NFL: Packers survive a late-game rush by Ravens to take NFC North crown
Baltimore, Maryland - The Green Bay Packers have won their third-straight NFC North title after holding off the Baltimore Ravens on the road Sunday night!
The Packers beat the Ravens in a close 31-30 matchup for their third win in a row to go along with those three consecutive division crowns.
Green Bay is the first team this season to clinch a division title, also guaranteeing a playoff spot next month.
After Baltimore took a small 7-0 lead into the second quarter, the Packers got on the board with a touchdown of their own, followed by both teams adding two more scores to go into halftime tied at 14-14.
Green Bay took the lead in the third quarter with another touchdown, before Baltimore closed the gap with a field goal as the action headed into fourth.
The Packers then jumped further ahead with 10 straight points to sit with a decent lead midway through the final quarter.
But the Ravens wouldn’t go away, adding two touchdowns in the final five minutes of regulation, only to fall short as a two-point try that would’ve won them the game failed on an incomplete pass.
The player spotlight
Green Bay quarterback Aaron Rodgers (37) was once again the star of the show for the Packers as he led them to victory.
He got off to a somewhat slow start, not throwing his first TD pass until midway through the second quarter but did most of his damage during the second half.
His stellar play on Sunday inched him closer to an important Packers record. He is now tied with former Green Bay great Brett Favre for the most career touchdown passes in franchise history.
Rodgers finished the game with 23-for-31 passing, 268 yards, and three touchdowns.
The big picture
After suffering another close loss on Sunday, coupled with the Bengals beating the Broncos, the Ravens now find themselves desperately chasing any chance for a postseason spot.
Just a few weeks ago, they were in the top spot in the AFC – now, they're on the outside looking in.
Baltimore is currently seeded eighth, just behind the Bills, who are still holding onto the seventh and final spot.
Two of the three games left are against divisional teams – Bengals and Steelers. That's two finals that the Ravens have to win for their best chance at grabbing a Wild Card spot.
On Christmas Day, the Packers (11-3) will be back at home to host the Browns (7-6) while next Sunday, the Ravens (8-6) will be on the road to play the Bengals (8-6).
Cover photo: imago/Icon SMI