The Green Bay Packers are 11-5 following their Week 17 loss to the Minnesota Vikings. After falling behind by multiple scores early (yet again), Green Bay’s late-game push fell short, resulting in a 27-25 final score. The loss, along with the Washington Commanders victory over the San Francisco 49ers, dropped the Packers to seventh and final seed in the NFC.
Should the Commanders win in Week 18 against the Dallas Cowboys (who are 7-8), they will clinch the sixth seed and a Wild Card Round matchup with the Los Angeles Rams. This will be true even if Green Bay beats the Chicago Bears in their own Week 18 matchup.
Should the Packers win on Sunday at home against Chicago, though, they will make some NFL history.
The Green Bay Packers Could Make NFL History by Beating the Chicago Bears
With a win on Sunday against Chicago, the Packers would improve to 12-5. If the Commanders beat the Cowboys, and maintain their hold on the sixth seed, Green Bay would keep the seventh with that 12-5 record.
This would make them the best seventh-seeded team in NFL history (of course, the seventh seed has not been around for very long):
If they beat the Bears on Sunday and still remain in the 7 seed spot, the Packers will be the best 7 seed in NFL history (small sample size) by record and likely also by DVOA. pic.twitter.com/9yfAvKDnz1
— Jimmy Kempski (@JimmyKempski) December 31, 2024
It is very interesting to think that, just a few years ago, a team with 12 wins could miss the NFL Playoffs. That would be Green Bay’s reality had the NFL not expanded the Playoffs.
As it is, though, they have already clinched a spot and will likely meet up with the Philadelphia Eagles in the Wild Card Round.
Looking Ahead to the Green Bay Packers vs Chicago Bears in Week 18
With their seeding in the NFC out of their complete control, there are many fans who wonder if the Packers might rest their starters against the Bears in an effort to get completely healthy for the postseason.
While players getting rusty might be a concern, it is worth noting that former Packers wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling was injured in a meaningless Week 18 game in 2021 and could not play in the postseason that year. The absence of his vertical and speed threat severely limited the Green Bay offense.
It is also worth noting, too, that the Packers have not lost to the Bears since 2018. Head coach Matt LaFleur is a perfect 11-0 against Chicago since he took over in 2019.
Regardless of whether or not Jordan Love and the rest of Green Bay’s starters play, Week 18 is sure to be a hard-fought game between two teams that simply do not like each other.
The Packers defeated the Bears 20-19 earlier this season on a blocked field goal attempt as time expired.
More Green Bay Packers News from Wisconsin Sports Heroics
- “Refs Weren’t Going to Let Us Win;” Packers Fans Are Living Following 27-25 Loss to Vikings
- Packers’ Star Xavier McKinney Gives Dramatic Announcement Following Loss to Vikings
- Packers Fans Go Insane After Justin Jefferson Drops Key Pass
- “Should Be an OC, Not a HC;” Packers Fans Are Doubtful of Matt LaFleur Following Loss to Vikings
- Former Green Bay Packers Offensive Lineman Goes OFF on Matt LaFleur Following Vikings Loss
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