Could All Four NFC North Teams Make the Postseason?

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NFC North Could Send All Four Teams to the Postseason

Every team in the NFC North could make the postseason. The NFC South and NFC East may produce only their respective division winners, while the 49ers could be the only other team to emerge from the NFC West if the Bears beat Seattle.

That would open the door for Chicago, Minnesota, Detroit, and Green Bay to reach the postseason alongside the other division leaders. Entering Week 9, the NFC North looks like the toughest division in football.

Detroit strengthened its case with a late touchdown to beat Minnesota. Although the Lions may rank last among the four NFC North contenders, they could be the best team in another division. Nine or 10 wins may be enough to put them in the postseason.

Minnesota has already banked plenty of wins and could get in by playing .500 football for the rest of the season. Chicago also appears likely to find a way into the postseason, while Green Bay may be playing the best football in the division.

Seattle should not be dismissed, even with a loss to Chicago. The Rams and Seattle are unlikely to win every remaining game, but both remain in contention. Seattle’s performance against Kansas City also suggests it could win plenty of games before the end of the season.

Green Bay now faces an intriguing game against New England in Foxborough. Micah Parsons is expected to practice throughout the week, giving an already impressive Packers defense its best player back. Green Bay has struggled to run the ball behind a poor offensive line, but its passing game has thrived with two strong receivers and a tight end.

New England presents a difficult challenge after coming alive in the second half against Miami. Still, the return of Parsons makes it especially compelling to see what New England can accomplish against Green Bay’s defense.

There is plenty left to decide, but the next phase of the NFC playoff race begins with Chicago against Seattle.