Five predictions for Packers in final five weeks of 2019 season

2. Packers win NFC North, secure third seed in playoffs

While Sunday’s defeat at San Francisco means securing one of the top two seeds should be considered a long shot, winning the NFC North is still realistic for the Packers. And it doesn’t necessarily require winning in Minnesota. Many are looking ahead to that game as an NFC North decider. While that’s a possibility, it shouldn’t be the expectation.

Green Bay’s schedule is favorable down the stretch. It faces four very winnable games against New York, Washington, Chicago and Detroit. Win all four, and the division could very well be the Packers’.

The Vikings also have some favorable matchups down the stretch, including home games against the Lions and Bears, and a road trip against the Los Angeles Chargers. If they beat the Packers, they could also win four of their remaining five. Their biggest test is this week on the road against the Seattle Seahawks, a team that has won four straight and is aiming for the NFC’s number one seed.

If the Seahawks win that game, it’s advantage Packers in the NFC North. If both the Packers and Vikings win four of their remaining five, the division title will go to Green Bay due to a better divisional record.

It’s likely the top two seeds will belong to the winner of the NFC West and the New Orleans Saints, with the fourth seed going to either the Dallas Cowboys or Philadelphia Eagles. The team that wins the North will most likely get the third seed.