Skip to main content
Come Fan with UsTuesday, August 4, 2026

NFL playoff picture: How the Packers can clinch a playoff berth in Week 16

Packers. We break down how they can clinch a spot in the 2026 NFL Playoffs in Week 16

NFL: Green Bay Packers at Denver Broncos
NFL: Green Bay Packers at Denver Broncos
Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
Mark Schofield
Mark Schofield is a former college quarterback and attorney covering the NFL and F1.

Update: The Packers lost to the Bears by a final score of 22-16 in overtime. Green Bay cannot clinch a playoff spot this week.


Last week the Green Bay Packers were forced to watch a team clinch a playoff spot on the other sideline.

This week, the Packers can be that team celebrating, but those celebrations might have to wait until Sunday.

Green Bay’s loss to the Denver Broncos last week meant that Bo Nix and company were the first AFC playoff team to clinch a playoff spot. This week, however, the Packers have two pathways to booking a spot in the postseason themselves, starting with their game Saturday night against the Chicago Bears.

Here is how the Packers can clinch a playoff spot in Week 16.

Green Bay Packers playoff berth clinching scenarios

Green Bay has two different pathways to a playoff spot in Week 16.

First, with a win over the Bears on Saturday night, and a Detroit Lions loss or tie against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday afternoon, the Packers are in the playoffs.

However, if the Packers tie the Bears on Saturday, Green Bay still clinches a playoff spot if the Lions lose to the Steelers.

The Packers are slight underdogs according to FanDuel, with the Bears favored at home by -1.5 points. The Lions are 6.5-point favorites over the Steelers.

NFC standings entering Week 16

Here are the full NFC standings heading into the weekend, updated with Seattle’s thrilling overtime win over Los Angeles on Thursday Night Football:

  1. Seattle Seahawks (12-3) - x
  2. Chicago Bears (10-4)
  3. Philadelphia Eagles (9-5)
  4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-7)
  5. Los Angeles Rams (11-4) - x
  6. San Francisco 49ers (10-4)
  7. Green Bay Packers (9-4-1)
  8. Detroit Lions (8-6)
  9. Carolina Panthers (7-7)
  10. Dallas Cowboys (6-7-1)
  11. Minnesota Vikings (6-8) - e
  12. Atlanta Falcons (5-9) - e
  13. New Orleans Saints (4-10) - e
  14. Washington Commanders (4-10) - e
  15. Arizona Cardinals (3-11) - e
  16. New York Giants (2-12) - e

x - Team has clinched a playoff spot
e - Team has been eliminated from playoff contention

NFC North standings entering Week 16

Here are the full NFC North standings entering Week 16:

  1. Chicago Bears (10-4)
  2. Green Bay Packers (9-4-1)
  3. Detroit Lions (8-6)
  4. Minnesota Vikings (6-8) - e
See More:

More in NFL

NFL
Kyle Shanahan’s car accident has transformed into the NFL’s biggest mysteryKyle Shanahan’s car accident has transformed into the NFL’s biggest mystery
NFL

A routine traffic accident has become something entirely surreal.

By James Dator
NFL
Aaron Rodgers and D.K. Metcalf take part in training camp toilet pactAaron Rodgers and D.K. Metcalf take part in training camp toilet pact
NFL

If it’s yellow, let it mellow.

By James Dator
NFL
Bills release alternate uniforms so ugly that even die-hard Bills fans hate themBills release alternate uniforms so ugly that even die-hard Bills fans hate them
NFL
The Panthers had a nightmare opening to training campThe Panthers had a nightmare opening to training camp
NFL

A lot went wrong in a short period of time.

By James Dator
NFLFromBaltimore Beatdown
Critics keep moving the goalposts on Lamar JacksonCritics keep moving the goalposts on Lamar Jackson
NFLFromBaltimore Beatdown
By Femi Ayanbadejo
NFL
61 NFL predictions ahead of the 2026 season61 NFL predictions ahead of the 2026 season
NFL

From Week 1 to the Super Bowl and beyond, we give a comprehensive layout of what the 2026 season will look like.

By Jarrett Bailey

Comments
Loading comments
Getting the conversation ready...