Tuesday Cheese Curds: Packers suddenly control their own destiny in NFC playoff race

One missed field goal later and suddenly the Green Bay Packers control their own destiny in the race for the NFC’s top seed.

Thanks to the San Francisco 49ers losing last night to the Seattle Seahawks in overtime, Green Bay can go into their bye week knowing they have a legitimate shot at home field advantage in the playoffs

Raise your hand if you thought this was a possibility back in January. I’m guessing not many hands went up.

Green Bay also remains in strong contention for at least a first round bye as well. Thanks to the Saints somehow losing to the Atlanta Falcons, the Packers are now in sole position of the second seed in the NFC and can steal the top seed at least momentarily with a win in San Francisco.

As awesome as that is, Green Bay still has to maintain focus on their own division too with the Minnesota Vikings only a game back and playing well behind a rejuvenated Kirk Cousins. It’s looking very likely that the NFC North will come down to Week 16 when the Packers meet the Vikings in Minneapolis where the Packers have yet to win at US Bank Stadium.

It’s nice to be able to talk about playoffs being a legitimate possibility in mid-November again after the past two seasons where the Packers were fading out of contention. Fans should never take these kinds of seasons for granted as we’ve seen how quickly fortunes can change in the NFL (‘sup, Chicago Bears?)

Packers lead division, hold No. 2 seed in NFC after 10 weeks—Packers Wire

The Packers can make a huge statement should they beat San Francisco on the road not just in the standings but in narrative. Lambeau Field is suddenly a tough place to play again and none of the contending NFC teams want to come to Green Bay in January.

Packers have ‘a lot to improve upon’ during bye week before San Francisco showdown—PackersNews.com

Green Bay is also self-aware enough that they need to look at themselves in the mirror to get where they want to go in the final six games of the season. The defense especially has a lot to take in considering the amount of big plays being given up.

Zeke Bratkowski, valuable Lombardi-era backup QB, dies at 88—Packers.com

RIP to Bart Starr’s backup. We can only imagine conversations he will be having with Bart now.

Rolexes for everyone: Preston Smith proving value for Packers—ESPN

It was the Smith if Preston and not Za’Darius that reached 10 sacks first and per a deal the two made, Preston bought Rolex watches for the entire team. Everyone was talking about Za’Darius but Preston’s impact is arguably just as big. Fans are lucky to have both in Green Bay.

British runner completes marathons in all 196 countries—UPI

Carmen Sandiego has nothing on this guy. Running marathons since 11 and visiting every country by age 30. Wonder what his retirement plans are now? Visiting every planet in the solar system?