The Green Bay Packers have officially secured a playoff berth in the 2025 NFL season, and they can thank the Minnesota Vikings for doing the hard work for them. With the Vikings’ 23-10 victory over the Detroit Lions on Thursday night, the Packers punched their ticket to the postseason before even stepping on the field for Week 17.

“Merry Christmas, ya filthy animals,” the Packers cheekily posted on X (formerly Twitter) following the Vikings’ win, signaling their excitement and relief.

Vikings Spoil Lions’ Playoff Hopes

The Minnesota Vikings, already eliminated from playoff contention, put up a surprising fight against the Lions, who struggled to deliver in a high-stakes matchup. Detroit quarterback Jared Goff endured a nightmare performance, committing five of the team’s six turnovers — including two interceptions and three lost fumbles. The Lions’ offense was effectively silenced by Minnesota’s defense, turning what could have been a tense playoff-deciding game into a night to forget for Detroit.

Packers’ Path to NFC North Title

While the Packers have clinched a postseason spot, their quest for the NFC North title is still alive but challenging. To claim the division crown, Green Bay must defeat both the Baltimore Ravens and the Vikings in the final two weeks of the regular season. Additionally, the Chicago Bears must lose their remaining games for Green Bay to take the top spot in the division.

For now, the Packers can enjoy the holiday season with the security of playoff football in their future, and fans are already looking forward to an exciting postseason run.