The Green Bay Packers secured their spot in the NFL Playoffs with a commanding 34-0 win over the New Orleans Saints on Monday night, marking the league’s first shutout of the season.
This victory propels the Packers to an 11-4 record, making them the fourth-best team in the NFC. However, they remain in third place within the NFC North, behind the 13-2 Detroit Lions and Minnesota Vikings.
For the first time since the NFL’s 2002 divisional realignment, the NFC North is sending three teams to the postseason. Despite their impressive record, the Packers aim to avoid a peculiar distinction: becoming the best third-place team in NFL history. If Green Bay wins its final two games, finishing 12-5, they would set a record for the highest win total by a third-place team. They could also become the first No. 6 seed with 12 victories.
The Packers face a critical Week 17 clash against Minnesota and a more favorable matchup against the struggling Chicago Bears in Week 18. To leapfrog the Vikings for second place, Green Bay needs two wins and for Minnesota to lose to Detroit. A tie in records would see the Packers secure the No. 5 seed through superior performance against common opponents.
While history may beckon, the Packers hope for a playoff scenario that better reflects their strong season.
