Great news in Wisconsin! The Green Bay Packers have clinched the number one seed in the NFC with a Week 17 win against their rival Chicago Bears.
The Packers had to win this game to maintain home-field advantage in the NFC and they did just that, defeating the Bears 35-16 at Soldier Field in Chicago.
Luckily for the Bears, the Arizona Cardinals lost their game against the Jared Goff–less Los Angeles Rams and have still managed to squeak into the playoffs at 8-8.
The Packers continued their offensive dominance in their Week 17 matchup, which was derived mostly from Aaron Rodgers' brilliance, throwing 19 of 24 for 240 yards and four touchdowns with no interceptions. That brings Rodgers' passing touchdown total to 48 on the season—the highest among all quarterbacks. Rodgers also had the fewest number of interceptions among starting quarterbacks this season with only five.
The Packers are looking to redeem themselves from last season when they were embarrassed in the NFC Championship Game against the San Francisco 49ers. The first step to doing that is securing home-field advantage, and that is exactly what they've done.
The Packers' high-powered offense will get a bye in the first round of the playoffs, which will be critical for resting active players and getting a full week more time to prepare for their first playoff game.
Regardless of what happens in the first round of the playoffs, the Packers can ensure that they'll be at Lambeau Field for their NFC playoff games. The frozen tundra in Green Bay might be the most impactful home-field advantage in the entire NFL. This Week 17 win could pay dividends.
Follow Us
Subscribe