December Push: Packers Eye NFC North Crown as Playoff Stakes Heat Up
It’s December in Green Bay, and that means one thing: the playoff push is officially on. After three months of football, the Packers find themselves in prime position at 8-3-1, sitting right in the thick of the NFC playoff picture.
But the road ahead? It’s anything but smooth.
With four games left, Green Bay controls its destiny in the NFC North. They’ve already handled Detroit-sweeping the season series-and took care of business against Minnesota once. But the division crown will likely come down to two matchups still looming on the calendar: a pair of showdowns with the division-leading Chicago Bears.
Let’s break down what lies ahead for the Packers and why each game carries serious postseason implications.
Weeks 14 & 16: vs. Bears, at Bears - The NFC North Gauntlet
If Green Bay wants to punch its ticket to the postseason-and maybe even host a game at Lambeau-they’ll need to handle business in the division. That starts and ends with the Chicago Bears.
The Bears currently sit atop the NFC North at 9-3, just a half-game ahead of the Packers. These two haven’t squared off yet this season, but they’ll get very familiar over the next few weeks, starting with a Week 14 clash at Lambeau Field.
That game is massive. A win would vault the Packers into first place in the division and give them a critical head-to-head edge.
But it’s not just about Week 14. These rivals meet again in Week 16 in Chicago, and that game could very well decide who wears the NFC North crown.
The Packers are currently 3-0 against the division, but they’ll need at least a split with the Bears-if not a sweep-to stay in control. Win both, and Green Bay could be staring down a home playoff game for the first time since 2021. Drop both, and they may be looking at a wild card scramble.
Week 15: @ Denver Broncos - A Mile High Statement Game
Sandwiched between the two Bears games is a trip to Denver that could serve as a litmus test for just how dangerous this Packers team really is.
The Broncos are firmly in the AFC mix, gunning for the conference’s top seed. Led by Bo Nix and a balanced offensive attack, Denver has been one of the league’s more complete teams this season. Their ground game has been particularly effective, and their defense has quietly become one of the stingiest units in the league.
For the Packers, this is a chance to make a statement-not just to the NFC, but to the entire league. Green Bay has historically struggled in Denver, and this game will be a tough environment against a playoff-caliber opponent. But if they can go on the road and steal a win, it’ll send a clear message: this team is built for January.
Week 17: vs. Baltimore Ravens - Don’t Be Fooled by the Record
The Ravens roll into Lambeau in Week 17 sitting at 6-6, and while their record doesn’t scream “contender,” don’t let that fool you. Baltimore is still in the hunt in the AFC North, and they’ve got plenty of firepower to make life difficult.
Lamar Jackson is still under center, and Derrick Henry is still a load to bring down. That one-two punch on the ground is no joke, and Green Bay’s run defense will need to be on point. This is shaping up to be a cold-weather, smashmouth type of game-just the kind of December football that tests your toughness.
And make no mistake: this one will have a playoff feel. Both teams could be fighting for seeding, if not survival. The Packers can’t afford to overlook a Ravens squad that, despite its inconsistencies, still has the talent to beat anyone on any given Sunday.
Week 18: @ Minnesota Vikings - Spoiler Alert
The regular season wraps up with a trip to Minnesota, and while the Vikings are sitting at 3-9, don’t expect them to roll over.
Green Bay handled Minnesota easily in Week 12, winning 23-6. But the Vikings have a history of playing the Packers tough at home, and if there’s one thing a struggling team loves, it’s the chance to spoil a rival’s playoff party.
Depending on how the NFC North shakes out, this could be a must-win game for Green Bay-or it could be a chance to rest starters with the division already locked up. Either way, it’s a game that could help the Packers build momentum heading into the postseason. And if seeding is still on the line, expect a full-throttle effort from Matt LaFleur’s squad.
The Final Stretch
This December stretch is as critical as any the Packers have faced in recent memory. The division title, home-field advantage, and playoff seeding are all in play. Unlike last year, when Green Bay snuck into the postseason only to flame out, this year’s group has a chance to enter the playoffs with momentum-and maybe even a little swagger.
But it won’t come easy. Two games against the Bears, a road test in Denver, a physical battle with Baltimore, and a tricky finale in Minnesota-this is the kind of stretch that reveals a team’s true identity.
For the Packers, the mission is clear: win the division, secure home field, and head into January playing their best football. December will decide whether they’re contenders-or just another team on the outside looking in.