How Green Bay Seized the 2026 Playoffs
Across all three rounds, the Green Bay Packers demonstrated every trait required of a champion, control, composure and resilience. The Cheeseheads dominated when necessary, surviving when tested, and holding their ground when the margin began to dwindle.
1. Best Team Win
Wild Card Round vs Chicago (31–13)
The foundation of the championship was laid immediately.
Against a division rival in a win-or-go-home environment, Green Bay delivered its most complete team performance of the postseason, potentially the season as a whole. The offense played efficiently, the defense controlled possession, and the game never drifted into doubt.
Key markers:
- Five total takeaways
- Plus-four turnover margin
- Balanced attack with three rushing touchdowns
- Held Chicago to 13 points
This was not the flashiest win — it was the most important.
It established control, confidence, and playoff identity in front of the Lambeau faithful.
2. Best Offensive Performance
NFC Championship vs Washington (56–52)
When the moment demanded firepower, Green Bay answered with its most explosive performance of the year.
In a back-and-forth championship game where every drive mattered, the Packers produced 56 points and over 500 yards of offense, refusing to blink as Washington matched score for score.
Offensive highlights:
- 523 total yards
- 428 passing yards
- Five passing touchdowns
- Converted 66.7% of third downs
This was an offense at its ceiling — aggressive, adaptable, and relentless.
3. Best Defensive Performance
Wild Card Round vs Chicago
While later rounds turned into shootouts, the Wild Card game showcased the defense at its most dominant.
Spearheaded by Xavier McKinney’s two interceptions, the Packer’s ability to generate takeaways eliminated Chicago’s momentum early and repeatedly shortened the field for the offense. No other defensive performance during the run directly controlled the outcome to this degree.
Defense didn’t just support the win — it dictated it.
4. Offensive MVP of the Playoffs
Jordan Love, QB
Across three playoff games, Jordan Love delivered one of the most complete postseason performances in league history.
Playoff totals:
- 1,061 passing yards
- 10 passing touchdowns
- Only 2 interceptions
- Completion percentage never below 71%
Love excelled in every environment:
- Efficient and controlled in the Wild Card
- Near-perfect in a Divisional shootout
- Explosive under championship pressure
This was not a hot streak — it was a leader in command.
5. Defensive MVP of the Playoffs
Xavier McKinney, FS
In a postseason defined by offense, Xavier McKinney produced the single most decisive defensive impact of the run.
His two-interception performance in the Wild Card round set the tone for the entire postseason, while his consistency and reliability in coverage stabilized the defense during high-scoring matchups that followed.
