Here’s how the Packers can clinch a playoff berth in Week 17
The Green Bay Packers are so close to getting into the postseason, but they’re not quite there yet. They have the chance to seal the deal in Week 17.
Heading into Week 17 of the NFL season, the Green Bay Packers are one result away from locking in a spot in the NFC playoff field, but there’s still a path that could drag their postseason fate into the final week.
How Green Bay clinches a playoff berth in Week 17
Because of their current position in the NFC standings (No. 7) and key tiebreak advantages, the Packers don’t need help from multiple teams. They face the Baltimore Ravens in Week 17 and will clinch a playoff spot with any of the following outcomes:
- A win
- A tie
- A Detroit Lions loss or tie (@ Vikings)
What happens if the Packers lose and the Lions win?
This is the one scenario Packers fans should keep an eye on.
If Green Bay loses in Week 17 and the Lions win, the Packers would not clinch a playoff berth this weekend. Instead, their postseason fate would be pushed to Week 18, with far less margin for error.
Here’s how that changes the outlook:
- Green Bay would remain in the playoff field for now, but no longer safely inside it.
- Detroit would close the gap in the NFC North race, keeping pressure on the Packers.
- The final week of the season could turn into a direct elimination scenario, depending on other results.
While the Packers would still have a path to the postseason, they would lose the luxury of controlling their fate without help.
Clinching now would allow the Packers to secure their playoff spot early and potentially rest players or manage workloads down the final stretch. Failing to clinch this week won’t end their season, but it does introduce risk.
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