In an ideal world-MUST-READ OPINION AND ANALYSIS| Here’s How Packers Can Win NFC North, Earn No. 1 Seed

Packers’ Path to No. 1 Seed in NFL Playoffs, Should They Upset the Lions

The Green Bay Packers have an opportunity to win the NFC North and potentially secure the No. 1 seed in the NFC playoffs, with the journey beginning Thursday night against the Detroit Lions.

The Lions, with an 11-1 record after 10 consecutive wins, hold the best record in the NFC. The Packers, who have won three straight games since their bye week, are 9-3 and two games behind the Lions. The Minnesota Vikings, on a five-game win streak, are in between at 10-2.

While Green Bay is likely to make the playoffs regardless of the outcome, a win against Detroit would open up several possibilities for the Packers.

“We ain’t ducking no smoke,” said cornerback Keisean Nixon. “We’re not worried about their record or who they are. We’ve got our own destiny and goals, and they’re just in our way.”

Remaining Schedules of NFC North Teams

  • Detroit Lions: vs. Green Bay Packers (9-3), vs. Buffalo Bills (10-2), at Chicago Bears (4-8), at San Francisco 49ers (5-7), vs. Minnesota Vikings (10-2).
  • Minnesota Vikings: vs. Atlanta Falcons (6-6), vs. Chicago Bears (4-8), at Seattle Seahawks (7-5), vs. Green Bay Packers (9-3), at Detroit Lions (11-1).
  • Green Bay Packers: at Detroit Lions (11-1), at Seattle Seahawks (7-5), vs. New Orleans Saints (4-8), at Minnesota Vikings (10-2), vs. Chicago Bears (4-8).

This game is crucial for the Packers, who may need to win out to have a chance at both the division title and the top seed. They’ll likely need to sweep their remaining games, including Week 17 at the Vikings.

For tiebreakers, head-to-head matchups come first, followed by divisional record. As of now, Detroit holds an advantage with a 3-0 division record, while Green Bay is 1-2. This means the Lions would need to lose three of their final five games for the Packers to catch up. Additionally, the Packers hold a tiebreaker over the Vikings based on their win over the Rams.

Realistic Path to NFC North Title and No. 1 Seed for the Packers:

  • Week 14: Packers defeat Lions, Vikings beat Falcons. Packers: 10-3, Lions: 11-2, Vikings: 11-2.
  • Week 15: Packers defeat Seahawks, Bills beat Lions, Vikings beat Bears. Packers: 11-3, Lions: 11-3, Vikings: 12-2.
  • Week 16: Packers defeat Saints, Seahawks beat Vikings, Lions beat Bears. Packers: 12-3, Lions: 12-3, Vikings: 12-3.
  • Week 17: Packers defeat Vikings, Lions beat 49ers. Packers: 13-3, Lions: 13-3, Vikings: 12-4.
  • Week 18: Packers defeat Bears, Vikings beat Lions. Packers: 14-3, Lions: 13-4, Vikings: 13-4.

Chasing the No. 1 Seed

To earn the No. 1 seed, the Packers need to win the division and surpass the 10-2 Philadelphia Eagles, who have the head-to-head advantage.

The Eagles’ remaining schedule includes games against the Panthers, Steelers, Commanders, Cowboys, and Giants. With their eight-game win streak, Philadelphia is in a strong position, but the Packers will need them to lose at least two of these games, particularly to the Steelers and Commanders.

No. 2 Seed Still Valuable

If the Packers win the NFC North but finish behind the Eagles, the No. 2 seed would still offer significant advantages, including hosting the No. 7 seed and potentially facing the Lions or Vikings in the divisional round. This scenario could set up a dramatic third round between the Packers and Lions at Lambeau Field.

Current NFC Playoff Standings:

  1. Detroit Lions: 11-1
  2. Philadelphia Eagles: 10-2
  3. Seattle Seahawks: 7-5
  4. Atlanta Falcons: 6-6
  5. Minnesota Vikings: 10-2
  6. Green Bay Packers: 9-3
  7. Washington Commanders: 8-5

The Packers’ playoff future could hinge on this critical stretch of games, starting with the Lions on Thursday night.

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