The Green Bay Packers stepped out of the action briefly during their Week bye, but in Week 11, they were right back at it with a rivalry game against the Chicago Bears, kicking off their late-season push to the postseason. The Packers blocked a field goal on the final play to hold off the Bears.
The Packers may be in third place in the NFC North, but with seven wins and a now-rested roster, they could be poised for another run into the playoffs.
So, where does this all leave Green Bay in the NFC playoff picture?
Can the Packers Make the Playoffs?
Heading into Week 13, the Green Bay Packers are 8-3 and now have a 94.1% chance to make the playoffs.
They have a 7.3% chance for the 1 seed, a 3.2% chance for the second seed, a 0.4% chance for the third seed, a <0.1% chance for the fourth seed, a 35.7% chance for the fifth seed, a 36.6% chance for the sixth seed, and a 10.9% chance for the seventh seed.
Can the Packers Win the NFC North?
Here’s what the NFC North race looks like after all the action in Week 12:
- The Detroit Lions have a 68.4% chance to win the NFC North.
- The Minnesota Vikings have a 20.7% chance to win the NFC North.
- The Green Bay Packers have a 10.9% chance to win the NFC North.
- The Chicago Bears have a <0.1% chance to win the NFC North.
Current NFC North Standings
- Detroit Lions (10-1)
- Minnesota Vikings (9-2)
- Green Bay Packers (8-3)
- Chicago Bears (4-7)
NFC Playoff Race in Week 13
1. Detroit Lions (11-1)
2. Philadelphia Eagles (10-2)
3. Seattle Seahawks (7-5)
4. Atlanta Falcons (6-6)
5. Minnesota Vikings (10-2)
6. Green Bay Packers (9-3)
7. Washington Commanders (8-5)
In The Hunt
8. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (6-6)
9. Arizona Cardinals (6-6)
10. Los Angeles Rams (6-6)
11. San Francisco 49ers (5-7)
12. Dallas Cowboys (5-7)
13. New Orleans Saints (4-8)
14. Chicago Bears (4-8)
15. Carolina Panthers (3-9)
Eliminated From Playoffs
1. New York Giants (2-10)
Packers’ Super Bowl Chances in Week 12
Can the Packers win the Super Bowl? The PFN Playoff Predictor projects that Green Bay has a 8% chance to win it all.
Packers’ Remaining Schedule
- Week 13: vs. Miami Dolphins
- Week 14: at Detroit Lions
- Week 15: vs. Seattle Seahawks
- Week 16: vs. New Orleans Saints
- Week 17: at Minnesota Vikings
- Week 18: vs. Chicago Bears
What PFN Predicted for the 49ers vs. Packers Matchup
Injuries continue to afflict the San Francisco 49ers.
While the club finally got RB Christian McCaffrey back in Week 10, he hasn’t looked like the same player through two weeks. Meanwhile, quarterback Brock Purdy, who opened the week dealing with shoulder soreness after Week 11’s loss to the Seahawks, was ruled out of Sunday’s game on Friday’s final injury report, leaving journeyman Brandon Allen as the starter versus Green Bay.
Fortunately, All-Pro tight end George Kittle is expected to return in Week 12 after sitting out on Sunday due to a hamstring injury. He’ll become a valuable red-zone weapon and target for Allen against the Green Bay Packers this week, while his presence should also help correct any problems in San Francisco’s run-blocking plan. The Packers rank fifth worst in receiving DVOA against tight ends, so Kittle could be set for a productive day through the air.
Sunday will mark the first time Jordan Love has faced the 49ers since the Packers let a seven-point third-quarter lead evaporate in January’s NFC Championship Game. Will Love get his revenge this time around?
Green Bay hung on by the skin of its teeth in Week 11, blocking what would have been a game-winning field goal as time expired against the Bears. While the Packers have homefield advantage this week, the 49ers have more on the line.
With Kittle likely returning, and CMC entering his third week back on the field, San Francisco’s offense appeared well on its way to rounding back into form. Of course, with Allen now starting instead of Purdy, there could certainly be a temporary snag in that progress.
PFN Prediction: 49ers 26, Packers 23