- The Packers are 4-2, but they also have the seventh-toughest remaining strength of schedule over the final 12 weeks, and their remaining opponents have a combined winning percentage of.541.
- Every NFC North team has a winning record entering Week 7, and if the Lions beat the Packers, then all four teams in the division will still be above.500.
- The division has the records to support the four-team playoff idea, but Green Bay’s schedule is getting harder, Minnesota is coming out of a bye into a tougher run, and every divisional result seems to tighten the race a little more.
- The theory is still alive.
NFC North’s playoff theory gets a schedule test as Packers draw a brutal finish
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Sources & Referenced Reporting
- lombardiave.com, “NFL standings by remaining strength of schedule: Packers face difficult road ahead,” Oct. 22, 2026.
- sidelionreport.com, “Even Ben Solak thinks the entire NFC North could make the playoffs this season,” Oct. 21, 2026.
- Minnesota Vikings, “NFL Power Rankings: Vikings Status After Week 6 Bye,” Oct. 20, 2026.
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