Early game results ensure Packers must beat Bears to clinch playoff spot
There is no alternate path: the Green Bay Packers must beat the Chicago Bears on Sunday afternoon at Lambeau Field to clinch a playoff spot in the NFC.
The Packers (8-8) entered the week with clinching scenarios involving a loss, but wins by the New Orleans Saints and Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the early timeslot ruined those scenarios.
As it stands currently, the Saints are the No. 7 seed in the NFC. A win by the Packers over the Bears would knock the Saints out.
As was the case last season, the Packers must beat a division rival at home or miss the playoffs.
Kickoff from Lambeau Field is set for 3:25 p.m.
The Packers beat the Bears 38-20 in Week 1, but Chicago has won five of the last seven games after starting 2-7.
