What’s at stake in the Packers - Vikings game today in week 17? NFC title, playoffs, seeding…
Both Green Bay and Minnesota have enjoyed excellent seasons but could still miss out on the divisional title in the ultra-competitive NFC North.
The Green Bay Packers (11-4) and the Minnesota Vikings (13-2) have won 23 games between them before facing each other on Sunday (December 29), a record for two teams facing off in week 17 of the regular season. Yet there is a more than realistic chance neither franchise could win the NFC North, currently led by the Detroit Lions (13-2).
As you’d expect from their records, both teams have already clinched playoffs spots, although there is still plenty to play for as they go head-to-head at U.S. Bank Stadium.
👀#GBvsMIN pic.twitter.com/Ry1jvfLVqs
— Green Bay Packers (@packers) December 29, 2024
Can the Packers still win the NFC title?
Despite having a fine season, Green Bay, currently the NFC’s No. 6 seed, cannot overhaul both the Vikings and the Lions to win the divisional title (they lost both regular-season games to Detroit, who they can only tie).
The best the Packers can hope for is leapfrogging Minnesota to become No. 5 seed, which would then see them take on the No. 4 seed, likely to be the Atlanta Falcons (8-7) or Tampa Bay Buccaneers (8-7), in the wild-card round.
To do that, the Packers need to win their last two games (against the Vikings and the Chicago Bears) and hope Minnesota lose both of theirs (they finish in week 18 against the Lions).
Make the most of today’s opportunity.#Skol pic.twitter.com/lolDs1kA1o
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) December 29, 2024
How the Vikings can win the NFC North
A triumph for the Vikings against Green Bay will ensure they take the No. 5 seed, at the very least. However, it would also mean they could win the NFC North with a victory over the Lions in their last game.
On top of that, two victories would also see them take the NFC’s No. 1 seed, skipping the wild-card round, ahead of the Philadelphia Eagles, who are on the verge of clinching the NFC East but are one game behind them.
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