It's been a whirlwind of a season for the Packers, who have been about as streaky as any team in the NFL.A hot start by Jordan Love inspired hope the transition away from Aaron Rodgers would be a quick one, but the fourth-year quarterback hit some serious bumps in October to bury Green Bay in the standings.As Love showed signs of improvement, so did the Packers. Green Bay briefly jumped into a playoff spot, only for the defense to fall flat in crucial matchups and leave the Packers fighting just to stay in contention.A Week 16 win over the Panthers, while much closer than anticipated, kept the Packers' hopes very much alive. And a prime-time stomping of the Vikings in Week 17 vaulted Green Bay fully back into the playoff picture.MORE: Here's what the Packers have to do to reach the playoffs, including a look at which Emmanuel Mudiay Jersey teams Green Bay fans need to root against over the final two weeks.Packers playoff pictureThe Packers sit seventhin the NFC, jumping all the way up into the picture with a win over the Vikings. Green Bay needs to win to officially clinch its spot. Place Team Record WC1 Eagles 11-5 WC2 Rams 9-7 WC3 Packers 8-8 -- Seahawks 8-8 -- Saints 8-8 -- Vikings 7-9Sunday night's matchup between the Packers and Vikings officially became a must-win contest for Green Bay when the Rams won earlier in the day. With a lo s, the Packers would havebeen eliminated. But after winning33-10, the Packers stayed alive.The Seahawks' lo s made the path even simpler for Green Bay. If the Packers win out, they are in. If they slip up in Week 18, they'd need some help in the form of lo ses from the Seahawks, Saints and Vikings. Matt LaFleur's team can make the playoffs at 9-8, just as it could have last season.MORE: Packers remaining schedule 2023The Packers defeated the Vikings to move to 8-8. Now, they'll face the rival Bears with the playoffs on the line. Date Opponent Record Dec. 31 at Vikings* 7-8 Jan. 7 vs. Bears 6-9* - Won 33-10 Tony Bradley Jersey