Saturday night's NFL slate featured an instant classic between the Chicago Bears and Green Bay Packers, with the Bears producing another comeback victory over their rivals.
The Packers went from gaining control of the NFC North race to just hanging onto a playoff spot in the blink of an eye. The NFC North has been a tough race this year, as the Detroit Lions are fighting for a spot, and the Minnesota Vikings are one of the better last-place teams in the league.
Green Bay still controls its own destiny to clinch a playoff berth, but the path became much tighter after blowing the game on Saturday night. Additionally, even if the Packers do still make the playoffs, they are likely facing a much tougher road now than they would've if they won that game.
However, the bigger impact from that game is Jordan Love's health. The quarterback suffered a concussion against the Bears and was forced to miss the end of the game, and Love's health could be a deciding factor in the final two weeks of the season.
Here's a look at the Packers' path to the playoffs.
MORE WEEK 16 NFL:
- NFL power rankings for Week 16
- NFL Week 16 picks, predictions
- NFL Week 16 picks against the spread
NFC playoff picture
After their loss on Saturday night, the Packers remain in the No. 7 seed in the NFC playoff picture, just ahead of the Lions. However, Detroit has a chance to inch closer to Green Bay with a win on Sunday afternoon.
Despite two-straight losses, the Packers' chances at making the playoffs are at 78 percent according to NFL.com. That is because Green Bay is really just battling with the Lions for the final spot in the field, and the Packers have the inside track over Detroit.
| Rank | Team | Record |
| 1. | Seattle Seahawks | 12-3 |
| 2. | Chicago Bears | 11-4 |
| 3. | Philadelphia Eagles | 10-5 |
| 4. | TampaBay Buccaneers | 7-7 |
| 5. | Los Angeles Rams | 11-4 |
| 6. | San Francisco 49ers | 10-4 |
| 7. | Green Bay Packers | 9-5-1 |
| 8. | Detroit Lions | 8-6 |
| 9. | Carolina Panthers | 7-7 |
| 10. | Dallas Cowboys | 6-8 |
| 11. | Minnesota Vikings | 6-8 |
| 12. | Atlanta Falcons | 5-9 |
| 13. | New Orleans Saints | 4-10 |
| 14. | Washington Commanders | 4-11 |
| 15. | Arizona Cardinals | 3-11 |
| 16. | New York Giants | 2-12 |
NFC North standings
The Packers' odds of winning the division took a hit on Saturday, as the Bears took full control of the division. Now, Chicago is just one win away from clinching the NFC North title.
In order for the Packers to win the division, they need to win their last two games and need the Bears to lose each of their final two games. Green Bay is helped out by the fact that the team's schedule is easier down the stretch compared to Chicago's, giving the Packers a chance to come-from-behind.
| Rank | Team | Record |
| 1. | Chicago Bears | 11-4 |
| 2. | Green Bay Packers | 9-5-1 |
| 3. | Detroit Lions | 8-6 |
| 4. | Minnesota Vikings | 6-8 |
MORE: NFC North standings and playoff picture
Packers schedule 2025
The Packers' close the season with games against the Baltimore Ravens and Minnesota Vikings. The Ravens are still in the playoff hunt as well, and likely need to defeat Green Bay in order to remain in the NFC North race, while the Vikings have already been eliminated from playoff contention.
Of course, if Love misses any of the last two games, Green Bay will have to rely on backup quarterback Malik Willis to lead them to the playoffs.
| Date | Opponent | Time (ET) | TV Channel |
| 12/27 | vs. Ravens | 8:00 p.m. | Peacock |
| TBD | @ Vikings | TBD | TBD |