Packers fan guide: Who should you root for in week 15?
The Green Bay Packers loss to the New York Giants on Monday night hindered the team's opportunity of reaching the playoffs, but the Packers are still pretty much in playoff contention, with a 50% chance. In week 15, beyond facing the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, there are some important games that affect Green Bay's postseason scenarios. […]
The Green Bay Packers loss to the New York Giants on Monday night hindered the team's opportunity of reaching the playoffs, but the Packers are still pretty much in playoff contention, with a 50% chance. In week 15, beyond facing the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, there are some important games that affect Green Bay's postseason scenarios.
So, let's take a look at who Packers fans should root for. This is your weekly fan guide.
Minnesota Vikings at Cincinnati Bengals, Saturday, 12pm CT
It's a 51% chance of the Packers reaching the playoffs if the Bengals win, and 49% if the Vikings win. Minnesota is a direct competitor for an NFC wild card spot, so it's a really important game. Jake Browning is the Bengals quarterback, but he's playing well and will probably be the best QB on the field. Nick Mullens will start for the Vikings, surpassing Josh Dobbs on the depth chart after a crazy 3-0 win over the Las Vegas Raiders.
Denver Broncos at Detroit Lions, Saturday, 7:15pm CT
This one doesn't generate a big difference, but the Lions haven't won the NFC North yet, so it's better if they lose. It's a 51% chance for the Packers with a Broncos win, and 50% with a Lions win.
Chicago Bears at Cleveland Browns, Sunday, 12pm CT
The Bears won three of their last four games and two in a row, resurrecting their playoff chances. Therefore, it's good for the Packers if they lose. Green Bay would have a 49% chance if the Bears won, and 51% if the Browns did.
Atlanta Falcons at Carolina Panthers, Sunday, 12pm CT
That's a bigger one because the Falcons lost the NFC South lead with the loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers last week, which means Atlanta is back in the wild card race. The Packers will have a 52% chance of reaching the playoffs with a Panthers upset win, and 49% chance if the Falcons win.
Washington Commanders at Los Angeles Rams, Sunday, 3:05pm CT
The Rams have been one of the biggest contenders, and it's good if they lose again. But after losing to the Baltimore Ravens in overtime, the Commanders look like a much easier opponent. The Packers will have a 54% chance of making the playoffs with a Commanders win, and 49% with a Rams win.
Philadelphia Eagles at Seattle Seahawks, Sunday, 7:15pm CT
That's the biggest game of the week for the Packers, outside of their own. The Eagles are technically in the NFC wild card race, but whoever loses the NFC East between them and the Dallas Cowboys will most likely be the 5th seed, so there's not a real battle there. And the Seahawks are still in contention. So if the Eagles win, the Packers will have a 54% chance, and it's a 44% chance with a Seahawks win. The 10 percentage point-difference is the biggest swing of the week.
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