2015 was a mixed season for the Packers that ultimately ended in disappointment as they lost the Divisional Playoffs (20-26 in overtime to the Arizona Cardinals) and ended up watching the Super Bowl at home. This year, Green Bay will be hoping to go the extra yard and make it all the way to the Big Game. 888sport initially ranked them as the second favorites to go all the way, behind the New England Patriots. Here we analyse the Packers performances so far this season and what they need to do to make the Super Bowl this season.

The Season So Far

In the 2015 season, the Packers won their first six games on the bounce, which took them up to their bye week, and then lost three games in a row. This season, Green Bay may be pleased to have got a much needed win after their bye week to take their current league record to 3-1. What’s more is that the Packers got an impressive 23-16 win over the New York Giants, who have since gone on a winning streak.

A loss to the Dallas Cowboys followed, but this was somewhat expected due to the excellent season the Cowboys are having, unbeaten since their first game. Similarly, a decisive victory over the Chicago Bears was expected, the Bears are in dire form having only picked up two wins all season. That win against the Bears has since been followed by three consecutive defeats against the Atlanta Falcons, Indianapolis Colts and the Tennessee Titans. This leaves the Packers with a disappointing 4-5 record and they currently sit third in their conference and 12th in their division, six places outside the Wild Card playoff places.

The Games Ahead

Right now things aren’t looking so hot for the team who were initially listed second favorites for the Super Bowl. The good news is that there is still time to turn the season around, there are seven games left of the regular season and the Packers need to pick up some consecutive wins. Hopefully that can start this weekend when they take on the Washington Redskins. After ten games, the Redskins have a record this season of 5-3-1 after their game against Cincinnati Bengals at Wembley finished in a draw and they beat the reeling Vikings last week.

Key Players

Aaron Rodgers, who has spent his entire career at Green Bay, has been the star man for the Packers once again. So far, the quarterback has achieved 2410 passing yards, 371 of which came in the Titans game alone. Rodgers has also achieved 22 passing touchdowns and 3 rushing touchdowns for his team. Wide receivers, Davante Adams and Jordy Nelson have also been in stunning form for Green Bay so far, with Nelson achieving 635 receiving yards across the season while Adams has 621. Running back, Eddie Lacy has made 360 rushing yards across the season, 103 of which were against the Detroit Lions.

When you boil it all down, the Packers have not been firing on all cylinders, but if they can get healthy, still have the quality players to help them go all the way this season.