The Green Bay Packers haven't officially claimed a playoff spot yet, but they're incredibly close. One more victory from their final two games, or just one defeat for the Detroit Lions, is all it takes.
Green Bay still has an outside shot at winning the NFC North. It would require wins over the Baltimore Ravens and Minnesota Vikings, with the Chicago Bears losing their remaining games versus the San Francisco 49ers and Lions. Likely? No. Realistic? Absolutely.
Even with two weeks to go in the regular season, the Packers' first-round opponent is already looking evident. Get ready for Round 3 with Chicago.
A rematch with Bears is becoming increasingly likely for Packers in the first round of the playoffs
The Bears have already clinched their playoff spot, and the Packers aren't far behind.
According to The Athletic's playoff simulator, Chicago has a 68 percent chance of securing the No. 2 seed. It still has a 14 percent shot at the top seed, and also an 11 percent shot at the No. 7, which would mean Green Bay wins the NFC North.
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So, that's a 79 percent chance the Bears will end up with either the No. 2 or the No. 7. Remember that.
The simulator gives Green Bay a 76 percent chance of securing the No. 7 seed and a seven percent shot at the No. 2 seed.
That's an 83 percent chance the Packers will clinch the No. 2 or the No. 7.
Why is this relevant? As you may have guessed, the No. 2 seed hosts the No. 7 seed in the first round of the playoffs. The numbers suggest it's by far the most likely scenario that the NFC North winner will host the NFC North runner-up in the wild-card round, giving us Packers-Bears III.
It's not a lock. The Bears can still clinch the No. 1 seed, although they require a range of results to fall into place. Similarly, the Packers could land the No. 6 seed or fall out of the playoffs entirely, but again, they are improbable outcomes.
With two games to go, it sure looks like we're hurtling towards a third game between the Packers and Bears. Matt LaFleur and Ben Johnson. Jordan Love and Caleb Williams. Whether it's at Lambeau Field or Soldier Field, this could be a playoff matchup for the ages. Bring it on.