The Green Bay Packers have two games on their 2023 regular season schedule. If they win both games, they have a better than 90 percent chance of making the playoffs, according to computer models. But will they?
Here are three reasons the Packers will make the playoffs and three reasons they won’t.
The biggest reason the Packers are in the playoffs: Aaron Jones is healthy.
AaronJones is the catalyst that will take the Packers offense to the next level. His cutting ability and efficiency as a runner and receiver make defenses much more of a liability when he’s at his best. Jones is finally healthy. He rushed for 127 yards against the Panthers last week, setting the tone for the offense in the team’s second opener.Coach Matt LaFleur needs to put the ball in Jones’ hands early and often. If Jones scores 20 or more touchdowns in a game, the Packers’ career winning percentage would be 20-3.
Thesecond reason the Packers are in the playoffs: Jordan Love is playing well.
QuarterbackJordan Love started playing in the second half of the season and became a standout starter in the NFL. The Utah graduate had a quarterback rating of 100 or higher in five of the team’s last six games. In that span, he threw the ball 13 times and had just one interception. If Love continues to mature and plays well over the last two games, the Packers will have a good chance of putting up enough points to overcome their defensive issues.
The third reason the Packers will survive: The team will be healthyThe Packers have several key players back from injuries in recent weeks.
In addition to Jones, cornerbacks Jaire Alexander and Eric Stokes will also play. Hopefully they’ll shake off the rust and play better down the road.Luke Musgrave has returned to training and could return to the squad before the end of the season. This gives your offense two dangerous and free weapons.Wide receivers Jaden Reed, Christian Watson and Dontayvion Weeks could return for one or both of the final two games. This gives Love more weapons to throw at and makes it difficult for opponents to game plan.
