DETROIT, MI (WTAQ) – A walkoff 33-yard field goal by Mason Crosby broke a tie, giving the Green Bay Packers a 23-20 win over the Detroit Lions at Ford Field on Sunday. The win earns the Packers a first-round playoff bye.
The Packers struggled throughout the game, dropping behind by two touchdowns in the first half. They never lead until the game-winning field goal went through as time expired.
The Lions close out the season on a nine game losing streak, their longest since going winless in 2008. They finish the year with a 3-12-1 record.
Aaron Rodgers looked less than spectacular, especially in the first half. But he finished the game 27 of 55 with 323 yards and a pair of touchdowns. He also threw a rare interception.
Aaron Jones rushed for 100 yards on 25 carries while adding another 43 yards through the air. Davante Adams caught seven for 93 yards and a touchdown.
The Packers saw a couple of key players go down with injuries in Detroit – as starting offensive linemen Corey Linsley and Bryan Bulaga went down, along with linebacker B.J. Goodson. The Lions lost their best wide receiver early, after Kenny Golladay was evaluated for a concussion following a 42-yard catch in the second quarter.
Prior to the game, there was a moment of silence for Lions’ wide receiver Marvin Jones’ 6-month old son Marlo, who passed away unexpectedly this week. Jones was placed on injured reserve earlier this month and did not play.
The Packers have made the postseason for the first time since 2016, and are guaranteed a bye and one game at Lambeau Field. They will be the second seed in the NFC playoff bracket.
San Francisco secured the number one seed in the NFC with a Sunday night victory over the Seattle Seahawks. That gives them home-field advantage throughout the playoffs.
