Ranking The Packers' Top 10 Worst Playoff Losses

In 2023, the Green Bay Packers were the surprise team of the playoffs, as one of the youngest teams went into Dallas and upset the Cowboys with a great offensive performance from quarterback Jordan Love. The next week, the Packers traveled to San Francisco to face the 49ers, who were the #1 seed in the NFC. For most of the game, the Packers outplayed the 49ers until the 4th quarter, when the Packers missed a 41-yard field goal, and Jordan Love threw an interception that allowed the 49ers and running back Christian McCaffrey to steal the win.

#9 Vick Breaks The Streak

Up until the start of the 2002 NFL playoffs, it was widely believed that the Green Bay Packers were “invincible” at Lambeau Field in the postseason. That was until the Atlanta Falcons, led by quarterback Michael Vick, traveled to Lambeau for their 2002 wild card game against the Packers. Despite frigid temperatures, Vick dismantled the Packers’ defense while the Packers’ offense turned the ball over five times. Consequently, that combination of factors led to the Falcons scoring an improbable upset over the Packers in Green Bay.

#8 The Fitzgerald 75-Yard Catch

During the 2015 NFL playoffs, the Green Bay Packers found themselves trailing the Arizona Cardinals in the Divisional playoffs. Near the end of the game, Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers completed two Hail Mary passes to pull the Packers into a tie with the Cardinals. While the Packers were elated to be going to overtime against the Cardinals, the Green Bay defense lost its focus. That lapse of focus led to Arizona Cardinals receiver Larry Fitzgerald catching a pass that would ultimately be a 75-yard gain to start overtime. Three plays later, the Cardinals scored a touchdown to get the win over the Packers.

#7 The Desert Fumble

IIn 2009, Aaron Rodgers made his first postseason start in his NFL career for the Green Bay Packers as they traveled to face the Arizona Cardinals in a wild-card game. This game was the epitome of an offensive shootout, with both teams scoring 45 points in regulation, forcing overtime. During the game, Rodgers passes the ball for 423 yards and 4 touchdowns to help the Packers tie the game with the Cardinals. However, on the first play of overtime, Rodgers was hit and fumbled, which the Cardinals’ defense recovered, setting up a game-ending touchdown.

#6 Favre’s Final Throw

During the 2007 NFL playoffs, the Green Bay Packers hosted the New York Giants in the NFC Championship game. That game was memorable for being one of the coldest in Lambeau Field history, and it was also the last game Hall of Fame quarterback Brett Favre would play for Green Bay. It was a hard-fought game that went to overtime, with the Packers and Giants tied at 20-20. While the Packers were a drive away in overtime from winning the NFC Championship and returning to the Super Bowl, Brett Favre would throw an interception. Consequently, that interception set up a game-winning field goal for the Giants.

#5 The 15-1 Letdown

The Green Bay Packers entered the 2011 NFL postseason with an exceptional 15-1 record. In the Divisional round of the playoffs, the Packers hosted the New York Giants. Unfortunately, the Packers’ offense melted against the Giants’ defense, turning the ball over four times. In addition, at the end of the 1st half, the Packers’ defense allowed the Giants to complete a Hail Mary pass to wide receiver Hakeem Nicks right before halftime. Green Bay was unable to get back on track, and the Giants carried momentum into the 2nd half, ultimately winning 37-20.

#4 Special Teams Disaster

The Green Bay Packers entered the 2021 NFL playoffs as the #1 seed in the NFC. In the Divisional round of the playoffs, the Packers hosted the San Francisco 49ers, and for most of the game, the Packers’ defense shut down the 49ers’ offense. However, the Packers found a way to lose the game to the 49ers despite not allowing an offensive touchdown the entire game. Ultimately, the key to the Packers’ loss was a blocked field goal and a blocked punt, both of which the 49ers returned for special teams touchdowns near the end of the game. San Francisco sealed the upset victory over the Packers with a field goal to end the game with a win.

#3 4th and 26

During the 2003 NFL playoffs, the Green Bay Packers faced the Philadelphia Eagles in the Divisional round. Late in the 4th quarter, the Packers held a 17-14 lead over the Eagles. On the Eagles’ last drive, the Packers’ defense had the Eagles backed up into a 4th-and-26 situation. However, the Packers’ defense allowed the Eagles to complete a 28-yard pass to wide receiver Freddie Mitchell, and the Eagles tied the game, forcing overtime. In overtime, Packers quarterback Brett Favre threw an interception, allowing the Eagles to win the game.

#2 The Soldier Field Meltdown

The Green Bay Packers’ latest postseason debacle occurred last weekend in the wild card round on the road against the Chicago Bears. In the 1st half, the Packers jumped out to a 21-3 lead over the Bears thanks to an outstanding performance by the Green Bay offense. However, in the 2nd half, the Packers could not find the same rhythm on offense as in the 1st half. The Packers’ inability to move the ball set the stage for the Bears to put together a 28-6 rally in the second half. Late in the game, the Packers missed two field goals and an extra point while the Bears ended the game with a Caleb Williams touchdown pass to wide receiver D.J. Moore.

#1 The Seattle Collapse

The worst playoff loss in Green Bay Packers history is also among the worst in NFL history. In the 2014 NFC Championship game, the Packers traveled to Seattle to face the Seahawks. For most of the game, the Packers dominated, and with 3 minutes left, they held a 19-7 lead over Seattle. But then everything fell apart for the Packers. It started with a Seahawks fake punt that turned into a touchdown for Seattle. Following that touchdown, the Seahawks kicked an onside kick, and while tight end Brandon Bostick was supposed to be blocking, he tried to field it, but it bounced off him. Seattle recovered the kick, scored to force overtime, and went on to win the game.