The Green Bay Packers currently sit at 9-4, with a strong 97% chance of making the playoffs according to the NFL’s official projections. However, their hopes of reclaiming the NFC North title for the first time since 2021 appear slim.
Trailing the division-leading Detroit Lions by three games with only four left to play—and with Detroit holding the tiebreaker—the Packers are effectively out of the race for the division crown. Additionally, they remain two games behind the second-place Minnesota Vikings, further cementing their focus on the playoffs rather than the divisional title.
Packers Shift Focus to Playoffs, Not the NFC North
A three-year stretch without an NFC North title would tie Green Bay’s longest drought since the early 2000s, when the team went four seasons without topping the division from 1998 to 2001.
Despite Thursday’s loss to the Lions effectively ending their divisional hopes, Green Bay can still find reasons for optimism. Quarterback Jordan Love delivered another turnover-free performance, the offensive line allowed just one sack, and running back Josh Jacobs showcased his talent with a standout three-touchdown rushing game. These positives provide much to build on as the team enters its mini-bye week.
Tucker Kraft Evaluates Packers’ Recent Play and Goals Ahead
Tight end Tucker Kraft shared his candid thoughts on the team’s current status and highlighted the shortcomings from their outing at Ford Field. Speaking to Matt Schneidman, Kraft reflected on the need for improvement in both technique and execution as the Packers prepare for the critical stretch ahead.
“Last game was a check for us because we had guys playing with—myself included—playing with aggression but not necessarily the best technique,” Kraft explained.
“There were a few times I went in full head of steam trying to hit a guy, but my angles were off and I wasn’t staying connected to my block. That’s the difference between a tackle on the line of scrimmage and an explosive play.”
Kraft continued: “Going forward, we’ll take it one game at a time, one play at a time. This next storm of games, we’re gonna be locked in—we’re going to be energized; we’re going to bring that juice.”
Kraft’s remarks offer an honest assessment of Green Bay’s performance, pointing to missed arm tackles and lapses in focus, including Christian Watson’s first-half fumble, which undermined much of the team’s overall efforts.
Kraft’s Rising Leadership and Playmaking Impact
In just his second NFL season, Kraft has quickly emerged as a vocal leader in the Packers’ locker room. The former South Dakota State standout currently ranks eighth in the league among tight ends with 521 receiving yards and third in touchdown receptions with seven.
Kraft’s ability to balance his receiving prowess with his eagerness to block has established him as a crucial piece of head coach Matt LeFleur’s outside zone running scheme. His consistent ability to create rushing lanes has only bolstered his reputation as a top-10 tight end in the league.
As the Packers head into the final stretch of the season, Kraft’s leadership and contributions on the field will be critical in their pursuit of a playoff run.
