Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images Steady improvement from Jordan Love and a breakout game from Rashan Gary are putting the Packers near a 50/50 bet to make the playoffs. It seemed unthinkable just a few weeks ago, but suddenly the Green Bay Packers are a coin flip to make the postseason in 2023. That’s not quite true — according to the New York Times’ playoff simulator, the Packers’ odds are just a bit lower at 45% — but it’s still a remarkable turnaround from where this team sat just four weeks ago when they were 2-5. Now 5-6, the Packers are just a game behind the Minnesota Vikings with a head-to-head matchup against their NFC North rivals still ahead. But as encouraging as the recent 3-1 stretch has been in the standings, the eye test for the Packers’ offense (and Jordan Love in particular) should have fans of the team bullish about the franchise in the long term. On Thursday in Detroit, the Packers delivered their most profound statement over that month-long stretch, defeating the 8-2 Detroit Lions in a game that was not as close as its 29-22 final score suggests. The Packers have three very winnable games left against some of the worst teams in the NFC (Giants, Panthers, and Bears), so taking care of business against those teams and stealing a win against either the Chiefs, Buccaneers, or Vikings would be enough to give this team a winning record for this season and likely send them into the playoffs. Based on the teams’ recent trajectory, that doesn’t feel like a bad bet. Key to the game: Aggressive start paves the way for Packers’ victory | Packers.comUnlike much of this season, the Packers jumped out to a hot start on Thanksgiving, buoyed by a huge play on the opening snap and a big defensive score. Packers WR Christian Watson had NFL’s fastest play of Week 12 | Packers Wire
On that opening play, a 53-yard catch, Watson hit 21.53 miles per hour to lead the NFL this week. Bonus: it was also the first completion of 50 or more air yards in Jordan Love's career, though even that one could have been bigger with a more accurate throw. How Rashan Gary, Jordan Love ignited Packers’ ‘total team win’ over Lions - The Athletic ($)
Here's a look at the key players on both sides, as big days from the team's young leaders carried the day. Emotional Rashan Gary Returns to Detroit, Gets Three Sacks, Game Ball vs. Lions - Sports Illustrated
Gary's three-sack performance earned him a game ball, which in turn drew tears from the star pass-rusher. Packers extend Lions' Thanksgiving Day misery as Jordan Love shines - ESPN
The Lions now have a seven-game losing streak on Thanksgiving, while the Packers pulled the third-biggest upset on the holiday in NFL history. Fined $3300 for chicken sandwich: Australia border control say import permit needed, fine could have been higher - NZ Herald
Be sure to check your bag for unexpected food products if you're headed to Australia any time soon.
Source: https://www.acmepackingcompany.com/2023 ... ashan-gary
