Current:Home > InvestHow Packers can make the NFL playoffs: Scenarios, remaining schedule and more for Green Bay-DB Wealth Institute B2 Expert Reviews
How Packers can make the NFL playoffs: Scenarios, remaining schedule and more for Green Bay
View Date:2025-01-11 07:35:49
The Green Bay Packers have had a roller-coaster of a year, but with one game left in the regular season, there's still a path to bring the Lombardi Trophy back to Titletown.
At 8-8, the Packers head into Week 18 in the No. 7 spot in the NFC standings, meaning right now, Green Bay is heading into the playoffs.
The path to a playoff spot in the final week of the season is simple: win and in. But even if the Packers are unable to pick up a victory to end the regular season, there's still a chance they make the playoffs, as long as some other teams also lose.
Here's what Green Bay needs to make the playoffs:
Packers playoff scenarios
The easiest path the Packers could create for themselves is to beat the Chicago Bears in the regular-season finale. Finishing at 9-8, the Packers would guarantee themselves a playoff spot and wouldn't have to worry about any other results.
NFL STATS CENTRAL: The latest NFL scores, schedules, odds, stats and more.
The Packers are currently the No. 7 seed in the standings, but they could become the sixth seed in the playoffs. Here's how:
- Packers win AND Rams lose
If the Packers lose or tie to the Bears, that's where things get tricky, as it'll involve results with the Seattle Seahawks, New Orleans Saints, Minnesota Vikings and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. While the odds go down significantly with a tie, these are the paths Green Bay would need to still make the playoffs if it ties with Chicago:
- Packers tie AND Seahawks loss or tie AND Saints loss or tie OR
- Packers tie AND Seahawks loss AND Buccaneers loss OR
- Packers tie AND Seahawks tie AND Buccaneers loss or tie OR
Should Green Bay lose to Chicago, the result of the game won't matter as long as these results work in the Packers' favor:
- Vikings loss or tie AND Seahawks loss AND Buccaneers loss OR
- Vikings loss or tie AND Seahawks loss AND Saints loss
Packers remaining schedule
The Packers' final game is at home against NFC North rival Bears. Green Bay beat Chicago to open the season, although the Bears have gotten hot recently, winning four of their past five games.
Will the Packers make the playoffs?
Facing its greatest nemesis, Green Bay has a great shot to make the playoffs.
The Packers head into the matchup against the Bears as three-point favorites, according to BetMGM odds. Green Bay played one of its best games of the season in the Week 17 win over the Minnesota Vikings, and beat the Bears by 18 points in the regular-season opener. The New York Times playoff scenario simulator currently gives Green Bay a 68% chance of making the playoffs.
If Green Bay is unable to beat Chicago, it drastically changes the probability. Seattle is facing an Arizona Cardinals team that is coming off a big win, but already lost to the Seahawks earlier this season. Tampa Bay is also facing the NFL-worst Carolina Panthers, and New Orleans enters its matchup against the Atlanta Falcons winners of three of its past four games.
In short: As long as Green Bay is able to beat Chicago for the 10th consecutive time, all will be well in Wisconsin. No win, and it might be time to prep for the NFL draft.
veryGood! (3174)
Related
- Shawn Mendes quest for self-discovery is a quiet triumph: Best songs on 'Shawn' album
- 'I'm a Swiftie!' Kevin Costner 'blown away' at Taylor Swift concert with his daughter
- Mom stabbed another parent during elementary school pickup over road rage: Vegas police
- How hardworking microbes ferment cabbage into kimchi
- Satellite images and documents indicate China working on nuclear propulsion for new aircraft carrier
- Some 3,000 miles from Oakland, A's fans' 'Summer of Sell' finds another home
- Lt. Gov. Sheila Oliver remembered in a memorial service as fighter for those in need
- Tia Mowry's Past Breastfeeding Struggles Are All Too Relatable
- Asian sesame salad sold in Wegmans supermarkets recalled over egg allergy warning
- Some Maui residents question why they weren't told to evacuate as wildfire flames got closer
Ranking
- COINIXIAI Introduce
- Former curator sues Massachusetts art museum for racial discrimination
- The Pentagon plans to shake up DC’s National Guard, criticized for its response to protests, Jan. 6
- Russia downs 20 drones over Crimea following a spate of attacks on Moscow
- 'He's driving the bus': Jim Harbaugh effect paying dividends for Justin Herbert, Chargers
- Zoom's updated TOS prompted concerns about AI and privacy. Can the two go hand-in-hand?
- Naomi Campbell Shares Rare Insight Into Life as a Mom of Two
- Below Deck's Captain Lee Weighs in on the Down Under Double Firing Scandal
Recommendation
-
Target will be closed on Thanksgiving: Here’s when stores open on Black Friday
-
Kentucky school district rushes to fix bus route snarl that canceled classes and outraged parents
-
Robbie Robertson, guitarist for The Band, dies at age 80
-
Seattle Mariners fan surprises Félix Hernández at team's Hall of Fame ceremony
-
How many dog breeds are there? A guide to groups recognized in the US
-
'Should I send the feds a thank-you card?' Victor Conte revisits BALCO scandal
-
After Lap 1 crash, Scott Dixon spins and wins on IMS road course
-
Linda Evangelista Gives Rare Insight Into Co-Parenting Bond With Salma Hayek