The Atlanta Falcons, Los Angeles Rams, Washington Commanders, Detroit Lions and Minnesota Vikings all won on Sunday, not helping the Green Bay Packers, but Matt LaFleur’s team can still clinch a playoff spot with a victory over the New Orleans Saints on Monday Night Football from Lambeau Field.
The Falcons passed the New York Giants in Michael Penix Jr.’s first career start, the Rams beat Aaron Rodgers and the New York Jets, the Commanders came back to beat the Philadelphia Eagles, the Lions had no trouble beating the Chicago Bears and the Vikings got a tardy touchdown from Justin Jefferson and they defeated the Seattle Seahawks.
To clinch a playoff berth on Sunday, the Packers needed a Falcons loss or tie and a Rams or Seahawks loss or tie.
Instead, the Falcons won, eliminating any tie-breaking scenario on Sunday, and the Lions and Vikings won, eliminating the Packers from contention for the NFC North title.
The Commanders also picked up their 10th win, putting pressure on the Packers to keep winning to avoid taking the No. 7 seed.
With a victory over the Saints on Monday night, the Packers will secure at least 7th place in the standings. LaFleur’s team can still go 13-4 and take the No. 5 seed, but now there are only three options: No. 7 seed, No. 6 seed, or No. 5 seed. The Packers can’t finish higher.
After playing the Saints, Green Bay ends with a road game against the Vikings and a home game against the Bears, who have lost nine straight games. A trip to Minneapolis will lend a hand determine who will win the NFC North and whether the Packers can leapfrog the Vikings to move into the fifth spot in the standings.
But first things first: The Packers need to take care of business at home against a 5-9 Saints team that’s already eliminated from the playoff field and is missing several key players.
NFC playoff photo entering MNF
1. Detroit Lions (13-2) – Secured playoff spot
2. Philadelphia Eagles (12-3) – Secured playoff spot
3. Los Angeles Rams (9-5)
4. Atlanta Falcons (8-7)
5. Minnesota Vikings (13-2) – Secured playoff berth
6. Green Bay Packers (10-4)
7. Washington Commanders (10-5)
8. Tampa Bay Privateers (8-7)
9. Seattle Seahawks (8-7)
All remaining NFC teams were eliminated.
