How the Packers’ victory underscores the value of the home field advantage
Matt Schneidman, Packers beat writer: If you did not realize how difficult it is to visit Green Bay in December or January, just look at how much the Titans’ offense struggled in the snow on Sunday night in their 40-14 defeat against the Packers. Tennessee tied for first place in the league with 31.1 points per game entering week 16, but the Packers allowed only 14, intercepting Ryan Tannehill twice and keeping Derrick Henry under 100 yards. With a win next Sunday against the Bears, Green Bay ensures the advantage of the home field and no team wants to come here next month.
The Bears’ revival: real progress or an easy schedule?
Kevin Fishbain, Bears beat writer: It’s definitely one thing to take advantage of an easy schedule, and getting the Texans, Vikings and Jaguars in a row helps, but the Bears are not just winning these games. They throw it up offensively. And let’s remember – Minnesota fought for its playoffs. It’s been 55 years since the Bears scored 30 points in four consecutive games. I’m sure they played consecutive games against bad teams at some point in those decades. The Bears can get credit for exploiting their opponents, but that does not mean they are more than they are – a number 7 series.
How realistic is the Cowboys’ NFC East hope?
Jon Machota, Cowboys beat writer: The Cowboys’ chances of winning the NFC East are very realistic. They have a lot of problems, but they are surprisingly on a winning streak of three games. The biggest difference lately was the defense, which eventually found stability and took the ball away. The Dallas offensive line finally has continuity, and Andy Dalton has developed a good relationship with an excellent group of wide receivers. Someone has to win this awful section. The Cowboys’ chances at this point are about as good as anyone’s. Now they just need help from the Eagles.
Where does this leave the giant section hoping?
Dan Duggan, Giants beat writer: The Giants’ NFC East hope is grim. They got the nod to stay alive Sunday afternoon as Washington lost to Carolina and Philadelphia beat Dallas. But the Giants still need to beat the Cowboys and let the Eagles defeat Washington in Week 17 to hit a 6-10 record due to tiebreakers. It’s a long chance and after watching the Giants’ result on Sunday, the playoffs look like a dream at this point.
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