Packers updated playoff odds after win over Vikings

The Green Bay Packers are still alive and kicking! In fact, they’re more than just alive, as they’re now in control of their own destiny when it comes to making the playoffs.

That was unthinkable at the beginning of December when Green Bay was just 4-8 and coming off a loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. They looked lifeless, and there were lots of conversations about whether they should start Jordan Love or Aaron Rodgers.

Although Rodgers hasn’t been lighting the world on fire over the last month, he has limited his mistakes and helped the offense do enough to win four straight games and move to 8-8. The defense and special teams have also stepped up and are carrying their fair share of the load.

Green Bay is one win away from making the playoffs following the Packers’ beatdown of the Vikings in Week 17.

Here are the Green Bay Packers’ most up-to-date playoff odds following their victory over the Minnesota Vikings on New Year’s Day.

This article started four weeks ago when the Packers only had a slight chance of making the postseason. Since then, we’ve seen their odds steadily climb every week.

Entering their Week 18 contest against the Detroit Lions, the Packers have a 61 percent chance to make the postseason according to FiveThirtyEight. Of course, that goes to 100 percent with a victory.

Detroit could also be fighting for a playoff spot depending on earlier results. They need the Seattle Seahawks to lose and beat Green Bay to earn a playoff birth. They have just a `17 percent chance of both of those happening.

Seattle plays at 3:25 p.m. so the teams will know the game’s result by the time they kick off at 7:20 p.m. Even if Detroit is mathematically eliminated from the playoffs, they’ll still be dangerous. They pride themselves on always playing hard, regardless of what’s at stake. There’s an argument to be had that they could be even more dangerous with nothing to lose.

It was a fun way to close 2022 and 2023 started with a bang. Hopefully, the Packers can build on this momentum and turn in a truly special season.