There is something to be said for an opening drive that imposes your will upon the opposing defense. We saw just that Saturday Night in week 17. Derrick Henry rushed for 48 yards on 7 rushes, and the message was made loud in clear within the first 7 and a half minutes in the game, Green Bay could be in trouble. It would be true; Henry would finish the game with the most rushing yards as a visiting running back at Lambeau field of all time (216 yds).

Despite Green Bay returning the favor with a 2 play, 69-yard drive combining catches from Romeo Doubs and Christian Watson, the battle up front lost on both sides and would be far too much to overcome. No matter how good Malik Willis was, and he was great, Green Bay not being able to hold Derrick Henry in any fashion was irreparable. As late in the year as it is, a key takeaway can still be learned from such a beating. Green Bay will need Josh Jacobs at his best if they’re going to make any noise.

Yet to run for 100 yards this season, Jacobs has still managed to produce numerous great performances helping Green Bay to wins. 3 games with multiple touchdowns, Jacobs has clearly not been the same since his knee injury was re-sparked in Denver vs the Broncos. Perhaps week 18 vs the Minnesota Vikings arrives in the perfect time being that the game holds very little meaning. Green Bay will likely take the opportunity to rest starters and almost use the time as a bye week before visiting Philadelphia or Chicago as the 7 seed.

Jacobs production is immensely important. Here’s why; when Jacobs is at his best, you could argue he is a top 5-10 back in the NFL. Having an effective runner will result in being able to utilize play-action and let Green Bay really provide a balanced attack vs potential defenses like San Francisco, Chicago, and Los Angeles who have proven to be susceptible.

Like his 32-yard run vs Philadelphia in the 2024 Wild Card Round, Jacobs can change a game on any given play. In a year where it feels like every player you couldn’t survive without already being lost at one point, having Jordan Love, Josh Jacobs, and all your receiving room healthy for the playoffs surely is a positive.

With Jacobs missed time this season, Emmanuel Wilson has filled the void very effectively. Averaging more yards than Jacobs per carry, Wilson is a more than capable back when Jacobs needs a breather or cannot go. If Jacobs can produce like he is capable, and Wilson, who has played meaningful snaps this season, present a duo that can prove to be a very potent backfield in the playoffs.

The Packers offensive line clearly will have a huge impact on Jacobs ability to produce. Green Bay must feel comfortable in giving Jacobs the chance to get going. There is no hiding it, the Packers defense is a liability without Micah Parsons. With a lacking in pressure, as well as coverage, hopefully an addition of Trevon Diggs can help, but Green Bay could find themselves in shootouts long before Jacobs even gets started.

This is why Jacobs impact will be instrumental in playoff football. Look back at Green Bay’s first and only playoff win with Matt Lafleur and Jordan Love ( Wild Card Round 2024 at Dallas). Running back at the time Aaron Jones would march to beat of 118 yards and 3 touchdowns on 21 carries. Setting the tone from the jump, Green Bay would march right down the field that day on their first drive of 8 minutes, 75 yards, ending in a Jones rush.

Of course, that was then and this is now. However the idea remains the same. Josh Jacobs is more than capable of taking the bulk of a load for a team that quite frankly will want to possess the time of possession and set themselves up for momentum and consecutive scores.

Josh Jacobs re-injured his knee early in Denver but stayed in and made some of his best plays of the year. Said he and Matt LaFleur have “kinda clashed” about playing through injury several times since he arrived in Green Bay.

“Every time, I had a pretty good game.” pic.twitter.com/mutkQBjO8L

— Matt Schneidman (@mattschneidman) December 16, 2025

Josh Jacobs’ season is likely in the books.

Final numbers ⬇️
🧀 234 CAR (13th)
🧀 929 YDS (18th)
🧀 13 TDS (T-4th)
🧀 4 YPC (37th 👀)

TDs were there. Efficiency… not so much.
Rate Year 2 as RB1: 1–10 ⬇️
Did he meet your expectations? pic.twitter.com/bCvZZHcz6j

— TitletownTalks (@TitleTownTalks) December 31, 2025

#Packers QB Jordan Love getting reps with Josh Jacobs at practice. Expect the next time you’ll see both to be in the playoffs. pic.twitter.com/jk2KX6QCxF

— Ryan Wood (@ByRyanWood) January 1, 2026