Win — or start planning for 2024.
That’s the approach the Green Bay Packers took to their final three games of the season.
The Packers entered Sunday’s action 6-8 and in 11th place in the NFC. Only the top seven teams in each conference qualify for the postseason, meaning the Packers hopes would be squashed with another loss.
It wasn’t pretty, but the Packers held off a late charge by Carolina and escaped with a 33-30 win. In the process, Green Bay moved up to No. 9 in the NFC’s playoff chase.
Here’s a look at the NFC playoff picture:
DIVISION LEADERS
1. San Francisco (11-3) — Hosts Baltimore Monday in a potential Super Bowl preview.
2. Detroit (11-4) — Won NFC North for the first time since 1993.
3. Dallas (10-4) — Has already clinched a playoff spot.
4. Tampa Bay (8-7) — Winning streak reached four games Sunday.
WILD CARD TEAMS
5. Philadelphia (10-4) — Has lost three straight since 10-1 start.
6. Los Angeles Rams (8-7) — Heating up with five wins in six games.
Remaining schedule: at New York Giants, at San Francisco
Combined record of remaining opponents: 16-12 (.571).
Analysis: Sean McVay doing one of his better coaching jobs.
7. Seattle (8-7) — Has won two straight since a four-game losing streak.
Remaining schedule: vs. Pittsburgh, at Arizona.
Combined record of remaining opponents: 11-18 (.379).
Analysis: Seahawks will be favored in their last two games.
KNOCKING ON THE DOOR
8. Minnesota (7-8) — Fell out of playoff picture with loss to Detroit Sunday.
Remaining schedule: vs. Green Bay, at Detroit.
Combined record of remaining opponents: 18-12 (.600).
Analysis: Two enormous divisional games will determine fate.
9. Green Bay (7-8) — Snapped two-game losing streak with last-second win over Carolina.
Remaining schedule: at Minnesota, vs. Chicago.
Combined record of remaining opponents: 12-17 (.414).
Analysis: Defense remains a problem and could cost young team a playoff spot.
10. New Orleans (7-8) — Suffered costly loss to the Los Angeles Rams Thursday.
Remaining schedule: at Tampa Bay, vs. Atlanta.
Combined record of remaining opponents: 14-15 (.483).
Analysis: Two remaining games against divisional foes will help decide winner of NFC South.
11. Atlanta (7-8) — Impressive win over Indianapolis Sunday
Remaining schedule: at Chicago, at New Orleans.
Combined record of remaining opponents: 12-17 (.414).
Analysis: Inconsistent group that hasn’t won more than two straight games this season.