NFL Power Rankings: Panthers, Patriots and Bengals at the top entering Week 14

9. team. 49. <p>In the waning seconds of Thursday Night Football, the Green Bay Packers saved their season. Whether or not there was merit in the facemask penalty can be debated to the end of time (it was a penalty, even if a slight graze, for what it’s worth). What’s undeniable is that the “Miracle in Motown” effectively kept Green Bay’s season alive.</p> <p>Though a loss wouldn’t have officially ended the Pack’s playoff hopes, it would’ve crippled their spirits and shat them out. Green Bay has played absolutely atrocious ball for the past six weeks (save a game against the Vikings). The offense has looked inept, Eddie Lacy has been nonexistent, and the losses have happened against teams good (Panthers and Broncos), bad (Lions), and in between (Bears).</p> <p>It’s only fitting that the team that started Green Bay’s slide, Detroit, is the one that could potentially end it. Now the challenge will be to see if the Hail Mary kicks the team back into gear. We’ve seen false hope before – the Vikings blowout – but that proved a band-aid on a gaping wound.</p> <p>Aaron Rodgers and Clay Matthews needs to rally the troops for this last push through December. Next week’s game against the Cowboys could help build momentum, too.</p> <p>Where we sit now, everything is lining up for a stellar Week 17 Vikings-Packers battle for the NFC North.</p>. (8-4). Previous: . green bay packers