An unexpected loss by the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday in Detroit set up a scenario in which the Green Bay Packers can clinch the NFC North title next week.
What needs to happen? If the Vikings lose on Thursday night at home against the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Packers can clinch the division title by beating the Chicago Bears at Lambeau Field in primetime on Sunday night.
The Vikings are now 5-7 after losing 29-27 at Ford Field in Week 13. Another loss would make it impossible for Minnesota to catch the Packers if Matt LaFleur’s team can improve to 10-3 against the Bears.
The Packers clinched the NFC North title on Dec. 13 last season. Next Sunday is Dec. 12.
Even if both results don’t hit next week, the Packers are still the overwhelming favorite to win the division. The team’s magic number to clinch the NFC North title is two, meaning any combination of Packers wins and Vikings losses adding up to two would be enough for the Packers to clinch. For instance, the Packers can clinch with two more wins, or two more Vikings losses, or one of each, which is the scenario in play next week.
The Packers have won the division each of the last two seasons. The last time the Packers won the NFC North over three straight seasons was 2011-2014. Green Bay has won the division during seven of the last 10 seasons.