Green Bay Packers Playoff Chances Heading Into Christmas

The Green Bay Packers are in must-win mode, while also needing quite a bit of help in order to stay in the NFC Wild Card standings. Yes, the chances Packers make the playoffs heading into Week 16 are slim, but it is still possible. Let's discuss the Green Bay Packers' playoff chances, betting odds, remaining schedule and if it is realistic for them to make it into the dance.

Green Bay Packers Playoff Odds

If you believe in Green Bay, now could be the time to bet on the Packers' playoff odds. Heading into Week 16, they sit at only 6-8. The Packers' odds to make the playoffs are +880, which is actually worse off than last week. This means a $100 bet would win $880, if Green Bay runs the table and makes the NFL Playoffs.

Photo byDylan Buell/Getty Images

NFC Playoff Standings

The NFC Playoff picture is an interesting one, as all four NFC East teams are currently in the NFL Playoffs. The Dallas Cowboys, New York Giants and Washington Commanders occupy all three spots in the NFC Wild Card Standings. Meanwhile, the NFC South is fully up for grabs, as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers only have a one-game lead on the rest of the division.

Let's take a look at the NFC Playoff picture. Remember, the top seven teams in the NFC Playoff standings are in, and winning the division rewards the team with a top-four seed.

*clinched the NFL Playoffs

1. Philadelphia Eagles (13-1)*
2. Minnesota Vikings (11-3)*
3. San Francisco 49ers (10-4)*
4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (6-8)
5. Dallas Cowboys (10-4)*
6. New York Giants (8-5-1)
7. Washington Commanders (7-6-1)

NFC Wild Card Mix

• Seattle Seahawks (7-7)
• Detroit Lions (7-7)
• Green Bay Packers (6-8)
• Carolina Panthers (5-9)
• New Orleans Saints (5-9)
• Atlanta Falcons (5-9)

Packers Playoffs Chances and Scenarios

At 6-8, the chances Packers make the playoffs are bleak. With the Minnesota Vikings at 11-3, the Packers are in an unfamiliar spot, needing the Wild Card in order for them to sneak into the NFC Playoff Picture.

According to FiveThirtyEight, the chances Packers make the playoffs are only 8%. This is a 2% improvement from last week. Let's take look at how to Packers make the playoffs.

Obviously, for the chances Packers make the playoffs to stay alive, they must defeat the Miami Dolphins on Christmas. This would improve the Packers' chance of making the playoffs to 20%. If the Giants, Commanders and Seahawks lose to the Vikings, 49ers and Chiefs, respectively, the chances Packers make the playoffs rise to 23%.

If the above happens and the Packers win the rest of their games, Green Bay's chance to make the playoffs will rise to 86%, but they will still need one of the NFC East teams to help them out.

Green Bay Packers Remaining Schedule

Can the Packers make the playoffs? The Green Bay Packers remaining schedule isn't the easiest, but every game is winnable. This week, the Packers' remaining schedule has them playing on Christmas Day down in Miami against the Dolphins. While the Packers should be able to score, the defense must step up and stop Raheem Mostert and Tyreek Hill.

Following this week, the Packers have back-to-back divisional home games to end the season, facing the Vikings and Lions. If they can win down in Miami, the chances Packers make the playoffs should be optimistic, since they will have a great home-field advantage against two indoor teams.

Obviously, a loss or a tie kills the Packers' chance of making playoffs. Even if they do not lose another game, Green Bay needs a bit of help in order for you to cash your bet on the Packers playoff odds.