The Green Bay Packers were at home resting and recovering on NFL Sunday following back-to-back Thursday night games, including this past week’s 34-31 loss to the Detroit Lions.
So, what happened Sunday involving the Packers? A decent amount, actually.
Let’s run down the action:
— The Seattle Seahawks beat the Arizona Cardinals to win their fourth straight game and solidify their hold on the NFC West. The Packers go to Seattle on Sunday night for a big primetime showdown, and a potential playoff preview — if the season ended today, the Packers (as the No. 6 seed) would face the Seahawks on the road.
— Backup running back Zach Charbonnet produced almost 200 total yards, including 134 rushing yards, in the Seahawks’ win. Seattle could get back Kenneth Walker for Sunday, too. Since coming out of the bye, the Seahawks have swept the Cardinals and beat the Jets and 49ers on the road.
— The Minnesota Vikings won again, using five touchdown passes from Sam Darnold to cruise past Kirk Cousins and the fading Atlanta Falcons. Vibes are very good in Minnesota right now. The Packers go to U.S. Bank Stadium to end the month — a game that could decide who is the No. 5 seed and who is the No. 6 seed, pending other results.
— New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr is believed to have broken his left hand, an injury which could complicate his path to the field for a Dec. 23 matchup with the Packers at Lambeau Field. The backup quarterback options for the Saints are Jake Haener and rookie Spencer Rattler, who have both played this season.
— The Los Angeles Rams took down the Buffalo Bills, improving to 7-6. The Rams’ upset win slightly hurt the Packers’ playoff chances. Per the New York Times playoff simulator, Green Bay now sits at 98 percent. A win over the Seahawks on Sunday night will all but clinch a playoff spot.
— The Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ win over the Las Vegas Raiders combined with the Falcons’ loss in Minnesota vaulted the Bucs into first place in the NFC South. The South is important to monitor because it’s possible the Packers will have to go on the road to play the division winner in the wildcard round.
— Former Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers’ nightmare season in New York continued. The Jets blew another fourth quarter lead and lost in overtime to the Miami Dolphins. Almost unbelievably, Rodgers and the Jets are 3-10 through 13 games. The Jets were officially eliminated from postseason contention.
— The Washington Commanders had a bye and remain at 8-5 in the No. 7 spot in the NFC playoff race. The Packers have to monitor Washington because, as it stands now, the Commanders have a better conference record and could jump Green Bay in the standings if the Packers falter down the stretch.
— The Philadelphia Eagles (11-2) beat the Carolina Panthers and joined the Lions as the two NFC teams that have clinched a playoff spot. The Vikings, also at 11-2, can clinch a spot this week.
