The Road to the Playoffs: One Win, One Loss, and the Packers' Fate
GREEN BAY - Despite the setback in Chicago on Saturday night, the Packers are inching closer to a playoff spot. Here's how their path to the postseason unfolds, with a little help from their friends (and foes).
Thanks to Pittsburgh's victory over Detroit, Green Bay's playoff scenario in Week 17 is this: One win or one loss by the Lions will secure a playoff spot for the Packers. With an 11-4 record, Chicago is now in control of the NFC North over the 9-5-1 Packers, but the division race is far from over. With two games left, the Packers can still claim the division if they win both games and the Bears lose both of theirs.
Six of the seven playoff spots in the NFC are already locked up. The Seahawks, Rams, 49ers, Eagles, and Bears have all secured their postseason berths, with the final seeding yet to be determined. The NFC South champion, either the Panthers or Buccaneers, will likely secure the No. 4 seed.
Now, let's break down Week 17 and the potential implications for the Packers:
Detroit (8-7) at Minnesota (7-8): A loss by the Lions on Christmas Day would clinch a playoff spot for the Packers before their game against the Ravens even starts. So, let's hope the Vikings hand the Lions their third straight defeat and eliminate them.
Seattle (12-3) at Carolina (8-7): This game doesn't directly impact the Packers, but it's worth watching. If you want to see someone other than the Seahawks win the NFC West, or if you want Carolina to have a shot at overtaking the Eagles in the playoff seeding, cheer for the Panthers. Conversely, if you prefer Tampa Bay to win the NFC South, root for the Seahawks.
Philadelphia (10-5) at Buffalo (11-4): The Packers still have a shot at the NFC North, and any losses by Philly would help the NFC North winner finish with a better seed than the NFC East winner. So, let's hope the Bills knock off the Eagles.
Chicago (11-4) at San Francisco (11-4): The Sunday night game will be a nail-biter, with the Packers' result against the Ravens just hours earlier. If the Packers win and stay alive in the NFC North race, cheer for the 49ers to beat the Bears. But if the Packers lose and can only get a wild card, a Bears win could help Green Bay's potential seed.
L.A. Rams (11-4) at Atlanta (6-9): If the Rams don't win the NFC West and are in the wild-card picture, the Packers might be competing for seeding with them. So, let's hope the Falcons pull off an upset of the Rams on Monday night.
