Packers: Four teams to root for in Week 14 as playoff race heats up

Detroit Lions (at Vikings)

I know, I know. I can’t see any chance of the Detroit Lions pulling off the upset, either. But this would be a huge result in the race for the NFC North title. The Lions, likely without Matthew Stafford, might need their own “Miracle in Minneapolis” to end their five-game losing run against a Minnesota Vikings team yet to lose at home this season.

However, upsets can happen, and who knows how Monday night’s loss might affect the Vikings? They enter this game on a short week. If the Atlanta Falcons can win in New Orleans, anything is possible. Divisional games can be surprising.

So, what would it mean for the Packers?

Consider it a huge step in the NFC North race. If Green Bay beats Washington and Minnesota loses to Detroit, the Vikings wouldn’t just fall two games back in the race for the division title, but they would also suffer another loss inside the division. With a 1-3 record in the NFC North, the Vikings would be in real trouble.

For the Packers, they would have the chance to clinch the NFC North title with a victory over the Chicago Bears in Week 15. Doing so would ensure they’d remain at least two games ahead with two to play, but their 4-0 record inside the division would win them the tiebreaker, even if their records were tied at the end of the season.

Go Lions!