Packers almost certain to make playoffs after Week 13

Even with five games still to play in the regular season, the Green Bay Packers are almost guaranteed a spot in the playoffs.

It’s turned out to be quite a good week for the Green Bay Packers.

While they get to enjoy their bye week, two division rivals lost their games to move the Packers one step closer to winning the NFC North.

With five weeks to play in the regular season, Green Bay is almost guaranteed a playoff berth.

According to FiveThirtyEight’s latest playoff projections, the Packers have a greater-than-99-percent chance of making the playoffs. The percentage for winning the NFC North is also greater than 99 percent.

So while not guaranteed just yet, the Packers are very, very close.

With a 9-3 record, there’s a good chance Green Bay would secure a wild-card berth even by losing its final five games. It might even be enough for the NFC North title.

In a worst-case scenario where Green Bay lost out from here, the team has a three-game cushion over the Washington Football Team, who are closest to a wild-card berth.

Of course, we all know Matt LaFleur’s team is all but guaranteed a playoff berth and likely the division title. But what about the all-important top seed, which secures a first-round bye and home-field advantage?

FiveThirtyEight gives Green Bay a 33 percent chance of securing the NFC’s number one seed.

The Arizona Cardinals’ victory over the Chicago Bears gives them a one-game lead over the Packers in first place, but in some ways it’s only really a half-game lead. Don’t forget that Green Bay has the head-to-head tiebreaker after defeating Arizona earlier in the year. That could come into play.

In the event of a two-way tie between the Packers and Cardinals, Green Bay would earn the higher seed.

If you’re planning on attending a playoff game at Lambeau Field this season, you might soon need to start making arrangements.