Packers Week 16 Rooting Guide: 3 games will help decide the Packers' seeding

For the remainder of the 2019 regular season, APC will monitor the other games around the NFL to identify which games can help the Green Bay Packers’ playoff positioning. This installment addresses the games taking place in week 16.

Last week, the Packers won a huge game against the Chicago Bears that eliminated Chicago from any playoff hopes. The Packers still control the second seed and if they win out they will secure that seed, and there will be a playoff game in Lambeau after a first round bye.

The Packers are 7-1 at home and 4-2 on the road, so securing at least one playoff game at home would be a big help.

This Monday, the Packers travel to Minneapolis for the biggest game of the season. If the Packers can beat the Vikings in Minnesota they will secure the NFC North and the lowest seed they can get is the 3rd. If the Vikings win, the Packers can still win the North if the beat the Lions in week 17.

3 other games this week can help determine the Packers playoff seeding. The coveted top seed is still up for grabs, but the Packers do need some help from the NFC West.

Saturday Night Game

Los Angeles Rams @ San Francisco 49ers

Root For: Los Angeles Rams

Last week, some how the 4-9 Atlanta Falcons won at the last second against the 49ers at the last second in the Dan Quinn revenge game, which was a big boost for the Packers number one seed hopes. For the Packers to secure this seed, the 49ers have to either lose this week against the Rams or next week against the Seahawks, of course this is all predicated on the Packers winning out.

Also, if the Rams lose the Vikings are in the playoffs and we do not want that to happen.

Sunday Morning Game

New Orleans Saints @ Tennessee Titans

Root For: Tennessee Titans

This one is much more simple. If the Packers win out they have the tie breaker over the Saints, so this game does not matter as long as Green Bay wins. Furthermore, a loss here to the Titans does not help much as it is not a conference game; a Packers loss brings them tied with the Saints on conferences losses, and New Orleans would then own the tiebreaker.

So if the Packers lose the Saints can take over the Packers for the second seed regardless of their own outcome. Still, Packer fans should be rooting for the Titans just in case.

Sunday Afternoon Game

Arizona Cardinals @ Seattle Seahawks

Root For: Arizona Cardinals

Like the 49ers, the Seahawks need to lose one more game for the Packers to have a chance at the number one seed. The most important part of that scenario is that whichever of the 49ers or Seahawks lose this week must win next week because they play each other and they both need another loss.

The Packers might just get lucky and both of them lose today, then all the Packers need to do is win out to get the 1st seed.