The Green Bay Packers took one on the chin in Week 12. They entered the week 8-2 but left 8-3 after a blowout 37-8 loss to the San Francisco 49ers. Still, 8-3 is nothing to be ashamed of, and it's good enough to put them in first place in the NFC North.
They are barely clinging on at the moment, but hey, first place is first place. It's hard to complain about the position they are in, especially with how last season went and with some of the injuries they've dealt with throughout 2019.
So with Week 13 approaching, here are two things the Packers should be thankful for entering Thanksgiving Day.
Remaining Schedule
At 8-3 the Packers are actually tied with the Minnesota Vikings when it comes to record. However, they hold the tiebreaker over them, therefore, the Packers lead the division.
Meanwhile, three teams have better records than them. The San Francisco 49ers are 10-1, while the Seattle Seahawks and New Orleans Saints are both 9-2.
Look at the rest of the Packers' schedule though.
First of all, the Vikings and Seahawks play each other in Week 13. Seattle and San Francisco play each other in the final week of the season as well. And the 49ers and Saints play each other in Week 14.
The Packers' next game is against the New York Giants (2-9). Their next game is against the Washington Redskins (2-9).
Then they have the Chicago Bears, who have been miserable offensively and a major disappointment this season. Next is a game against the Vikings, where the Packers can truly clinch their fate. Finally, a game against the Lions, who just lost to the Redskins and might not have Matt Stafford back this year.
So either the Vikings or Seahawks will lose this week. The next week, the 49ers or Saints will lose. Then in the final week of the season, the 49ers or Seahawks will lose. That gives the Packers every opportunity to gain ground and not only win the division, but get a bye and home-field advantage.
Green Bay has to be thankful for the way the schedule plays out for the rest of the year.
The Health of Aaron Rodgers
Green Bay has played 11 games this year. Aaron Rodgers has played in 11 games this year.
After appearing in just seven games in 2017, Rodgers is now on-pace to play a full slate of games for the second season in a row. That's massive, and an obvious reason for why the Packers are 8-3 and in a clear playoff spot at the moment.
Rodgers has had a few dud games, but for the most part, he's been a star. The quarterback has completed 64.5% of his passes for 2,822 yards and 18 touchdowns compared to just two interceptions. That's even more impressive considering superstar wide receiver Davante Adams has missed some time this year.
With Rodgers at quarterback, you can never completely count out the Packers heading into a contest. His health makes them a serious contender, and there is no denying he's been one of the main reasons they're off to such a good start.
Any fan of Green Bay should be thankful for the quarterback being healthy in 2019. And there's no doubt in my mind the Packers themselves are loving it too.
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