Packers Fall in OT, But Playoff Path Still Clearer Than You’d Think
Saturday was the kind of day Green Bay would love to forget. The Packers entered a high-stakes NFC North showdown with the Bears already short-handed - star pass rusher Micah Parsons was sidelined, and that alone was a big enough blow. But things went from bad to worse when quarterback Jordan Love exited in the second quarter with a concussion.
Despite the setbacks, the Packers found themselves up by 10 with under five minutes to play. But then came the collapse.
Chicago stormed back to force overtime, and Caleb Williams delivered a moment Bears fans won’t soon forget - a laser to D.J. Moore in the extra period that sealed a 22-16 win and stunned Lambeau.
It was a gut-punch loss, no doubt. But here’s the thing: the Packers are still in control of their playoff destiny.
The NFC North Isn’t Out of Reach... Technically
Yes, the division title is still mathematically in play. For that to happen, Green Bay would need to win out - with games remaining against the Ravens and Vikings - and get some help in the form of the Bears losing both of their final two matchups, which won’t be easy given they’re up against the 49ers and Lions. It’s a long shot, but not impossible.
Wild-Card Watch: Packers Hold the Keys
The more realistic - and more important - scenario is the race for the final NFC wild-card spot. And right now, Green Bay is sitting in the driver’s seat.
Thanks to Sunday’s results, including a Lions loss to the Steelers, several playoff dominos have already fallen. Both the Bears and 49ers clinched postseason berths, which actually simplifies things for the Packers. With just one wild-card slot still up for grabs - the No. 7 seed - it’s now a two-team race between Green Bay and Detroit.
Here’s where things stand heading into Week 17:
NFC Playoff Picture (Top 7)
- Seattle Seahawks (12-3) - Clinched NFC West
- Chicago Bears (11-4) - Clinched playoff berth
- Philadelphia Eagles (10-5) - Clinched NFC East
- Carolina Panthers (8-7) - Leading NFC South
- San Francisco 49ers (11-4) - Clinched playoff berth
- Los Angeles Rams (11-4) - Clinched playoff berth
- Green Bay Packers (9-5-1) - Second in NFC North
In the Hunt:
- Detroit Lions (8-7)
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-8)
It’s worth noting that while the Panthers and Buccaneers are still technically alive, their only path to the postseason is through winning the NFC South. That means the final wild-card ticket is strictly a Green Bay vs. Detroit battle.
How the Packers Can Clinch
It’s simple: win one of the next two games, and the Packers are in. Alternatively, if Detroit drops one of its last two, Green Bay still gets the nod. That means there’s a very real chance the Packers could clinch as early as Christmas Day - if the Lions fall to the Vikings.
So yes, Saturday’s loss stings. Losing your QB and letting a double-digit lead slip away in a divisional rivalry game will do that.
But the Packers still have everything to play for. One more win, or one more Lions stumble, and Green Bay is postseason-bound.
The road hasn’t been easy, and it certainly wasn’t pretty in Chicago. But with two weeks to go, the Packers are still right where they need to be - with a chance to punch their ticket and make some noise in January.