The Packers run-in could potentially be pretty straight-forward. I said to other NFL fans at the start of the season that if we could get to the halfway point undefeated then we should barring a lapse here and there go 16 - 0. Our toughest games when looking down the schedule pre-season were the Saints on the opening day, the Falcons at the Dome and the Chargers away when they had not lost since 08 at Qualcomm. Last season we played similar to this year but just failed to grind out results and lost a few games by less than 3pts, and then Capers got the defense cooking for the run-in. Everyone seems to expect the defense to become much meaner ahead of the playoffs and to bring teams to Lambeau in January would be a big advantage.
Remaining GamesMinnesota Vikings @ Lambeau Field - Had a tough game a few weeks back at the Vikes but Monday Night Football at Lambeau is made for Rodgers and we should win comfortably against the lowest ranked team of our run-in.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ Lambeau Field - Another home game and the Buccs seem to have fizzled out a bit, so I'd back us again.
Detroit Lions @ Ford Field - Any game at Ford Field is pretty tough and with the Lions having their best season in a long time, this is 1 of the hardest games for the Pack. A rival game also, much will depend on how the Lions do against Chicago and Carolina before this game. It looked as if the dream season was unravelling with defeats to SF and Atlanta but they crushed Denver before the bye week. Will probably be close but if they go down by 14/21 points then I don't think they'll come back and the Pack should win.
NY Giants @ MetLife Stadium - Our toughest game for the remainder of the season. But NY's 6 -2 record could easily be 6 -5 by the time the Packers roll in to town, with games against SF, Phillie and the Saints to come. If they take 2/3 of those games then it will be a fascinating battle. Hopefully Capers's Defense will be playing tighter at this stage. Close game.
Oakland Raiders @ Lambeau Field - Shouldn't have much if any problems with this one. Sorry Raiders fans.
Kansas City Chiefs @ Arrowhead Stadium - The Chiefs had picked up form in the last few weeks but to be crushed by the Dolphins at home is poor. An efficient performance should see a comfortable win.
Chicago Bears @ Lambeau Field - Any game against Chicago is tough, but we got the game at Soldier Field out of the way so hopefully this game on Christmas Day could take Green Bay to 15 - 0.
Detroit Lions @ Lambeau Field - Much will depend on what our record is going into this one. If we are 15 - 0, then McCarthy may put out a strong team to go for the undefeated season. If we have slipped up once or twice en route but have sealed the #1 seed already, could rest Rodgers and a few others. There is also a chance that the Lions could need this one to get into the Playoffs so will probably be tight. Think it'd be foolish to rest players though - the foundation of our run last year was from 2/3 games out we became a machine with stunning momentum. Same again
So yes - there is a good chance we could finish 16 - 0, but it's likely we will slip up once or twice, possibly against the Giants or the Bears/Lions at the end of the season. Hopefully we'll stay relatively injury free, although to win a Super Bowl with a 2nd string team almost means we have great strength in depth.
