The NFC North is shaping up to be a December drama, and after Sunday’s showdown between the Packers and Bears, the stakes just got even higher.
Green Bay came out on top in a gritty, physical battle against Chicago - their first meeting of the season - and with that win, the Packers now sit atop the division standings. But don’t get too comfortable: these two teams are set to run it back in just two weeks, and the rematch could very well decide who walks away with the division crown.
Meanwhile, the Lions are still hanging around. Their Thursday night win kept their postseason hopes alive, but at 1-3 in division play, Detroit’s path to the top is steep. They’re a step behind both Green Bay and Chicago, and with just four games left, every snap matters.
Here’s where things stand in the NFC North after Week 14:
NFC North Standings (After Week 14)
1.
Green Bay Packers (9-3-1)
2.
Chicago Bears (9-4)
3.
Detroit Lions (8-5)
4.
Minnesota Vikings (5-8)
That tie on Green Bay’s record? It’s proving to be more than just a statistical quirk - it’s the edge they needed to leapfrog the Bears and take control of the division.
Chicago slides into second, still in strong wild-card position, but now looking up at a familiar rival. Detroit, sitting in third, is just a game back of the Bears and still very much in the mix.
As for the Vikings, a year removed from a 14-3 campaign, they’re now staring down a last-place finish.
Let’s break down what’s ahead for each team as we enter the final stretch.
Green Bay Packers Remaining Schedule
- 12/14 @ Broncos - 4:25 p.m. ET, CBS
- 12/20 @ Bears - 8:20 p.m. ET, FOX
- TBD vs. Ravens - TBD
- TBD @ Vikings - TBD
The Packers’ road to the postseason isn’t exactly a cakewalk, but it’s manageable. Next up is a tough trip to Denver, where the altitude and a resurgent Broncos defense could pose problems. But the real spotlight is on December 20th - a primetime clash in Chicago that could be the NFC North’s defining moment.
After that, Green Bay gets a break with a banged-up Ravens squad and a Vikings team that’s struggled to find its footing all season. If the Packers can take care of business, they’re in the driver’s seat - and maybe more.
Chicago Bears Remaining Schedule
- 12/14 vs. Browns - 1:00 p.m.
ET, FOX
- **12/20 vs.
Packers** - 8:20 p.m. ET, FOX
- 12/28 @ 49ers - 8:20 p.m. ET, NBC
- TBD vs. Lions - TBD
Chicago’s path is a gauntlet. They get a bit of a breather next week hosting a struggling Browns team, but it’s full throttle from there.
The Week 16 rematch with Green Bay is a must-win if the Bears want to reclaim the division lead. Then it’s a cross-country trip to face the 49ers - a team that’s been a juggernaut at home and a direct wild-card competitor.
And if the playoff picture is still murky come Week 18? That finale against Detroit could be a win-or-go-home scenario. The Lions already have a win over Chicago this season, so the tiebreaker would swing their way if they can do it again.
Detroit Lions Remaining Schedule
- 12/14 @ Rams - 4:25 p.m. ET, FOX
- 12/21 vs. Steelers - 4:25 p.m.
ET, CBS
- 12/25 @ Vikings - 4:30 p.m.
ET, Netflix
- TBD @ Bears - TBD
Detroit’s playoff push is going to require some serious road warrior energy. Three of their last four games are away from home, and three of those matchups are against teams currently holding playoff spots. That’s a brutal slate for a team trying to claw its way into the postseason.
The Lions have already dropped both games to Green Bay, which hurts. But if they can sweep the Bears - they’ve already beaten them once - Detroit could sneak in via the tiebreaker. That Week 18 game in Chicago looms large.
What’s at Stake
The NFC North has turned into a three-team race with everything on the line. Green Bay has the edge, but nothing’s locked in.
Chicago is fighting to stay in the hunt, and Detroit’s hoping to crash the party late. Every game from here on out carries playoff implications - and with so many divisional matchups still to come, this race is far from over.
Buckle up. December football in the NFC North is about to get wild.