The NFC North has been the best division throughout the 2024 NFL season. Three teams have clinched playoff spots, and the top seed is likely to come from the division. Now that Week 17 is nearing its conclusion, what are the seeding scenarios for the Detroit Lions, Minnesota Vikings, and Green Bay Packers?
What Is the Current NFC North Playoff Picture?
The Lions (14-2) and Vikings (14-2) are currently fighting for the top spot in the North. Since the Lions already defeated the Vikings and have a better division and conference record, there is no sequence of events that can result in the Vikings winning a tiebreaker over the Lions. They have to finish with a better record. Whoever wins next week’s Lions-Vikings matchup will win the division and the No. 1 seed in the NFC.
VIKINGS VS. LIONS.
WEEK 18.
WINNER GETS THE #1 SEED AND NFC NORTH TITLE. pic.twitter.com/lVRDh40U4M
— NFL (@NFL) December 30, 2024
The Packers (11-5) are in third and have been eliminated from NFC North title contention, but they have secured a Wild Card berth.
With the Lions’ win over the 49ers on Monday Night Football, they are currently leading the NFC North and own the top spot in the NFC.
Minnesota and Detroit will be playing for the NFC North and NFC’s No. 1 seed during Sunday Night Football in Week 18.
How Can the Lions and Vikings Win the NFC North?
Even if the Lions had lost to the 49ers, they still would’ve had the inside track to the division because they would win any tiebreaker over the Vikings.
However, now that both teams have the same record entering Week 18, their Sunday Night Football game will be a winner-take-all matchup.
Because of the Week 18 matchup, both teams control their own destiny for the division title and the No. 1 seed in the NFC.
Can the Packers Win the NFC North?
The Packers were eliminated from division-title contention in Week 16. Green Bay is safely in the postseason, but Matt LaFleur’s squad is guaranteed to be playing on the road come Wild Card Weekend.
Their loss in Week 17 opened the door for Green Bay to get passed by the Washington Commanders. The reason is because the Commanders will have the superior conference record over the Packers in the event of a tie at 12-5 or 11-6.
With the Commanders winning this week, the Packers could finish as the seventh seed. Week 18 is now crucial for Green Bay’s seeding, with the Commanders taking on the lowly Cowboys and the Packers welcoming the Bears.