How The Packers Can Make The Playoffs: Aaron Rodgers Edition

There's a valid argument that Aaron Rodgers is the most intriguing scout team quarterback in NFL history.

Seven weeks after suffering a broken collarbone, and having two metal plates screwed into that collarbone, Rodgers is taking scout team duties at Green Bay Packer team practice this week for the first time since his injury. Apparently, he's been holding up well.

With Green Bay's dramatic 26-20 victory over Tampa Bay Sunday, and the prospect of Aaron Rodgers returning for critical divisional matchups, it looks like the Packers have something to play for after all in 2017 — and that means suiting up Rodgers for a run at the 2017 NFL playoffs.

According to a report out of Green Bay on Wednesday, Rodgers had a number of highlights, including a 55-yard strike to wide receiver Trevor Davis, who was using his blistering speed down the left sideline.

Rodgers practiced for the first time on Saturday, Dec. 2 since he broke his collarbone in a game against the Minnesota Vikings on Oct. 15. He underwent surgery on Oct. 19. He was seen on national television zipping 50-yard passes on the field two weeks ago in Pittsburgh during pregame warmups.

According to a Washington Post story, running back Jamaal Williams was astonished. “That boy,” Williams said (via the Green Bay Press-Gazette), “he came back, and he just flicked it. I was like, ‘Dang!’ I was like, ‘Wow! Are you sure that man is injured?’ I was like, ‘That is far! I couldn’t even do that on my good day.’ I mean, he flicked it. I feel like he didn’t even throw it. He just flicked it.”

According to an ESPN report, the Packers are targeting Week 15 at Carolina for Rodgers' return. He has to receive medical clearance to play, and the team will have to be in playoff contention for sure.
Obviously the Packers best chance to reach the postseason is to run the table (sound familiar anyone?)

Green Bay's Remaining 2017 Games:

Dec. 10 home vs. Cleveland Browns
Dec. 17 at Carolina Panthers
Dec. 23 home vs. Minnesota Vikings
Dec. 31 at Detroit Lions

The New York Times has a playoff scenario simulator, but it paints a dismal picture for the Green and Gold, predicting that the Packers will make the playoffs in just 7 percent of a combination of all scenarios as we stand today before a less-than-scary game against Cleveland.

CBS sports said the Packers need week-by-week help just to make the Wild Card. Take, for example, Week 14. The Packers should beat Cleveland at home, but according to CBS sports, the Saints also need to beat the Falcons, the Vikings need to beat the Panthers and the Packers need to beat the Browns. The Cowboys probably beat the Giants, and the Seahawks play at Jacksonville (that's a loss here). We're giving the Lions a win over the Bucs.

And that's just one week. With Seattle, Carolina and Atlanta all ahead of Green Bay in the Wild Card race, each week will prove to be playoff puzzle akin to that of a rubix cube. But if the Packers run the table, the New York Times gives the Packers an 89 percent probability to reach the playoffs.

NFC teams in the playoffs (as of week 13)

Minnesota Vikings (10-2)
Philadelphia Eagles (10-2)
Los Angeles Rams (9-3)
New Orleans Saints (9-3)
Seattle Seahawks (8-4)
Carolina Panthers (8-4)

NFC teams on the outside looking in

Atlanta Falcons (7-5)
Detroit Lions (6-6)
Green Bay Packers (6-6)

Green Bay Packers' Aaron Jones celebrates his touchdown run with teammates during overtime of an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Sunday, Dec. 3, 2017, in Green Bay, Wis. The Packers won 26-20. (AP Photo/Mike Roemer)