The Green Bay Packers are coming off a third straight win against the Miami Dolphins and are the big winners of Week 16, and home field advantage could be a key asset in the season finale.

Four weeks ago, the playoffs seemed out of reach for the Green Bay Packers. Aaron Rodgers and Co. had lost to the Philadelphia Eagles on 27 November and stood at an atrocious interim record of four wins and eight losses.

28 days later, the Packers’ world looks completely different. The 26:20 against the Miami Dolphins was their third win in a row. Before that, they won the games against the Los Angeles Rams (24:12) and against the Chicago Bears (28:19).

This allows them to dream of the playoffs again!

“This is something special. Everything that had to happen happened this weekend,” said Aaron Rodgers after the game. He wasn’t just referring to his own game. Whether it was the New York Giants, the Washington Commanders, the Seattle Seahawks or the Detroit Lions – all direct competitors in the NFC lost their games.

The Packers are still dependent on help from other teams. But with an interim record of seven wins and eight losses, they are within striking distance of the Commanders, who currently occupy the seventh and final playoff spot in the NFC with a record of 7-7-1.&bsp;

Aaron Rodgers thanks the defence

Rodgers knew he had the defence to thank for the important win in Miami: “Our defence stepped up and played outstanding.” The defence did allow 20 points until halftime, but none at all after that.

The Dolphins’ last three drives all ended with an interception – by Jaire Alexander, De’Vondre Campbell and Rasul Douglas. Prior to that, a recorded fumble occurred.

“Any time you get four takeaways in a game, you should win that game,” Head Coach Matt LaFleur said. “Our guys put more pressure on Tua (Tagovailoa) and got him out of the pocket.” The increase in defence gave the offence around Rodgers the opportunity to turn the game around.

“We were down 10-20 and then we scored 16 points,” the passer said. “With the offence, we struggled in the red zone. But we found a way to win the game. I’m proud of the team. “

Franchise record holder Mason Crosby kicks for 14 points

Rodgers completed 24 of its 38 passes for 238 yards, threw one touchdown pass and one interception. The running game was not a factor with only 79 rushing yards. But kicker Mason Crosby provided the decisive points.

The 38-year-old converted all four of his field goal attempts and both extra points. He also set a record for the most games played in franchise history – 262.

“He’s a great leader,” praised Packers special teams coach Rich Bissacia. “He’s been through a lot in football. I think he’s done a great job of building the right culture within special teams. “

Matt LaFleur praises the “collective team effort “

Also important: The Packers proved in the game against the Dolphins that they can also compensate for short-term absences. Cornerback Keisean Nixon, wide receiver Christian Watson, right tackle Yosh Nijman and defensive lineman Dean Lowry were taken out of the game due to injury and replaced well.

“It’s cool to see someone step up and take advantage when you lose someone,” LaFleur said. “It was a total, collective team effort and we did what we needed to do to get the win. “

Aaron Rodgers warns opponents, “It’s cold in Green Bay “

Home field advantage could play an important role in the season finale. The last two games against the Minnesota Vikings, who have already secured their play-off ticket, and the Detroit Lions, who are a direct competitor, take place at home in Lambeau Field.

“They’re good football teams,” Rodgers knows. And yet, the Packers would have a big advantage against both teams. They are used to playing outdoors in bone-chilling sub-zero temperatures. That doesn’t apply to the Vikings and Lions because their stadiums are covered.

“It’s cold in Green Bay,” Rodgers announces. Asked how he feels about his own playoff chances now, he answers: “Definitely better than four weeks ago.”

A lot can change in 28 days.