How can Packers clinch a playoff berth in Week 16?
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The Green Bay Packers are on the playoff doorstep. We break down how they can clinch a spot in the 2025 NFL Playoffs in Week 16.
Week 16 of the 2024 NFL season draws to a close when the Green Bay Packers welcome the New Orleans Saints to Lambeau Field for Monday Night Football.
But by the time that game kicks off, the Packers might have already clinched a playoff berth.
Sitting at 10-4 the Packers are two games behind the Detroit Lions and the Minnesota Vikings in the NFC North, with both of their rivals already locking up postseason spots. But the Packers can join them this weekend, and as noted above they can potentially clinch a playoff spot before Monday night rolls around.
Here are Green Bay’s playoff scenarios heading into Week 16.
Packers playoff berth clinching scenarios
There are two ways the Packers can clinch a playoff spot before Monday Night Football.
First, if the Atlanta Falcons lose or tie against the New York Giants, and the Los Angeles Rams lose or tie against the New York Jets, then the Packers will have locked up a playoff spot.
Second, if the Falcons lose or tie against the Giants, and the Seattle Seahawks lose or tie against the Minnesota Vikings, then the Packers are in the playoffs.
However, should neither scenario come to fruition on Sunday, then the Packers can punch their postseason ticket themselves with a win or a tie against the Saints on Monday Night Football.
NFC standings entering Week 16
Here are the NFC standings heading into Week 16.
1. x-Detroit Lions (12-2, win over MIN, 8-1 NFC)
2. x-Philadelphia Eagles (12-2, 7-2 NFC)
3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (8-6, 6-3 NFC)
4. Los Angeles Rams (8-6, win over SEA, 5-5 NFC)
5. x-Minnesota Vikings (12-2, loss to DET)
6. Green Bay Packers (10-4)
7. Washington Commanders (9-5)
8. Seattle Seahawks (8-6)
9. Atlanta Falcons (7-7, 7-3 NFC)
10. Arizona Cardinals (7-7, 3-6 NFC)
11. San Francisco 49ers (6-8, win over DAL)
12. Dallas Cowboys (6-8, loss to SF)*
13. New Orleans Saints (5-9)
14. Chicago Bears (4-10) — eliminated
15. Carolina Panthers (3-11) — eliminated
16. New York Giants (2-12) — eliminated