NFL releases scenarios for Packers to clinch playoff spot in Week 14
The Green Bay Packers are in a familiar place heading into their Week 14 matchup vs. the Chicago Bears. Sitting at (9–3) and coming off a much-needed bye.
With five games remaining in the regular season, the Pack can clinch an early NFL postseason spot by the end of the weekend.
While there are other factors in play and an early definite playoff berth isn’t solely in the Packers’ control, there are several scenarios in play.
According to a press release from the NFL on Tuesday, the Green Bay Packers can clinch the NFC North division title with a win over the Bears on Monday night and a Minnesota Vikings loss. The Pack faithful will be locked into Thursday night’s battle between the Vikings and Steelers, two teams clinging to their postseason hopes.
While it’s unlikely, Green Bay will also clinch the division—guaranteeing a playoff spot—with a tie against the Bears and a Vikings loss.
Two other ways Green Bay Packers clinch a playoff berth in Week 14
The Minnesota Vikings have been in close games all year, but are coming off a devastating loss that resulted in the first victory of the season for the Detroit Lions. Still, the Vikings have shown they can compete with anyone, with nearly all of their games decided by one score this season. The Steelers are coming off an improbable last-minute victory over the Ravens that saved their season for at least another week.
Cheese Heads would be thrilled to have Ben Roethlisberger and company knock off the Vikings on Thursday, knowing then a Monday night win over the Bears would seal the division for the Green Bay Packers.
Still, there is hope for the Green Bay Packers to seal a postseason spot this weekend.
All scenarios for an early Week 14 playoff clinch hinder on Aaron Rodgers and the Pack taking care of the Bears on Monday Night Football. Anyone who has followed the rivalry understands the Packers have had plenty of success vs. their rivals, especially as of late. Green Bay has won its last nine meetings vs. the Bears, including a 24-14 earlier this season.
If the Vikings prevail and end up victorious, the Packers can still clinch a playoff berth this weekend, but the scenarios are a bit more complicated.
The first, and far more probable is if the New Orleans Saints lose or tie and the San Francisco 49ers lose, then the Green Bay Packers will be penciled as one of the teams in the playoffs as long as knock off the Bears.
The second route is similar, but adds another layer and it’s an unlikely one. Assuming the Packers win, then a New Orleans loss or tie, a Los Angeles Rams loss and a 49ers tie would secure Green Bay’s 61st trip to the NFL playoffs in franchise history.
Despite a barrage of injuries and COVID-19 issues, and all of the drama heading into the season involving their franchise quarterback, the Green Bay Packers are once again in prime position to make a run at the Lombardi Trophy.