Playoff possibilities emerge early for the Packers, but the odds aren't pretty for now

The NFL released their playoff clinching scenarios for Week 15. And, guess what, the Green Bay Packers are there. This means there is a scenario in which the Packers, third in the NFC North, can already clinch a postseason berth with three games left in the regular season.

But, well, it's not easy.

The logical part

First, the Packers have to beat the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday Night Football. This is helpful for obvious reasons, and it would put the Packers in position to make the playoffs even if it doesn't happen this week.

By all accounts, a win in the four remaining games is probably enough for Green Bay to eventually clinch the playoff spot.

The difficult part

The second part, and this is possible but unlikely, the Atlanta Falcons have to lose or tie. The problem is that they face the Las Vegas Raiders, who will be playing with an injured Aidan O'Connell or backup Desmond Ridder.

The almost impossible part

This is where things get more complicated. In addition to a Packers win and a Falcons loss/tie, the Thursday Night Football game between the San Francisco 49ers and Los Angeles Rams has to end in a tie.

That's because both NFC West teams could reach the Packers with a win, but a tie would make both teams stale.