Bengals-49ers Super Bowl dream is over

GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN – NOVEMBER 28: Jordan Love #10 and Josh Jacobs #8 of the Green Bay Packers leave the field with turkey after defeating the Miami Dolphins 30-17 at Lambeau Field on November 28, 2024 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)

Last week’s ranking:9

How much credit do the Packers deserve for beating diminished versions of former contenders? A 7-1 streak includes wins over the Dolphins, Texans, 49ers and Rams. None seem to provide the kind of foundation on which a playoff run can thrive.

On the other hand, Jeff Hafley’s defense hasn’t allowed more than 20 points in any game since the team’s bye and Green Bay’s running attack is thriving. The Packers could be a paper tiger. Or they might be fine.