How soon can Packers clinch the NFC North?

The Green Bay Packers received a monumental boost on their bye week, with the Vikings and Bears losing.

The Packers are going to win the NFC North, that much is obvious. They’re the only team above .500 in the division, and they’re only a game behind the Arizona Cardinals for top record in the conference.

Yet, the purpose of this article is not just to state the obvious to Packers fans, but let them know the soonest possible date they could clinch the division.

Green Bay has a four-game lead with five left to play. Having lost their only game against the Vikings so far, Minnesota has that matchup in hand for now.

NFC North: How soon can Packers clinch?

Four weeks from now, the Packers play host to the Vikings at Lambeau Field. It’s their second and final matchup against Minnesota this season, and it’s both teams’ second-to-last game of the year. If the Packers haven’t clinched by then, somehow, then surely that will be a last stand of sorts.

But the soonest they can clinch is next week, actually. If the Vikings lose to the Steelers next Thursday, then the Packers will play the Bears to clinch the division. It’s that easy.

Of course, the Packers have greater goals than to just win the division, but it’s a good start and ensures a playoff berth with four weeks to play. It’s an impressive accomplishment for a team mired in controversy midseason thanks to their quarterback, and one that is dealing with significant injuries.