Green Bay Packers Schedule 2017: Playoff Push Coming With Aaron Rodgers' Return?

Aaron Rodgers Packers — Aaron Rodgers, pictured at Lambeau Field on Nov. 6, 2017 in Green Bay, Wisconsin, could return to the field in Week 15 as the Green Bay Packers look to make the playoffs. Stacy Revere/Getty Images

When Aaron Rodgers went down with a broken collarbone in Week 6, it looked like the Green Bay Packers’ playoff hopes would end along with the quarterback’s season. That hasn’t happened—at least not yet—with the defending NFC North champs threatening to make the postseason as Rodgers tries to get back on the field.

Green Bay has lost five of seven games since Rodgers suffered his injury. A 6-6 record overall has the Packers out of the divisional race and two games behind the Carolina Panthers for the NFC’s second-wild card spot. The odds might not favor Green Bay re-entering the playoff picture, but the team’s upcoming schedule gives them the opportunity to make a run toward the postseason.

The Packers have a good chance to move above .500 in Week 14 when they visit the winless Cleveland Browns. That could be the team’s final game without Rodgers, who is reportedly targeting a return in Week 15 against the Panthers.

Packers targeting Week 15 at Carolina for return of QB Aaron Rodgers, contingent on Green Bay being in playoff contention and the QB receiving medical clearance, per league source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 3, 2017

With Carolina set to host the Minnesota Vikings—Minnesota would be the NFC’s No.1 seed if the season ended in Week 14—the Panthers could drop to 8-5 before hosting the Packers. That could give Green Bay an opportunity to tie Carolina in the standings on Dec. 17. A win over the Panthers would give the Packers the head-to-head tiebreaker.

The No.5 seed Seattle Seahawks share the same record as the Panthers. Green Bay has already beaten Seattle this season, and the Seahawks have two difficult games upcoming against the Jacksonville Jaguars and Los Angeles Rams.

Of course, Green Bay isn’t guaranteed to reach the playoffs if they simply jump Seattle or Carolina. The Atlanta Falcons are the NFC’s No.7 seed at 7-5, and they have a head-to-head victory over the Packers. The Detroit Lions are 6-6 with a win over Green Bay this season.

The Packers end the regular season with two games against NFC North opponents. They’ll host the Vikings on Saturday night in Week 16 and visit the Lions in the season finale.

Before Rodgers got hurt, the Packers went 4-1 with their only loss coming on the road against the defending NFC champs. The quarterback has a 103.2 passer rating with 13 touchdowns and three interceptions.

Remaining 2017 Schedule

Week 14: Sunday, Dec. 10 at Cleveland Browns (1 p.m. EST)

Week 15: Sunday, Dec. 17 at Carolina Panthers (1 p.m. EST)

Week 16: Saturday, Dec. 23 vs. Minnesota Vikings (8:30 p.m. EST)

Week 17: Sunday, Dec. 31 at Detroit Lions (1 p.m. EST)