Packers hold a 94% playoff probability and need one win in their final two games (or a Detroit loss). Betting note: with Jordan Love in concussion protocol and Malik Willis nursing a shoulder, expect uncertainty to affect lines — punters might favor backing Green Bay for a wild-card berth but shop odds or consider layoff/veteran-QB futures until the starting QB is confirmed.
Packers Control Their Playoff Destiny
Green Bay sits at 9-5-1 and can clinch a postseason spot by winning one of its final two games or by Detroit losing once. Playoff simulators peg the Packers’ chances at roughly 94% — largely because the Lions are 8-7 and must avoid slip-ups in their last two games. The Packers host the Baltimore Ravens in Week 17 and finish at Minnesota in Week 18.
What it takes to clinch
A 1-1 finish would leave the Packers at 10-6-1, while the Lions’ best possible finish is 10-7. That means Green Bay could secure a berth before its Saturday kickoff if Detroit loses on Thursday. The team presently occupies the NFC’s No. 7 seed, with one wild-card slot the primary target.
Quarterback Concerns Cloud Outlook
Starter Jordan Love is in the concussion protocol after a helmet-to-helmet hit in Chicago and did not finish that game. Backup Malik Willis played well in relief but appears to have injured his right shoulder late in the contest. Both quarterbacks’ availability for the Ravens game is uncertain.
Depth and emergency plans
The only other quarterback on the active roster is Clayton Tune, who has spent the season on the practice squad. The coaching staff has named running back Josh Jacobs and wide receiver Jayden Reed as emergency QBs. Expect the Packers to audition and possibly add a veteran signal-caller to the practice squad this week if Love and Willis remain questionable.
Tight End and Skill-Position Injuries
Tight end John FitzPatrick suffered what the team quickly ruled out as a significant Achilles injury and will miss time, leaving Luke Musgrave as the only tight end on the active roster. The practice squad contains two young tight ends, but depth is thin at the position.
Running back and receiver status
Josh Jacobs’ snaps have been limited recently because of a lingering left-knee issue, and he remains a game-time consideration for heavy usage. Wide receiver Christian Watson and Jayden Reed collided during the recent game but returned and appeared to be OK afterward.
Special Teams, Playoff Scenarios and Betting Implications
Green Bay’s path is straightforward: win one of two or watch Detroit slip. However, the team’s quarterback uncertainty and tight-end depletion could influence lines and in-game odds. For bettors, the safest play may be modest wagers on the Packers to clinch a wild-card spot or to take short-term lines once the starting QB is officially cleared. If Love is ruled out, seek value on alternate markets (Ravens moneyline or point spreads), and watch injury reports closely before placing larger bets.
Key dates and matchups
Week 17: Packers vs. Ravens at Lambeau Field — a must-monitor game given the QB situation and playoff ramifications. Week 18: Packers at Vikings — final chance to seal seeding and momentum going into the postseason.
Coaching Focus and Next Steps
The coaching staff is prioritizing the immediate task of preparing for Baltimore and maintaining focus on the two-game stretch that determines the season’s outcome. Personnel moves — particularly at quarterback and tight end — are likely this week as the team balances playoff security with roster insurance.
Jordan Love and Malik Willis are nursing injuries as the Packers look to clinch a playoff berth on Saturday night.
Theathleticuk
