NFC North standings: How wins by Lions, Packers, Bears affect divisional race in Week 12

Once again, the NFC North is set up for one of the closest finishes across the NFL in 2025.

All four teams in the division have remained competitive this season after the NFC North had three playoff teams in 2024. And after all four squads played in the early slate of Sunday games in Week 12, the race for the division's top spot took more shape.

The Chicago Bears won their eighth game of the season, beating the Pittsburgh Steelers, while the Green Bay Packers took down the Minnesota Vikings to remain in the thick of the race. The Detroit Lions found themselves threatened by the New York Giants, but held on in overtime thanks to Jahmyr Gibbs' huge day. 

Here's an updated look at the NFC North standings following Week 12 games.

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NFC North standings

The lone NFC North squad that appears to be out of playoff contention, at least for the time being, is the Vikings. Minnesota's offense struggled once again in Week 12, as J.J. McCarthy threw two interceptions with just 87 passing yards in a loss to the Packers. As things stand, the Vikings are trending toward last place in the division this season.

However, the three other NFC North squads could wind up in the playoffs. The Bears beat the Steelers on Sunday, 31-28, as Caleb Williams tossed three touchdown passes. In their first year under Ben Johnson, the Bears can finish the year on a 2-4 stretch and still have double-digit wins for the first time since 2018. Chicago leads the division through Week 12 thanks to its eight wins.

The Packers got their second-straight victory after back-to-back losses to Carolina and Philadelphia, taking down the Vikings 23-6. While two matchups against the Bears still loom for Green Bay, Matt LaFleur's squad has an advantage for second place because of its one tie.

The Lions, at multiple points, looked to be heading for their fifth loss of the season on Sunday. However, even with Jameis Winston throwing for 366 yards and two touchdowns, also with a receiving touchdown for the Giants, Detroit pulled out 34-27 in overtime. It's been an up-and-down season for the Lions, but they remain in the mix for the division race after Week 12. 

With five weeks remaining, there remain multiple key divisional matchups in the NFC North that will likely decide the division winner.

MORE: How Amon-Ra St. Brown trolled the Giants with a 'Victor Cruz Salsa'

Bears upcoming schedule

Chicago has three divisional matchups remaining. The Bears will travel to Green Bay on Dec. 7, then return home to face the Packers two weeks later.

The Bears will also finish the season with a Week 18 contest with the Lions.

Lions upcoming schedule

The Lions also have three more divisional matchups on their schedule, first taking on the Packers on Thanksgiving — the winner of that game will hold onto second place in the NFC North. The Lions will also face the Vikings on Christmas and the Bears in Week 18.

Here's a look at Detroit's final six games.

Packers upcoming schedule

The Packers have three divisional games remaining, with matchups against the Denver Broncos and Baltimore Ravens filling out the rest of their regular season.

Here's a look at the Packers' last stretch:

MORE NFL WEEK 12:

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• How Steelers' loss, Ravens' win flips leaderboard in AFC North
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