Following a dominating win over the Minnesota Vikings, the Green Bay Packers control their playoff destiny thanks to a Washington Commanders loss earlier in the day.
What a difference 16 weeks can make. In Week 1, the Vikings got the best of the Packers 23-7. Green Bay’s defense had no answer for Justin Jefferson on his way to a 184-yard and two-touchdown performance. Fast forward to Week 17, and the script was completely flipped as Jefferson was stifled for just one catch of 15 yards.
This Packers defense has been on a hot streak since Week 13. Over the past four games, a defense that had once been dormant is now taking the ball away like no other, with nine interceptions over that span.
Last week, it was Tua Tagovailoa who threw three picks in the second half so Green Bay could secure their seventh win. Kirk Cousins matched that total and helped a team that is oozing with confidence at just the right time.
Thanks to a stellar defensive performance, Aaron Rodgers and the Packers’ offense didn’t have to expend a ton of energy in a 41-17 win.
The Vikings, of course, have already clinched a playoff spot but were in contention for the top seed in the NFC before Sunday’s loss. Green Bay now needs a win over the Detroit Lions in the final week of the regular season to clinch a playoff spot.
But before we look ahead to a crucial Week 18 matchup, let’s highlight the standouts from the Packers’ most recent victory.