Aren't the playoffs fun? And we aren't even there yet!

The playoffs are fun when you are in them. And, for the first time in the Aaron Rodgers era, the Packers are. With yesterday's win over the Seahawks and the Giants embarrassing loss to the Panthers, the Pack secured one of the two NFC wildcard spots.

Still to be determined, with one week left in the regular season, is who the Packers will play. There are a number of scenarios, but it seems as if most of them point to the Pack meeting the Cardinals -- their opponent this coming Sunday -- in the first round. Playing a team two weeks back to back has its advantages and disadvantages. Neither team is obviously going to want to show too much. And with neither team having much to play for, how much will each of the coaches expose their starters to possible injury? You have to figure that, yes, they'd each like to win the final regular season game but not at the possible loss of key players. The playoff spot is secure and, for the Packers, it won't really matter much (well, kinda sorta) whether they win or lose the final game except for the final standings. So, the goal now becomes setting things up to win that wildcard game. More about that in days to come.

For now, you might find it entertaining to make use of the Yahoo Sports NFL Playoff Scenario Generator to see for yourself who the Pack could likely play in that first round. As noted earlier, most things point to the Cardinals. But, if Da Bearz were somehow to upset the ViQueens this evening in Chicago, it certainly can affect the scenarios.

So, just enjoy the fact that the Packers are back in the playoffs. They are seemingly peaking at the right time. They've got a Pro Bowl level quarterback at the helm and his name isn't Favre, but Aaron Rodgers. The defense -- despite having the secondary get lit up in Pittsburgh a week ago -- is playing at a high level. And perhaps Ryan Grant's late season surge is once again on display, with able back up coming from veterans Ahman Green and Brandon Jackson. And as for the receiving corps -- wideouts and tight ends -- as they say out East, fuggetaboutit.

Go Pack Go!!!

Win a trip for 4 to Packers playoff game!
From Packers eNews:

Fans Can Win Trip For Four To Packers Playoff Game On Packers.com

Online Sign-up For Package Runs From Dec. 28 Through Jan. 2

Playoff fever for Packers fans has arrived, and fans have the opportunity to build their anticipation for the postseason with a chance to win a trip for four to the Packers' Wild Card playoff game the weekend of Jan. 9-10 through a contest on Packers.com.

Beginning today and running through Jan. 2, 2010, fans can sign up for the chance to win the playoff package, which includes four tickets to the game, roundtrip airfare for four from anywhere in the continental United States (excluding Alaska and Hawaii), and two hotel rooms for two nights.

The winner will be chosen Jan. 3, and all arrangements will be made Jan. 4 once the game date and site are confirmed. A Jan. 9 game will see the winner and guests depart Jan. 8 and return Jan. 10. A Jan. 10 game will see a Jan. 9 departure and Jan. 11 return.

Registration for the contest and full details are available online here.

Potential winners must comply with the contest's official rules. The Packers will select the winner in a random drawing from all eligible entries received during the promotion period. The potential winners will be notified by telephone or e-mail. - Enter To Win!