Carolina Panthers look to extend that Packers at Panthers: Three Reasons Why Green Bay Will Win…
GREEN BAY, Wisconsin: The Green Bay Packers are out of the NFC postseason picture after suffering back-to-back losses. But they’re still there.
Not by much.
The New York Times estimates that the Packers’ chances of making the playoffs are 22%. However, a victory over the Carolina Panthers on Sunday would set up a pivotal Sunday night matchup against the Minnesota Vikings. If they win that game, they might play the Chicago Bears in a win-and-in game.
But first, they’ve got to beat the Panthers. And they will. Here are the weekly reasons for optimism.
Joe Barry’s Packers defense was embarrassed by Tommy DeVito. It was destroyed by Baker Mayfield. On Sunday, the matchup is against Panthers rookie Bryce Young, the No. 1 overall pick of the 2023 NFL Draft.
Young has not been good. Of 30 qualifying quarterbacks, he’s 30th in passer rating, 29th in completion percentage and 30th in yards per attempt. With nine touchdowns vs. nine interceptions, only New England’s Mac Jones has a worse touchdown-to-interception ratio. He hasn’t reached 200 passing yards since October. The No. 1 receiver, former Vikings star Adam Thielen, is averaging 9.8 yards per catch.