is said and done.
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