NFC North standings: The impact of Packers’ victory over Bears on the division race and playoff outlook originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The battle for supremacy in the NFC North is set to intensify.
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On Sunday, the Green Bay Packers faced the Chicago Bears in their first encounter of the season, with the victor claiming the top position in the division. Ultimately, the Packers emerged victorious in a closely contested matchup, but these two teams are set to clash again in two weeks.
This result followed the Detroit Lions’ win on Thursday night, keeping their hopes alive in the playoff chase. However, Detroit is currently 1-3 in divisional games this season, placing them slightly behind their division competitors.
Here’s how the NFC standings shape up after Week 14.
MORE: Revised NFL playoff outlook after Week 14 results
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NFC North standings
|
Rank |
Team |
Record |
|
1. |
Green Bay Packers |
9-3-1 |
|
2. |
Chicago Bears |
9-4 |
|
3. |
Detroit Lions |
8-5 |
|
4. |
Minnesota Vikings |
5-8 |
The Packers ascend past the Bears in the rankings, claiming first place in the NFC North going forward. Green Bay’s tie allows them a slight edge. Meanwhile, the Bears slip to second place but remain a strong contender for the wild-card spot.
The Lions will maintain their position in third place, but the outcomes from Sunday bring them closer to second place in the standings. Lastly, the Minnesota Vikings are nearly guaranteed to finish last after a season in which they had a 14-3 record.
MORE: Josh Allen and the Bills persevere against the Bengals in snowy conditions
Packers schedule 2025
|
Date |
Opponent |
Time |
TV Channel |
|
12/14 |
@ Broncos |
4:25 p.m. |
CBS |
|
12/20 |
@ Bears |
8:20 p.m. |
Fox |
|
TBD |
vs. Ravens |
TBD |
TBD |
|
TBD |
@ Vikings |
TBD |
TBD |
In the final month of the regular season, the Packers face a variety of opponents. Next week, they are set to visit the Denver Broncos for a challenging away game, and they also have to play the Bears in Chicago.
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However, Green Bay will also face an undermanned Baltimore Ravens squad and the last-place Vikings, offering a comparatively softer schedule.
MORE: How the Ravens’ defeat to the Steelers dampens playoff hopes
Bears schedule 2025
|
Date |
Opponent |
Time |
TV Channel |
|
12/14 |
vs. Browns |
1:00 p.m. |
Fox |
|
12/20 |
vs. Packers |
8:20 p.m. |
Fox |
|
12/28 |
@ 49ers |
8:20 p.m. |
NBC |
|
TBD |
vs. Lions |
TBD |
TBD |
After facing off against the three-win Cleveland Browns next week, the Bears will wrap up the season with three tough games. Chicago will battle the Packers at home in two weeks and then head to play the San Francisco 49ers in a crucial wild-card clash.
Should the Bears’ playoff fate come down to the last game, their match against the Lions could determine playoff standings. Detroit already secured a victory over the Bears earlier in the season, giving the Lions the advantage.
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MORE:Jaguars’ victory over Colts stirs up the AFC South
Lions schedule 2025
|
Date |
Opponent |
Time |
TV Channel |
|
12/14 |
@ Rams |
4:25 p.m. |
Fox |
|
12/21 |
vs. Steelers |
4:25 p.m. |
CBS |
|
12/25 |
@ Vikings |
4:30 p.m. |
Netflix |
|
TBD |
@ Bears |
TBD |
TBD |
The Lions are facing a challenging road to the playoffs this season. With three of their last four games on the road and most against teams currently positioned for the playoffs, Detroit remains outside the postseason picture.
