Mark Schofield is a former college quarterback and attorney covering the NFL.

Week 16 of the 2024 NFL season draws to a close when the Green Bay Packers welcome the New Orleans Saints to Lambeau Field for Monday Night Football.

But by the time that game kicks off, the Packers might have already clinched a playoff berth.

Sitting at 10-4 the Packers are two games behind the Detroit Lions and the Minnesota Vikings in the NFC North, with both of their rivals already locking up postseason spots. But the Packers can join them this weekend, and as noted above they can potentially clinch a playoff spot before Monday night rolls around.

Here are Green Bay's playoff scenarios heading into Week 16.

There are two ways the Packers can clinch a playoff spot before Monday Night Football.

First, if the Atlanta Falcons lose or tie against the New York Giants, and the Los Angeles Rams lose or tie against the New York Jets, then the Packers will have locked up a playoff spot.

Second, if the Falcons lose or tie against the Giants, and the Seattle Seahawks lose or tie against the Minnesota Vikings, then the Packers are in the playoffs.

However, should neither scenario come to fruition on Sunday, then the Packers can punch their postseason ticket themselves with a win or a tie against the Saints on Monday Night Football.