Even after perhaps their most disappointing loss of the season, the Green Bay Packers still have an opportunity to make the playoffs.
But their margin for error is much narrower.
The Packers (6-7) ended a three-game winning streak in desultory fashion Monday night, falling 24-22 to the New York Giants. Green Bay still would have the NFC’s third and final wild-card playoff berth if the season ended today, thanks to various tiebreakers.
Atlanta, New Orleans, Seattle, Tampa Bay and the Los Angeles Rams are also 6-7. The Buccaneers visit Lambeau Field on Sunday.
There were plenty of issues in every phase that hindered the Packers on Monday.
On defense, the Packers allowed the Giants to run wild and failed to get a sack against a team that has allowed a league-high 69 of them. On offense, the Packers turned the ball over on back-to-back possessions and struggled in the red zone. On special teams, the Packers fumbled a punt and missed a 45-yard field goal.
Green Bay still found itself in position to win after Jordan Love’s 6-yard touchdown pass to Malik Heath put the Packers ahead 22-21 with 1:33 remaining, but Tommy DeVito drove the Giants into position for Randy Bullock’s 37-yard field goal as time expired.
DeVito picked Green Bay’s defense apart on that final drive, throwing four straight completions totaling 53 yards.
As poorly as the offense played for most of the game, the Packers still managed to score on their final two possessions to pull ahead after trailing 21-13 with under six minutes left.
The Packers allowed 209 yards rushing, the fourth time this season an opponent has run for at least 200 yards. The Packers have given up at least 140 yards rushing in five straight games.
After not committing a single turnover during their three-game winning streak, the Packers lost two fumbles and threw an interception Monday.
WR Dontayvion Wicks hurt his ankle and WR Jayden Reed was evaluated for a concussion after the game. LaFleur didn’t have updates regarding either player on Tuesday. CB Jaire Alexander (shoulder) missed a fifth straight game, RB Aaron Jones (knee) sat out a third straight and LB Quay Walker (shoulder) also didn’t play.
The Packers seek to strengthen their playoff position and damage a rival when they host the Bucs.
