Latest update:Packers at Jaguars Three Explanations behind Confidence

GREEN BAY, Wis. – Following back-to-back losses, the Green Bay Packers are down in the NFC playoff race. But they’re not out…

According to The New York Times, the Packers have a 22 percent chance to reach the playoffs. But if they can beat the Carolina Panthers on Sunday, that would set up a huge Sunday night showdown at the Minnesota Vikings. Win that game, and they could have a win-and-in finale against the Chicago Bears.

But first, they’ve got to beat the Panthers. And they will. Here are the weekly reasons for optimism

Joe Barry’s Packers defense was embarrassed by Tommy DeVito. It was destroyed by Baker Mayfield. On Sunday, the matchup is against Panthers rookie Bryce Young, the No. 1 overall pick of the 2023 NFL Draft

Young has not been good. Of 30 qualifying quarterbacks, he’s 30th in passer rating, 29th in completion percentage and 30th in yards per attempt. With nine touchdowns vs. nine interceptions, only New England’s Mac Jones has a worse touchdown-to-interception ratio. He hasn’t reached 200 passing yards since October. The No. 1 receiver, former Vikings star Adam Thielen, is averaging 9.8 yards per catch.

With an ineffective passing game and inefficient running game, Carolina ranks 29th in scoring, 30th in total offense, 32nd in yards per play, 32nd in passing per play and 24th in rushing per play. Plus, it’s 24th on third down and 29th in the red zone. Otherwise, to quote the great football historian and breakfast aficionado Tony the Tiger, they’re “Greeeeeeat