NFC North Update: Green Bay Packers’ Win Over Bears Shakes Up Division Race and How it Affects Lions’ Playoff Hope
The NFC North title race is tightening, and it looks like the battle for first place could go down to the final weeks of the regular season.
In their first head-to-head meeting of the year, the Green Bay Packers and Chicago Bears faced off in a game that carried major implications for the division standings. Green Bay came away with the victory, pushing them into the driver’s seat in the NFC North. With a rematch just two weeks away, the rivalry is far from settled.
Detroit also stayed in the conversation after picking up a key victory on Thursday night, keeping their postseason hopes alive. However, struggles inside the division have hurt their positioning. With a 1–3 record against NFC North opponents, the Lions currently trail the teams ahead of them in the race.
NFC North Standings After Week 14
Here’s how the division shapes up:
- Green Bay Packers — 9-3-1
- Chicago Bears — 9-4
- Detroit Lions — 8-5
- Minnesota Vikings — 5-8
Green Bay’s tie gives them the tiebreaker edge as they leapfrog Chicago for the top spot. The Bears slide to second but remain in strong position for a wild-card berth. Detroit holds steady in third, now sitting just one game behind Chicago, while Minnesota appears unlikely to climb out of the division basement.
Packers’ Remaining Schedule
Over the final stretch, Green Bay faces a mix of tough road matchups and favorable opportunities:
Date Opponent Time TV
12/14 @ Broncos 4:25 p.m. CBS
12/20 @ Bears 8:20 p.m. Fox
TBD vs. Ravens TBD TBD
TBD @ Vikings TBD TBD
The Packers hit the road to face Denver before making a crucial trip to Chicago. Green Bay still has matchups against a struggling Ravens team and the Vikings, which could help their push to clinch the division.
Bears’ Remaining Schedule
Chicago’s path isn’t easy down the stretch:
Date Opponent Time TV
12/14 vs. Browns 1:00 p.m. Fox
12/20 vs. Packers 8:20 p.m. Fox
12/28 @ 49ers 8:20 p.m. NBC
TBD vs. Lions TBD TBD
After a favorable matchup against Cleveland, Chicago faces a brutal closing slate. The rematch with Green Bay and a road trip to San Francisco could heavily influence playoff positioning, with the finale against Detroit potentially serving as a win-or-go-home scenario.
Lions’ Remaining Schedule
Detroit has one of the toughest closing schedules in the division:
Date Opponent Time TV
12/14 @ Rams 4:25 p.m. Fox
12/21 vs. Steelers 4:25 p.m. CBS
12/25 @ Vikings 4:30 p.m. Netflix
TBD @ Bears TBD TBD
With three of their final four games coming on the road, the Lions face a steep climb. Losses to Green Bay earlier this season limit their tiebreak options, but sweeping Chicago remains a realistic avenue to climb back into contention.
