There are legitimate reasons to question the Green Bay Packers’ legitimacy as a Super Bowl contender, but for as important as the last 16 games are for judging a playoff football team, a brand new season is about to start, and the Packers are just two wins away from going to Miami.

The Packers won 13 games and got themselves into the dance. Now, as the No. 2 seed, they’re in a prime position to make a Super Bowl run.

Here are five reasons for optimism as the Packers enter the postseason:

1. Defense is on a roll

Over the last five weeks of 2019, Mike Pettine’s defense gave up the second-fewest points, fourth-fewest yards per play, third-fewest first downs, fifth-lowest third-down conversion percentage and the lowest opposing passer rating and completion percentage in the NFL. They intercepted a league-high eight passes and had the seventh-most takeaways.

The competition must be considered: The Packers played three rookie quarterbacks (Daniel Jones, Dwayne Haskins and David Blough) and four teams (Redskins, Bears, Giants, Lions) ranked in the bottom half of the NFL in points scored.

Still, the Packers defense is entering the postseason playing its best football of the season. Za’Darius Smith and Kenny Clark terrorized quarterbacks over the final month, the run defense finally solidified and the secondary converted turnover opportunities.

The Packers can beat anyone in the NFC playoff field if the defense continues to dominate the line of scrimmage, pressure quarterbacks at a high rate and take the football away. Remember: The Packers were 12-0 when creating a turnover in 2019. The competition is about to rise significantly, but the Packers defense looks better prepared for the fight, especially if Smith and Clark keep playing at a high level.

2. Aaron Jones, Davante Adams and the offensive line

The Packers have been maddeningly inconsistent on offense, but any group with a pair of difference-making skill players and a talented and healthy offensive line can go a long way in the postseason. The Packers have the major ingredients: Jones is a playmaking star, Adams can beat anyone for a big play, and arguably no team left in the field has a better pass-blocking offensive line.

Another factor: Jones has been healthy for all 16 games, Adams missed only four games and the five starters along the offensive line were together for 14 straight games to end the season. Especially up front, cohesion is crucial.

Now, coach Matt LaFleur has two weeks to figure out the best and most efficient ways to get Jones and Adams the football. If Jones and Adams can create explosive plays and the offensive line keeps Aaron Rodgers protected, the Packers can get hot in the playoffs.

One thing to consider: David Bakhtiari is back to playing at an All-Pro level. His ability to take away edge rushers will be huge in the postseason.

Jones, however, would appear to be the biggest X-factor. His ability to change games as a runner and receiver is rare, and the Packers are drastically different when he’s on the field. Don’t be surprised if the entire Packers’ gameplan is centered around No. 33 in the postseason.

3. Finding ways to win (and not lose)

Winning close games is often a matter of luck, but there’s something to knowing how to win and how not to lose in big moments late in games. The Packers have found ways to escape with victories, and there’s a confidence that develops – both on offense and defense – when a team can consistently get it done and win close games.

How does a team win close games? Making big plays in crunch time and avoiding crippling late-game mistakes. Will the “luck” run out in the postseason, or will all the close-game experiences give the Packers an edge in a critical moment?

4. Special teams?

The Packers’ special teams aren’t considered one of the NFL’s best, but they do have potential game-changing players for the postseason. Kicker Mason Crosby has made 62 of 65 kicks during the 2019 season and will have a distinct advantage over any other kicker at Lambeau Field, while new returner Tyler Ervin has sparked the return game to life. Over the final four games, Ervin ranked fourth in the NFL in punt return yards, and he was one of only six returners to average over 25 kick return yards with at least five kick returns. The winning margin is often so small in the postseason. One big kick or one big return could make all the difference.

5. Aaron Rodgers getting hot

It wouldn’t be unreasonable to say the Packers passing game is close. In so many ways, it is. The design of the offense is keeping everyone involved and creating big-play opportunities. The execution has been off at times, and that’s a big problem this late into a season, but if the Packers can take a step and get everyone – including the quarterback – on the same page, this offense has huge potential. In fact, arguably no offense has more room for growth entering the postseason, and that makes the Packers especially dangerous.

Rodgers is still hugely talented and can make every single throw at any moment, but he needs to play a lot better and a lot more consistently than he did to finish the season. Whether or not LaFleur can get Rodgers going will likely determine if the Packers are one-and-done or capable of making a deep run.