Fans of veteran quarterbacks Tom Brady and Aaron Rodgers have plenty to smile about following the NFL's most recent weekend of activities.
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Indeed, both men still have logical odds of advancing to the next playoffs despite the sub-.500 records of their respective teams, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Green Bay Packers. They have an identical record of 7-8, which still allows them to hope for qualification in the National Association, even if the first months of the campaign have offered their fair share of trouble.
In the case of the “Bucs”, the finish line seems very close, with the weakness of the South section helping the cause a lot. A triumph at the expense of the Carolina Panthers next weekend will confirm the conquest of the division title in Tampa Bay.
Brady, 45, also believes that Sunday's 19-16 overtime win against the Arizona Cardinals is a reflection of his team's journey in 2022. No one threw in the towel in the locker room . “This formation showed all its determination. We fought hard and, even if this 7-8 performance is not what we wanted, we will have the opportunity to win a championship game next week,” the number 12 told NFL.com. .
Not impossible, but...
As for the Packers, the task appears more complicated, but not impossible. Currently, they are on the outside of the playoff picture and will need to be perfect in their last two meetings, against the Minnesota Vikings and the Detroit Lions, in order to maintain their chances of advancing. They will also need a misstep from the Washington Commanders, holders of seventh place in the National, or two losses from the New York Giants, sixth.
“A lot of scenarios have turned in our favor. All the games that were supposed to end the right way ended up like this. We are at 7-8 and I would rather be at 10-5 or 11-4. However, considering where we were a few weeks ago [it's very good]..., Rodgers told the media after the 26-20 victory over the Miami Dolphins. Now there is a lot to play for, but we played important games in December and we won them all. There, we will play significant matches in January and we will have to win them.
