The NFL season reaches its unofficial midway point this weekend, with teams seeing their margin for error shrink. The NFC North is exceptionally competitive, with the 5-3 Packers currently holding a playoff spot. The division could become the first to send four teams to the playoffs in the current alignment.
Packers at Patriots
Current playoff chances: Packers 56%, Patriots 63%. A win would raise Green Bay to 67% and New England to 73%; a loss would drop them to 46% and 51% respectively. Quarterbacks Jordan Love and Drake Maye headline a matchup that will shape both teams' second-half outlook.
Rams at Commanders
Current playoff chances: Rams 28%, Commanders 31%. A win lifts Los Angeles to 39% and Washington to 42%; a loss falls them to 18% and 22%. The 4-4 Rams, preseason Super Bowl favorites, have little room for error.
Buccaneers at Bears
Current playoff chances: Buccaneers 54%, Bears 87%. A win moves Tampa Bay to 67% and Chicago to 92%; a loss drops them to 48% and 77%. The Bears aim for a 7-2 record on primetime, while the Buccaneers have won three of four after an 0-4 start.
Cardinals at Seahawks
Current playoff chances: Cardinals 2%, Seahawks 58%. A win gives Arizona 6% and Seattle 63%; a loss leaves them at 1% and 38%. The 4-4 Seahawks must take care of business, while the Cardinals look to play spoiler after a comeback win over the Cowboys.
Bengals at Falcons (in Spain)
Current playoff chances: Bengals 89%, Falcons 21%. A win raises Cincinnati to 93% and Atlanta to 30%; a loss drops them to 83% and 15%. The international game offers the Bengals a chance to keep pace in the AFC North and the Falcons to stay in the NFC South race.
