Updated NFL playoff picture and standings after Packers beat Texans in Week 7

It was always going to come down to the kicker.

Less than a week after signing Brandon McManus to replace Braydon Narveson, the Green Bay Packers' hopes against the Houston Texans came down to a 45-yard field goal, the exact range where they have struggled this season. McManus nailed it, handing the Packers an ugly win over the Houston Texans.

Despite turning the ball over three times, the Packers' defense stepped up with a huge game, and the offense got it done in crunch time.

Elsewhere in the NFC North, the Detroit Lions defeated the Minnesota Vikings with a late field goal, ending Minnesota's undefeated start to the season. The NFC North remains wide open, and the Packers picked up a crucial win to stay in the mix.

Updated NFC playoff picture and standings after Week 7

Detroit Lions (5-1)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-2)
Washington Commanders (4-2)
Seattle Seahawks (4-3)
Minnesota Vikings (5-1)
Green Bay Packers (5-2)
Chicago Bears (4-2)

Updated after the early-window Sunday games.

If the season ended today, the entire NFC North would make the playoffs. The Lions have taken over first place in the division, and the entire NFC, after handing the Vikings their first defeat of the year. It puts three NFC North teams on five wins, although the Packers have two defeats. The Chicago Bears are on bye but benefit from the Atlanta Falcons' loss to the Seattle Seahawks.

It's hard to believe how competitive the NFC North is this year. After seven weeks, the division has a combined 19-6 record, and each team is at least two wins above .500. The best part is that there have only been two divisional games. It's going to get exciting.

The Packers found a way to win on Sunday despite an ugly performance. They have a lot to clean up, but they defeated one of the best teams in the league and strengthened their playoff chances dramatically.

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