Packers Clinch Playoff Berth, Eye Slim Path to NFC North Title
The Green Bay Packers didn’t take the field on Christmas, but they still got the gift they were hoping for. Thanks to the Minnesota Vikings knocking off the Detroit Lions 23-10, the Packers officially punched their ticket to the postseason - without having to lace up a single cleat.
With that result, the Lions are now out of the playoff hunt, and the Packers, once again, are in. That makes three straight playoff appearances since Jordan Love took over under center - a quietly impressive feat for a young quarterback still carving out his legacy in Titletown.
Now, let’s talk seeding. Green Bay is staring down the No. 7 seed in the NFC for the third consecutive year.
It’s not locked in yet, but it’s the most probable outcome. That said, there’s still a narrow - and we mean narrow - path to a division title.
The Packers would need to win out against two tough opponents in the Baltimore Ravens and Minnesota Vikings, while the Chicago Bears would have to drop both of their remaining games, including a tough matchup with the San Francisco 49ers and a season finale against these same Lions.
The scheduling gods have added a little drama, too. Green Bay gets their shot at the Ravens on Saturday, while the Bears don’t face the 49ers until Sunday.
So, for at least one more week, the NFC North crown remains mathematically in play. According to playoff projections, the odds are slim - just 13 percent - but in a league where anything can happen, that door isn’t shut just yet.
There’s also a scenario where the Packers could leap to the fifth or sixth seed, though that would take a perfect storm. They’d need to win out, while hoping the Rams and/or 49ers lose out - a long shot, but not impossible.
In the meantime, the Packers can start thinking about health management. Jordan Love, who’s been the steady hand guiding this team all season, was limited in practice this week as he works through concussion protocol. He’s officially listed as questionable for Saturday’s game, but there’s optimism he’ll be ready to go.
Even with some key players sidelined - including defensive end Micah Parsons, tight end Tucker Kraft, and defensive tackle Devonte Wyatt - the Packers are in the dance. And in today’s NFL, that’s all you really need. The NFC is wide open, and Green Bay has just enough firepower, experience, and grit to be a dangerous out for anyone they face.
So while the road ahead is steep, the Packers are right where they need to be - alive, in the mix, and with a shot. And in late December, that’s all you can ask for.