The Green Bay Packers picked up a critical win over the Detroit Lions on Thanksgiving that solidified their position in the NFC playoff picture.
The 31-24 victory was important on several levels.
It kept the Packers in the sixth spot in the crowded NFC playoff race and also gave them a chance to move into first place in the NFC North by the end of the day on Friday.
It was also the Packers’ second win over the Lions this season — their first sweep of Detroit since 2020 — and provided a two-game cushion in the loss column between the two teams.
Here’s the latest on the NFC playoff picture, the Packers’ record and Green Bay’s upcoming schedule.
Packers record
The Packers improved to 8-3-1 after their win over the Lions. It’s their third straight victory with a game against the Chicago Bears on tap next.
NFC North standings
The Packers remained in second place in the NFC North but can move into the division lead if the Chicago Bears lose their game on Friday against the Philadelphia Eagles.
After going just 1-5 in division games last season, Green Bay is now 3-0 against NFC North opponents [two wins over the Lions and one over the Minnesota Vikings]. The division champion is guaranteed a top 4 playoff spot.
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Packers playoff scenarios
Entering the game against the Lions, the Packers had an 83% chance to make the playoffs, according to the Athletic’s NFL playoff simulator.
After beating the Lions, they now have a 94% chance to make the postseason and 74% chance to win the division.
Green Bay still has three divisional games left, two against the Chicago Bears and one against the Minnesota Vikings to end the season.
NFC standings 2025
The Packers-Lions kicked off the Week 13 schedule. Every team is in action this week.
Packers schedule 2025
Here are the Packers’ final five games of the season with Week 14 coming up next:
This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: What are Packers playoff chances after win over Lions on Thanksgiving?
Reporting by Christopher Kuhagen, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
