4 teams Packers could face in first round of 2020 NFL Playoffs

The Green Bay Packers could potentially take on any of these four opponents in the first round of the 2020 NFL playoffs.

There’s still a quarter of the NFL season to be played, but it doesn’t mean we can’t take a peek ahead to the playoffs. With the Green Bay Packers sitting pretty at 9-3 (as far as their chances to make the postseason), they look like a lock to enter the postseason for the second straight year. Hopefully, they’ll earn the top seed in the NFC and not have to worry about playing a first-round game, but if they finish second like they’re currently projected to, here are four potential opponents.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-5)

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are one of the more unlikely first-round opponents for the Packers unless either team changes positions in the standings. Green Bay already got whooped by the Bucs this season and it’s unlikely they’d want to see them again. Tampa has a huge game this week against the Minnesota Vikings which will go a long way in determining both of their playoff outlooks.

San Francisco 49ers (5-7)

It may seem like a longshot, but the San Francisco 49ers are only a game out of the final wildcard spot. As of now, they’re tied with the Chicago Bears, Washington Football Team and Detroit Lions for ninth place in the NFC. They’d need to surpass both the Vikings and Cardinals in the standings, but with four games remaining anything is possible.

Arizona Cardinals (6-6)

CBS projects the Arizona Cardinals to be the Packers’ first-round playoff opponent based on current standings and remaining schedules. Arizona is led by Kyler Murray and DeAndre Hopkins–a duo who is right up there with Aaron Rodgers and Davante Adams for one of the best in the league. Arizona will have to earn their spot in the playoffs, considering their last two games are against the 49ers and the St. Louis Rams. If they can get through them, Green Bay could be waiting in the first round.

Minnesota Vikings (6-6)

After a slow start to the season, the Minnesota Vikings have come on hot of late–winning five of their last six. However, their last two victories have come by a combined three points over the Carolina Panthers and Jacksonville Jaguars; not exactly confidence producing. Minnesota has one of the more difficult schedules remaining at Tampa, vs Chicago, at New Orleans Saints and at the Lions. If they survive that gauntlet, they’ll have earned their spot in the playoffs.