The Green Bay Packers just made a loud statement in the NFC North with their win over the Chicago Bears, and while head coach Matt LaFleur is sticking to his “1-0 each week” mantra, fans have every reason to start dreaming a little bigger. The division crown is within reach-and depending on how the next few weeks shake out, Green Bay could have it wrapped up before the calendar flips to 2026.
The NFL has officially scheduled the Packers’ Week 17 matchup against the Baltimore Ravens for Saturday, December 27, in primetime. That sets up back-to-back Saturday night showcases for Green Bay-and potentially, a division-clinching moment under the lights.
Let’s break down the scenarios, week by week, and see how the Packers can secure the NFC North title.
Week 16: A Long Shot, But Not Impossible
Let’s start with the earliest possible clinching scenario. It’s a bit of a stretch, but it’s on the table.
For Green Bay to lock up the division in Week 16, they’d need to take care of business against both the Denver Broncos and the Chicago Bears. That’s the part they can control.
But they'd also need a few favors from around the league: the Bears would have to lose to the Cleveland Browns this week, and the Detroit Lions would need to drop at least one of their next two games-either against the Los Angeles Rams or the Pittsburgh Steelers.
If all of that happens, the Packers would move to 11-3-1 with two games left. Chicago would fall to 9-6, and Detroit would be either 9-6 or 8-7.
At that point, the math starts to favor Green Bay heavily. Even if the Bears or Lions win out from there, their best-case finishes (11-6) wouldn’t be enough to top the Packers, who would have a floor of 11-5-1 thanks to that Week 4 tie.
That half-game could end up being the difference-maker.
Still, this scenario leans on multiple moving parts. Let’s call it what it is: unlikely, but worth watching.
Week 17: The Prime Time Clinch
This is the one to circle: Saturday, December 27, under the lights against the Ravens. This is the most realistic shot for the Packers to clinch the division outright-and they wouldn’t need any help to do it.
If Green Bay wins its next three-at Denver, at Chicago, and then at home against Baltimore-they’ll be sitting at 12-3-1. That’s a mark neither the Bears nor Lions can catch.
Let’s do the math: if Detroit wins out, they top out at 12-5. If Chicago loses to the Packers, their best-case finish is also 12-5.
But Green Bay, with a 12-3-1 record, would have the edge over both. That tie again plays a crucial role, giving the Packers just enough cushion to stay out in front.
The bonus? Green Bay plays before either of their division rivals in Week 17.
If they beat the Ravens, they could be celebrating a division title before the Bears or Lions even take the field. That would be a statement-and a pretty sweet way to cap off a Saturday night at Lambeau.
Week 18: The Nail-Biter Finish
Of course, if things don’t go perfectly in the next two weeks, we could be looking at a Week 18 showdown with everything on the line.
This is still the most likely path-where the NFC North race comes down to the final day of the regular season. The Packers' margin for error is slim, and any slip-up opens the door for the Bears or Lions to stay in the hunt.
Chicago could still make noise if they take care of business elsewhere and get a win over Green Bay at Soldier Field. Meanwhile, Detroit-while on the outside looking in-hasn’t been mathematically eliminated and could sneak back into the picture with a strong finish. The Lions visit the Bears in Week 18, and that game could have major playoff implications, even if the division title is already decided.
Whether it's for the crown or a wild card berth, that game could be a win-or-go-home scenario for both teams.
Bottom Line
The Packers are in the driver’s seat, no question. They control their own destiny, and if they keep stacking wins, the NFC North is theirs.
The most straightforward path? Win the next three and seal it in front of a national audience on December 27.
But this is the NFL in December-nothing comes easy. The road goes through Denver and Chicago before a heavyweight clash with Baltimore. If Green Bay wants to put the division to bed early, they’ll need to bring their best over the next two weeks.
The good news? They’re peaking at the right time. And with the way this team is playing, that division crown is starting to feel less like a “what if” and more like a “when.”