NFL Playoff Prediction: Are Aaron Rodgers and The Green Bay Packers In Or Out?

In a 7-3 loss to the Detroit Lions (yes, the Detroit Lions) on Sunday, Aaron Rodgers sustained his second concussion of the season late in the second quarter.

He was not able to return to the game and had to watch from the sideline as the Packers dropped to 8-5. Fortunately for Green Bay, the New England Patriots destroyed the Chicago Bears on Sunday by a score of 36-7.

Now, the Packers find themselves in a difficult situation. They are one game back in the NFC North and one game behind the New York Giants in the wild card race.

The Packers' playoff hopes went from good to bad in the course of one week.

Here, we'll take a look at five reasons the Green Bay Packers won't make the 2010 NFL Playoffs.

5. Weather

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MINNEAPOLIS, MN - DECEMBER 12: A car navigates a one track snow covered road after a snow storm December 12, 2010 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. A blizzard dumped more than 20 inches of snow in parts of the Midwest forcing the NFL football game between the

The Green Bay Packers ironically aren't built to succeed in adverse weather.

Their offense is based on short passes, which rely on timing and quick cuts by receivers.

That will be hard to do in the snow and wind that comes with winter.

Green Bay's last three games will all be outside, one in New England this Sunday and two at Lambeau Field the last two weeks of the season.

4. Lack of a Consistent Running Game

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GREEN BAY, WI - DECEMBER 05: James Starks #44 of the Green Bay Packers runs against the San Francisco 49ers at Lambeau Field on December 5, 2010 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The Packers defeated the 49ers 34-16. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

James Starks has been an improvement over Brandon Jackson in the running game, but the Packers still can't run the ball to save their lives.

The line can't open up holes, and when they do, the running backs dance around too much and get stopped for a loss.

In December, especially when you play in a cold weather stadium, you need to be able to run the ball.

Right now, the Packers simply can't do that.

3. Mike McCarthy

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MINNEAPOLIS - NOVEMBER 21: Head Coach Mike McCarthy of the Green Bay Packers on the sidelines against the Minnesota Vikings at the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome on November 21, 2010 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)

McCarthy has proven time and time again that he can't coach his teams to wins in close ballgames.

The Packers have lost five games this year by a combined 16 points. You'd think that maybe, in even one of those games, McCarthy would be able to dial up the right play at the right time to give his team a chance to win.

He's also horrible at using challenges and often won't listen when his players are lobbying for him to throw the red flag.

At this point, he's hindering the Packers more than he's helping them.

2. Brutal Schedule

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DETROIT - NOVEMBER 25: Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots reacts after a Detroit Lions turnover during the game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field on November 25, 2010 in Detroit, Michigan. New England defeated Detroit 45-24. (Photo by Leon

The Packers last three games look like this: at New England, home vs. New York Giants, home vs. Chicago.

That's brutal to say the least.

The Patriots can clinch home field advantage with a win this weekend, so they'll have their foot on the gas pedal.

Then, the Giants are fighting for their division title and to hold off the Packers in the wild card race.

Finally, the Bears might be playing for a division title in Week 17 as well. And, even if they've clinched, it's still a big rivalry game, so they'll be playing their best football.

I wouldn't be surprised to see the Packers finish the year 0-3 in their last three games.

1. Aaron Rodgers' Injury

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DETROIT, MI - DECEMBER 12: Aaron Rodgers #12 of the Green Bay Packers leaves the field at halftime after leaving the game with a concussion while playing the Detroit Lions on December 12, 2010 at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/

If Aaron Rodgers can't play this weekend in New England, the Packers have absolutely no chance of pulling off the upset.

Even if he does play, the Patriots are still the better football team, so a win is unlikely.

But, with every game Matt Flynn has to start, the Packers' playoff hopes will get slimmer and slimmer.

They need to get Aaron Rodgers healthy as soon as possible. Their playoff hopes depend on it.