2025 Playoffs Thread

[OldSchool101]

Whoop-tee-do.. another 7th seed most likely, for the 3rd year in the row. Hey, make the dance, see what happens… but it’s concerning there hasn’t been any improvement for a better playoff position.

Thankfully the NFL is greedy and added a 7th seed or we’d have 4 straight years of missing the playoffs

Sure that’s likely our highest % pathway.

That said I wouldn’t just give up either.


There’s still a lot of football left. Matter of fact? Tonight’s game has seeding implications. A Colts Win? and SF is only 1/2 game ahead of us and they finish playing Chicago AND Seattle.

Next week Chicago goes to SF49ers. One of those two teams will lose. Both are just ahead of us and within reach. We could be 1/2 game behind either this weekend. Chicago does host Detroit also. None of these are easy games for the 49ers or Bears. Very good chances 1 slips up.

That means our 2 games? They can either send us home (2 losses)
Lock a 7th seed or lock a 6th seed
(1 Win) or outside chance lock a #3 seed (2 Wins and outside help)

We’re nowhere close to done and actually the #3 seed, #6 seed and #7 seed are all very much in play.

I missed that OS, thanks. Jackson has missed a number of games this season, and hasn't been effective when he does play. We all know he's a lot better than that and needs an extended period of time and rehab to get healthy. They still have Derrick Henry, a RB who can do a lot of damage. But without Jackson, the drink doesn't get stirred.

If I recall, Huntley is a solid if unspectacular backup, certainly not at Willis's level. I expect the Packers to end the season strong by beating the Ravens at home and the queens in Minny.

It Certainly could happen. Not that we want injuries but it’s possible our matchup is Huntley vs Malik, but also we finally play at home AND have 8 days between games.

 

[milani]

I missed that OS, thanks. Jackson has missed a number of games this season, and hasn't been effective when he does play. We all know he's a lot better than that and needs an extended period of time and rehab to get healthy. They still have Derrick Henry, a RB who can do a lot of damage. But without Jackson, the drink doesn't get stirred.

If I recall, Huntley is a solid if unspectacular backup, certainly not at Willis's level. I expect the Packers to end the season strong by beating the Ravens at home and the queens in Minny.

Patriots are the real deal. Vrabel has done a job with them. We go to Foxboro next season.

 

[Magooch]

AFAIK:

If we win out AND the Bears lose out AND the Eagles lose at least one more game, we would finish NFC North winners and the #2 seed (in which case I believe our only opponent would be the Bears, home game at Lambeau)

If we win out AND the Bears lose out but the Eagles DON'T lose either of their games, we would still finish NFC North winners but behind the Eagles with the #3 seed (and our opponent would be one of the Seahawks, 49ers, or Rams, depending on how their games shake out)

If we win out AND the Rams lose out AND the 49ers lose at least 2/3 games, we would finish with the #5 seed (exceedingly unlikely but we would play the winner of the NFC South. If Bucs and Panthers both win or lose this week, week 18 between those two would decide who goes)

If we win out AND the 49ers lose at least 2 games AND the Rams win at least one game; OR
If we win out AND the 49ers win at least 2 games AND the Rams lose out, we would finish with the #6 seed (most likely against the Eagles)

All that said, the #7 seed is the overwhelming favorite here. I think there is also the possibility that depending on how next week goes, that could get locked up, in which case the possible permutations of week 18 might become a bit clearer and you could have an argument for resting up a bit and knowing you're ok with the 7 seed

 

[pacmaniac]

I share your frustration DAGIGZ, as I'm sure many do. It seems inevitable that the Packers will get the 7th seed, again, and most likely go 90 miles south for a "rubber game" with the Bears. I'm kinda looking forward to that.

I look forward to that too. In 2 games against the Bears this season we proved we're the better team. If we can't beat them 2 out of 3 times, then we deserve to be eliminated.

 

[OldSchool101]

AFAIK:

If we win out AND the Bears lose out AND the Eagles lose at least one more game, we would finish NFC North winners and the #2 seed (in which case I believe our only opponent would be the Bears, home game at Lambeau)

If we win out AND the Bears lose out but the Eagles DON'T lose either of their games, we would still finish NFC North winners but behind the Eagles with the #3 seed (and our opponent would be one of the Seahawks, 49ers, or Rams, depending on how their games shake out)

If we win out AND the Rams lose out AND the 49ers lose at least 2/3 games, we would finish with the #5 seed (exceedingly unlikely but we would play the winner of the NFC South. If Bucs and Panthers both win or lose this week, week 18 between those two would decide who goes)

If we win out AND the 49ers lose at least 2 games AND the Rams win at least one game; OR
If we win out AND the 49ers win at least 2 games AND the Rams lose out, we would finish with the #6 seed (most likely against the Eagles)

All that said, the #7 seed is the overwhelming favorite here. I think there is also the possibility that depending on how next week goes, that could get locked up, in which case the possible permutations of week 18 might become a bit clearer and you could have an argument for resting up a bit and knowing you're ok with the 7 seed

Yes I agree. Might almost be better if we beat Baltimore to rest for 2 weeks. Maybe let Love and Jacobs play 1-2 Quarters is all just to stay in rhythm.

IMO there’s a 55% chance we beat Chicago at Soldier Field. I know the score but had we not fumbled 3 Times that’s a Packer Win like 95% chance.
all 3 fumbles were critical. I’ll give the Jacobs 1 fumble at the Chi3 to good Defense imo. The chances of the Packers fumbling 3 times again is really low.

 

[OldSchool101]

The game tonight will be interesting. If the Colts can pull off an upset over SF49ers? That would improve our odds of either getting the 6th Seed IF 49ers lose next week to Chicago.


If the 49ers beat Chicago next week? we’re playing for the division lead again (1/2 game behind with a Packer Win). Plus Chicago finishes with Detroit which isn’t an easy feat.

I don’t have odds in front of me but if I’m guessing?
75% odds we’re a 7th seed
40% odds we’re a 6th seed
30% odds we’re a Division Winner

 

[Magooch]

Yes I agree. Might almost be better if we beat Baltimore to rest for 2 weeks. Maybe let Love and Jacobs play 1-2 Quarters is all just to stay in rhythm.

IMO there’s a 55% chance we beat Chicago at Soldier Field. I know the score but had we not fumbled 3 Times that’s a Packer Win like 95% chance.
all 3 fumbles were critical. I’ll give the Jacobs 1 fumble to good Defense imo. The chances of the Packers fumbling 3 times again is really low.

In the immediate aftermath of Saturday's game I wanted absolutely nothing to do with playing the Bears again (Given the choice between missing the playoffs outright and making but losing to Chicago, I'd rather just miss out )
But the more I think of it, I don't know... I like our odds. I guess it will kind of depend on health. Overall, we've played them for a total of like ~125 minutes and IMO have been the better team for like...115 of those minutes. And with all the injuries we suffered vs Denver (and during the game in Chicago), I would've for sure guessed that we would've performed way worse in the second matchup than the first. Obviously, the outcome was worse, but in a lot of ways, for the majority of that game I thought we actually looked *better* than the first (winning) matchup.

Give us a third crack and I like our odds. Who knows, there's still a small chance we could sneak into the 2/3 seed and end up having them come up to Lambeau again...

 

[DABIGZ]

The bigger question is, do we win on Saturday? Both Love and Willis are banged up. So, we're going to hitch our hopes too... Clayton Tune?

I apologize if I'm being pessimistic, but in my opinion it's a realistic view. It's 7th seed or bust.

Because there is a point where "too much adversity" is a real thing. Heck, Mike Spofford even admitted as much in today's Insider Inbox

Inbox: Deep breath, need one more, go get it

 

[milani]

Yes I agree. Might almost be better if we beat Baltimore to rest for 2 weeks. Maybe let Love and Jacobs play 1-2 Quarters is all just to stay in rhythm.

IMO there’s a 55% chance we beat Chicago at Soldier Field. I know the score but had we not fumbled 3 Times that’s a Packer Win like 95% chance.
all 3 fumbles were critical. I’ll give the Jacobs 1 fumble at the Chi3 to good Defense imo. The chances of the Packers fumbling 3 times again is really low.

Right now I cling to the hope that the Vikings can somehow beat the Lions which can put us in even before playing Baltimore. Right now our roster is very stretched. Sitting players for 2 games cannot hurt. And we are not going to jump to #6 or #5. #7 is what we have in front of us.

 

[rdawsoniii]

Right now I cling to the hope that the Vikings can somehow beat the Lions which can put us in even before playing Baltimore. Right now our roster is very stretched. Sitting players for 2 games cannot hurt. And we are not going to jump to #6 or #5. #7 is what we have in front of us.

Me too.

But….the ONE time I want the Vikings to win, they probably won’t.

 

[milani]

Me too.

But….the ONE time I want the Vikings to win, they probably won’t.

Exactly. Well, Rodgers and Tomlin came through for us yesterday. Who knows?

 

[gopkrs]

According to the article, Metcalf took a "swing" at a fan. God you cannot depend on anybody for accuracy. At least I would never characterize that as a swing. Anyway. 2 games, to be challenged. I guess that means next year or else he wouldn't challenge it.

 

[BrokenArrow]

We’re nowhere close to done and actually the #3 seed, #6 seed and #7 seed are all very much in play.

#2 seed is in play. Bears have two tough games left and could easily lose both. We could very well win both. If that happens, we're #2 in all likelihood.

 

[milani]

#2 seed is in play. Bears have two tough games left and could easily lose both. We could very well win both. If that happens, we're #2 in all likelihood.

I believe it is harder for the Bears to win 2 than the Rams to win their last 2.

 

[OldSchool101]

#2 seed is in play. Bears have two tough games left and could easily lose both. We could very well win both. If that happens, we're #2 in all likelihood.

While it’s still in play to get a #2 seed, it’s highly unlikely. Keep in mind that Philly is still the 2 seed and they are 1/2 game ahead. They play Buffalo and Washington and would have to lose at least 1 of those or both if we go 1-1

 

[OldSchool101]

I believe it is harder for the Bears to win 2 than the Rams to win their last 2.

What is interesting is IF the Bears win vs 49ers? We’d lose the Division but that 6th seed is back in play. SF would he 1/2 game up but they finish vs Seattle and we play MN to finish.

The fact that the Bears play SF49ers helps our cause in both situations because technically both are in our way. Obviously our best scenario is they lose to SF and we beat Baltimore. Then our Division will be decided Week18
Packers at MN
Vs
Detroit at Chicago

 

[milani]

What is interesting is IF the Bears win vs 49ers? We’d lose the Division but that 6th seed is back in play. SF would he 1/2 game up but they finish vs Seattle and we play MN to finish.

The fact that the Bears play SF49ers helps our cause in both situations because technically both are in our way. Obviously our best scenario is they lose to SF and we beat Baltimore. Then our Division will be decided Week18
Packers at MN
Vs
Detroit at Chicago

And if the Vikings beat the Lions are we better served sitting players in WKS 17 and 18 to be healthier as the #7 seed or try to get anyone on the field we need 8n hopes of being a #6?

 

[El Guapo]

The Vikings lost their center and QB. Their OL has already been decimated but their defense is still legit. I just don't see them winning another game this season even if McCarthy comes back.

I also don't think that we should sit anybody unless they have a concerning injury - Josh Jacob's knee for instance.

 

[gopkrs]

I think I'd rather be 7th seed and go back to chicago

 

[AKCheese]

I want Chicago - however we get there

 

[milani]

The Vikings lost their center and QB. Their OL has already been decimated but their defense is still legit. I just don't see them winning another game this season even if McCarthy comes back.

I also don't think that we should sit anybody unless they have a concerning injury - Josh Jacob's knee for instance.

Both the Viking RBs have ankle injuries. Aaron Jones hung tough just so they could finish the game. Unless JJ can go there is no way they can take advantage of that decimated Lion secondary. Jefferson would have to catch 7 yarders and RAC.

 

[Heyjoe4]

I like having divisions. And 3 other teams get in with their records. If you don't make that; imo you don't deserve to, even if you had a better record than a division winner. I like the rivalries and playing those teams twice. Sometimes you get lucky being in a bad division but that changes.

Yeah I like the divisions as well gopkrs and the natural rivalries created. We all more or less know the teams, and the rivalries that develop over time are fun to watch.

It just bugs me that, seemingly every year, there is a division winner, with a worse record than its first-round opponent, played at the division-winner's home stadium.

But it's not good to throw the baby out with the bathwater. The rivalries that come from the divisions are worth keeping the current format as is.

 

[Heyjoe4]

I want Chicago - however we get there

Agreed. That game Saturday night was a flashback to the awful, awful NFCCG loss to the hags in 2014. The only good news is that the loss didn't end the Packers' season.

But I would love to see a rematch. early in the playoffs, week 1. They can play in Chicago, or Lambeau, or on Mars for all I care. The Bears generated some very bad blood, starting with what certainly looked like a kill shot on Love in Q2. That kind of play has been absent, at least since the days when a Packer (Charles Martin?) body slammed Jim McMahon long after the whistle.

So if they wanna play with the gloves off, so be it. Just bring it on!

 

[milani]

Agreed. That game Saturday night was a flashback to the awful, awful NFCCG loss to the hags in 2014. The only good news is that the loss didn't end the Packers' season.

But I would love to see a rematch. early in the playoffs, week 1. They can play in Chicago, or Lambeau, or on Mars for all I care. The Bears generated some very bad blood, starting with what certainly looked like a kill shot on Love in Q2. That kind of play has been absent, at least since the days when a Packer (Charles Martin?) body slammed Jim McMahon long after the whistle.

So if they wanna play with the gloves off, so be it. Just bring it on!

We had to play the Bears 3 times in the 2010 season. If we had to play them I wish it was not in the first round.
We also played the Tampa Bucs in 1997 back in the Dilfer-Sapp days.

 

[pacmaniac]

Yeah I like the divisions as well gopkrs and the natural rivalries created. We all more or less know the teams, and the rivalries that develop over time are fun to watch.

It just bugs me that, seemingly every year, there is a division winner, with a worse record than its first-round opponent, played at the division-winner's home stadium.

But it's not good to throw the baby out with the bathwater. The rivalries that come from the divisions are worth keeping the current format as is.

If you make a simple change, you get to keep the divisional rivalries. Just make it so that each division winner still gets a playoff spot - just not necessarily a home game. Make it so the team with the better record plays the game at home.