THE GREEN BAY Packers claimed the NFC North title after topping the Minnesota Vikings 23-10 in the NFL.
Aaron Jones starred on Monday as the playoff-bound Packers clinched their first divisional crown since 2016.
Green Bay running back Jones had 23 carries for 154 yards and two touchdowns to lead the Packers (12-3) in Minnesota.
It was not pretty at times, but the Packers got the job done on the road at US Bank Stadium for an early Christmas present.
The Vikings (10-5) and the Packers exchanged field goals in the opening quarter before Stefon Diggs put Minnesota ahead in the second.
A 21-yard pass from Kirk Cousins, who finished 16 of 31 for 122 yards, a TD and an interception, gave the Vikings a 10-3 lead before a pair of Mason Crosby field goals reduced the deficit to 10-9 at half-time.
The Packers took control in the second half, Jones’ 12-yard run putting Green Bay ahead for the first time in the game.
Jones then sealed the victory with his second touchdown — taking his tally to an NFL-leading 19 – when he ran 56 yards for a TD with less than six minutes remaining.
Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers was quiet, going 26 of 40 for 216 yards, no touchdowns, an interception and three sacks.
- Omni
