The Green Bay Packers clinched a playoff berth after their 34-0 win over the New Orleans Saints on Monday night. We know the Packers cannot win the NFC North, so they will be one of three wild card teams in the NFC this season and will start the playoffs on the road. But who will the Packers play in the wild card round of the playoffs and who is it best for them to play? Here is a ranking of the Packers potential playoff opponents. These are all teams the Pack could face in the first round of the playoffs ranked from least desirable to most desirable.

Ranking the Packers Potential Playoff Opponents, Number Five: Philadelphia Eagles

The Eagles would represent a big challenge for the Packers. The two teams met in Brazil in Week 1 and the Packers lost a close 34-29 contest. The Eagles are currently in the fight for the top seed and a first- round bye.

Philadelphia has the NFL’s best rushing offense with Saquon Barkley and Jalen Hurts providing the team with two dangerous weapons.

A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith give the Eagles two dangerous receiving weapons.

On defense, Philadelphia has the league’s 2nd best pass defense, and the ninth best run defense. No team gives up fewer yards per game. They also do a good job of pressuring opposing quarterbacks.

Philadelphia would not be a great venue for the Packers to play in. This is a game the Packers could win, but it would certainly provide a major challenge.

Number Four: Minnesota Vikings

The Packers face the Vikings this Sunday afternoon in Minnesota. If the Packers win, they can pass Minnesota for the fifth seed with a Green Bay win and a Minnesota loss to the Lions in Week 18. The Vikings could also still win the NFC North which is why they appear on this list as a possible first round opponent for the Packers.

Minnesota continues to win although most experts say they aren’t as good as their 13-2 record. They always find a way in close games. Aaron Jones gives Minnesota a two-way threat at running back. The receiving corps is very deep with Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, and tight end T.J. Hockenson. Quarterback Sam Darnold has thrown 32 touchdowns and just 11 interceptions and seems to always come through in the clutch.

The defense leads the league in interceptions. The Vikings are strong against the run, ranking second in the league, but are vulnerable against the pass if you have time to throw the football.

The Packers nearly staged a comeback against Minnesota earlier this season. This would be an intriguing rematch.

Ranking the Packers Potential Playoff Opponents, Number Three: Detroit Lions

The Lions are bold and aggressive. They have already swept the season series from the Packers and both the team, and their fans have a chip on their shoulders. The Lions have never been to a Super Bowl and haven’t won an NFL title since 1957.

No team in the NFL has scored more points than the Lions who never take their foot off the gas. Jared Goff gives Detroit an experienced playoff quarterback and the offense has multiple weapons both on the ground and through the air.

The reason Detroit is not ranked lower on this list is the rash of injuries that has depleted their defense.  The team is almost starting players they sign as street free agents. So far, they have found a way to keep on winning, but against top opponents, these injuries make the Lions more vulnerable in a playoff game.

Number Two: Los Angeles Rams

The Rams are the favorites to win the NFC West and are one game ahead of the Seahawks for that title. The Packers edged the Rams 24-19 in Week 5, but LA didn’t have Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua, their top two receivers, in that game.

The Rams are hot, having gone 8-2 after a 1-4 start to the season. Their recent hot streak makes them a less desirable opponent.

Matthew Stafford gives the Rams an experienced, Super Bowl winning quarterback. Kyren Williams has gained 1,243 yards and 13 touchdowns on the ground.

The Rams defense has played better of late, but statistically, they are hardly elite. The Packers should be able to run on the Rams, who rank 25th in the league as of now, allowing 131.4 yards per game on the ground.

Ranking the Packers Potential Playoff Opponents, Number One: Atlanta Falcons

The Falcons and Bucs are tied for first place right now in the NFC South. The eventual South winner will likely be the fourth seed, and the Packers would have to be the top wild card team to face them. Whichever team wins the NFC South would be the most desirable opening round opponent for the Pack.

The Falcons have turned to rookie quarterback Michael Penix after benching Kirk Cousins. Bijan Robinson is a dangerous running back who is also a dangerous receiver out of the backfield.

The Falcons rank last in the league in sacks and if Jordan Love has time to throw, he should be able to exploit the 21st ranked Atlanta pass defense.

With a rookie quarterback and a team with limited playoff experience, the Falcons or whichever team wins the South would be the most desirable playoff opponent.

 

 

 

 

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