Aaron Rodgers holds the final key as the Packers sit on the brink of clinching a playoff spot this week

Packers face the Bears on Saturday, but the Lions’ game on Sunday against Aaron Rodgers’ Pittsburgh Steelers is big for the NFC North.

Wendell Ferreira — NFL News Writer
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Oct 26, 2025; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) and Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love (10) shake hands after the game at Acrisure Stadium.
Barry Reeger-Imagn Images

The Green Bay Packers lost a game to the Denver Broncos and much more, with edge defender Micah Parsons being out for the season with a knee injury, while safety Evan Williams and right tackle Zach Tom could miss some time with their own knee issues — Christian Watson also got hurt, but he’s more day-to-day with a chest injury.

Despite the catastrophic Sunday, the Packers are still in a favorable position to make the playoffs. And they can even clinch a postseason berth in Week 16.

Packers need a gift from Aaron Rodgers

The Packers have two scenarios to make the playoffs, but one of them includes an improbable tie with the Chicago Bears. So let’s not consider that one for a minute.

The most realistic path includes a win over the Bears in Chicago, which would put the Packers in first place in the NFC North once again. The second result necessary for Green Bay to clinch the spot is a Detroit Lions’ loss.

Enter Aaron Rodgers into the conversation. On Sunday, at 3:25 p.m. (CT), the Lions host Rodgers’ Pittsburgh Steelers at Ford Field.

So, if Jordan Love and Aaron Rodgers can play at a high level and lead the Packers and Steelers to wins this week, the Packers will secure a spot in the postseason — and will be much closer to the first division title since 2021.

Packers’ playoff clinching scenarios

  • Win over the Bears + Lions loss or tie with the Steelers
  • Tie with the Bears + Lions loss to the Steelers

The Saturday night game against the Bears is huge for the outcome of the NFC North. Those same clinching scenarios apply to the Chicago Bears if they beat the Packers at home — and whichever team wins will be much closer to winning the division, securing a home playoff game.

It will be an intense Week 16 in the NFC. Beyond the Packers and Bears, the Philadelphia Eagles, San Francisco 49ers, and Seattle Seahawks can all clinch playoff berths as well.

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