The 2018 season was the Green Bay Packers' 98th season in the National Football League (NFL), their 100th overall and their 13th and final season under head coachMike McCarthy. After missing the playoffs for the first time since 2008 and losing quarterback Aaron Rodgers to injury during their 2017 season, the Packers failed to improve their 7–9 record from last season and finished with a 6–9–1 record, their worst since 2008.
For the first time since 2007, Jordy Nelson did not play for the Packers as he signed with the Oakland Raiders via free agency during the offseason.
On December 2, 2018, after a 4–7–1 start, Mike McCarthy was fired hours after the Packers’ Week 13 loss to the Arizona Cardinals and Joe Philbin was named as the interim head coach.[4] After a loss to the Chicago Bears in week 15, the Packers were eliminated from the postseason for the second consecutive season. This was the first time the Packers missed the postseason in consecutive years since 2005 to 2006. This was also the first time the Packers suffered from consecutive losing seasons since 1990 to 1991, a year before Brett Favre's arrival.
Coaching moves
After missing the playoffs, the Packers made several coaching changes during its offseason, in addition to selecting Brian Gutekunst as the team's new GM.[5][6] Notable coaching changes included:
Edgar Bennett was fired as offensive coordinator, and replaced by Joe Philbin, who had previously served as the Packers offensive coordinator from 2007 to 2011.[8]
Made roster * Made at least one Pro Bowl during career
Draft trades
The Packers traded their first-round pick (14th overall) to New Orleans in exchange for New Orleans’ first-round pick (27th overall), fifth-round pick (147th overall), and 2019 first-round pick.
The Packers traded their first-round pick traded from the Saints (27th overall), a third-round pick (76th overall) and a sixth-round pick (186th overall) to Seattle in exchange for Seattle's 18th overall pick and a seventh-round pick (248th overall).
The Packers traded their fourth-round pick (101st overall), and a fifth-round pick (147th overall) to Carolina in exchange for Carolina's 3rd-round pick (88th overall).
The Packers traded their fourth- and fifth-round selections (114th and 150th overall), and cornerback Damarious Randall to Cleveland in exchange for Cleveland's fourth-and fifth-round selections (101st and 138th overall), and quarterback DeShone Kizer
The Packers were awarded four compensatory picks (133rd, 172nd, 174th and 207th overall).
The Packers traded linebacker Lerentee McCray to Buffalo in exchange for Buffalo's seventh-round selection (239th overall).
This was the Packers' first win from a 17-point deficit or more entering the 4th quarter in franchise history. This was especially noted for Aaron Rodgers coming back into the game after being carted off with a leg injury in the first half.[72]
Week 2: vs. Minnesota Vikings
Week 2: Minnesota Vikings at Green Bay Packers – Game summary
In an upset, the Packers lost to the Cardinals at home for the first time since the 1949 season, when the Cardinals were based in Chicago, snapping a nine-game home winning streak against the team.[73]
Hours after the game, head coach Mike McCarthy was fired by the Packers.[74]
Week 14: vs. Atlanta Falcons
Week 14: Atlanta Falcons at Green Bay Packers – Game summary
With the dishearting loss the Packers not only allowed the Bears to clinch the NFC North but they themselves were disqualified from playoff contention. This was also the Packers last loss to the Bears until 2024.
Week 16: at New York Jets
Week 16: Green Bay Packers at New York Jets – Game summary
With the loss, the Packers closed out the season with a disappointing 6–9–1 record. This was the second straight year in which the Detroit Lions swept the Packers.
^ a bNew Orleans finished ahead of LA Rams based on head-to-head victory, claiming the No. 1 seed.
^ a b cAtlanta finished ahead of Washington based on head-to-head victory. Atlanta finished ahead of Carolina based on head-to-head sweep. Washington finished ahead of Carolina based on head-to-head victory.
^ a bNY Giants finished ahead of Tampa Bay based on head-to-head victory.
^When breaking ties for three or more teams under the NFL's rules, they are first broken within divisions, then comparing only the highest-ranked remaining team from each division.
Week 6: FedEx Air Player of the Week (quarterbacks)[80]
Probowler[77]
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