Packers receive special Christmas gift from Jared Goff and the Lions, and it changes everything
Lions surprisingly lost to a Max Brosmer-led Minnesota Vikings on Christmas.
For the third consecutive season, the Green Bay Packers are in the playoffs. Even before stepping on the field in Week 17, the Packers clinched a playoff spot with the Detroit Lions’ Christmas loss to the Minnesota Vikings on Thursday.
Even with undrafted rookie third-string quarterback Max Brosmer playing for the Vikings, the defense took care of the issue, forcing six turnovers. Lions quarterback Jared Goff had two interceptions and five sacks — if you needed another indication that Jordan Love is the best quarterback in the NFC North, there you have a big one.
What the Packers have left to play
The Packers are 9-5-1, behind the Chicago Bears (11-4) in the NFC North. Both the Vikings and Lions are now 8-8, eliminated from playoff contention.
With a secured playoff berth, the Packers still have something to play for in the final two games of the season, against the Baltimore Ravens and Vikings. If they win both games and the Bears lose to the San Francisco 49ers and Lions, the Packers would win the NFC North for the first time since 2021, clinching a home playoff game — and fighting for the second seed in the NFC.
However, if the Packers lose to the Ravens or the Bears beat the 49ers this week, Green Bay won’t have anything materially significant to play for in Week 18 — which would create an interesting opportunity to rest starters versus the Vikings.
This year, the Packers proved to be better than the Lions, sweeping them with wins in Week 1 at Lambeau Field and Week 13 on Thanksgiving at Ford Field.
After two consecutive seasons with playoff appearances, the Lions are back to a more difficult place — and the Packers are extremely happy about it, whether it’s a gift from Santa or Jared Goff.
Green Bay Packers News
Jordan Love status update sparks intriguing scenario that could influence how the Packers handle the final stretch
Quarterback Jordan Love is officially listed as questionable to play against the Ravens.
