Packers can now clinch playoff spot in NFC with wins over Vikings, Lions
The Green Bay Packers’ rebound from 4-8 to a playoff spot in the NFC will now only require back-to-back wins over the Minnesota Vikings and Detroit Lions.
The Washington Commanders lost to the Cleveland Browns on Sunday in the early timeslot of Week 17, checking the box for one of the three results the Packers needed to clinch a playoff spot in the simplest possible scenario.
The Packers host the Vikings on Sunday in the late afternoon timeslot from Lambeau Field.
Help is no longer required. The other two necessary results are entirely in the Packers’ hands: wins at home against two division rivals, starting Sunday against the Vikings.
If the Packers beat the Vikings and Lions to end the season, Matt LaFleur’s team will be the No. 7 seed in the NFC and go on the road to play the No. 2 seed in the NFC Wild Card Round on Jan. 14 or Jan. 15.
However, if the Packers lose to the Vikings on Sunday, Green Bay will be eliminated. Even though the Commanders lost, the Lions took down the Chicago Bears at home during the early timeslot. Detroit would own the division record tiebreaker over the Packers even if both teams finish 8-9.
