The chance for the Green Bay Packers to secure the top seed in the NFC has become available

The Green Bay Packers journey this season has been a whirlwind. After opening the year with a 2-0 record against two teams that would make the 2024 playoffs, the Packers seemed unstoppable. However, by Week 10, consecutive losses and just 20 points scored in those games raised doubts about their playoff chances.

Following Week 13, the Packers now have a genuine shot at claiming the NFCs number one seed. Their Thanksgiving victory over the Detroit Lions was crucial, but they also received a boost from losses by the Philadelphia Eagles and the Los Angeles Rams this week.

While many hoped the Eagles would defeat the Chicago Bears on Black Friday, Chicagos win could ultimately benefit Green Bay. The Packers still control their own destiny in the NFC North with two remaining games against the Bears.

Current projections put the Packers in a strong divisional position. According to the New York Times, if Green Bay sweeps the Bears, they have a 92 percent chance of winning the NFC North, regardless of outcomes in their other three games or the rest of the NFL schedule.

With the Rams and Eagles having lost, the only NFC teams with higher win percentages than Green Bay are the Bears, Rams, and Seattle Seahawks. The Bears remain a hurdle, but Green Bay is expected to surpass them by the seasons end. Meanwhile, the Rams will face the Lions, and the Seahawks play the 49ers, both crucial matchups for playoff implications.

NYTs playoff simulator reflects the Packers improved standing: their chance to secure the top seed rose from 8 percent to 15 percent after the Rams fell to the Panthers. Before the Eagles defeat on Friday, Green Bays chance was under 5 percent. Although 15 percent may seem modest, it represents a remarkable recovery from near-zero odds after their back-to-back losses earlier in the season.

Momentum is shifting in Green Bays favor. Packers fans should now pay attention to more than just division games: rooting against the Eagles, Rams, and Seahawks could help the team capture the NFCs top seed in the final five weeks of the season.

Author: Sophia Brooks