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NFL Playoffs 2016: 5 reasons the Green Bay Packers will make it

By John Buhler

Dec 11, 2016; Green Bay, WS, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) is pressured by Seattle Seahawks defensive end Cliff Avril (56) during the quarter at Lambeau Field. Mandatory credit: Mark Hoffman/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel via USA TODAY NETWORK
Dec 11, 2016; Green Bay, WS, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) is pressured by Seattle Seahawks defensive end Cliff Avril (56) during the quarter at Lambeau Field. Mandatory credit: Mark Hoffman/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel via USA TODAY NETWORK /
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Dec 11, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) prepares to throw the ball during the second quarter against the Chicago Bears at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 11, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) prepares to throw the ball during the second quarter against the Chicago Bears at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Matthew Stafford’s finger

For whatever reason, the Lions have had their issues with the Chicago Bears this season. They split their season series by outlasting them on Sunday at Ford Field 20-17, but it might be a moderately costly victory for Detroit.

The Lions are 9-4 due in large part to an MVP caliber season from starting quarterback Matthew Stafford, who rises to the occasion almost weekly to win tight ball games for the Lions in the fourth quarter. In 12 of the Lions’ 13 games this season, Detroit has either won or lost by seven points or less. Stafford is the difference maker on the Detroit offense.

While Detroit is 9-4, leading the NFC North, and would be the No. 2 seed in the NFC Playoffs if the season ended today, Stafford seemed to have suffered an injury to a finger on his throwing hand. He potentially has ligament damage, and while he has the strongest right arm in the NFL, this isn’t good for the Lions playing in cold-weather games.

Stafford isn’t going to have any issue throwing the football through the harsh northern winds with his howitzer of a right arm, but could an ailing finger hurt his accuracy? Since the Oakland Raiders’ Derek Carr wrecked his pinky finger a few weeks ago, his accuracy and overall play has diminished.

Detroit doesn’t have much margin for error, as the Lions’ success the season falls greatly on Stafford. He and offensive coordinator Jim Bob Cooter may look to devise a conservative game plan to mask his injured finger. However, will that limit his overall effectiveness? Does he start to throw interceptions or fail to complete crucial third downs because of his finger? Regardless, having a botched finger on one’s throwing hand doesn’t help at all.

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