After the Seahawks lost to the Steelers earlier Sunday, both the Packers and Vikings entered their Week 17 matchup to control their outcomes for a postseason berth.
The Packers took full advantage of the situation, coming away with a 33-10 win over Minnesota on Sunday Night Football.
Green Bay started well, taking a 10-0 lead midway through the first quarter when Love connected with Jayden Reed on a 33-yard touchdown pass. Love then took a 2-yard run in the second quarter and fired another 25-yard touchdown to Reid for a 23-3 halftime lead.
Looking for ball security from the quarterback position, Vikings coach Kevin O'Connell turned to Jarren Hall to replace Nick Mullins. But Hall was ineffective in the first half, throwing an interception that led to Reed's first touchdown and fumbling a sack that led to Reed's second score.
Nick Mullins replaced Hall in the second half but couldn't get the ball into the end zone in the third quarter, turning it over on downs. The Packers responded with a 13-play, 91-yard drive that ended with Love hitting Bo Melton with a 9-yard touchdown run to make the score 30-3.
The Vikings did score after a blocked Green Bay penalty gave them first-and-goal at 7 minutes. But Anders Carlson's 37-yard field goal brought the game to a final score, with Green Bay winning by 23.
Love finished 24 of 33 for 256 yards with three touchdowns, plus a rushing touchdown. Sean Clifford came in at the end of the game to put the ice on it, completing one pass to Milton for 37 yards on third down.
Aaron Jones had 20 carries for 120 yards to lead the way. AJ Dillon had seven carries for 27 yards, exiting the game with a stinger. Reed had six catches for 89 yards with two TDs before leaving the contest with a chest injury. Milton caught six passes for 105 yards with a TD.
Hall was just 5 of 10 for 67 yards with an interception and a lost fumble. Mullins finished 13 of 22 for 133 yards with a touchdown and no picks.
Justin Jefferson had a quiet night, catching five passes for 59 yards.
Green Bay was dominant offensively, racking up 470 yards and 28 first downs. The club finished 9 of 14 in third place. The club also advanced the time of possession from 37:32 to 22:28.
Now at 8-8, the Packers will clinch a playoff berth if they beat the Bears at home in Week 18. This game will be played at 4:25 PM ET on CBS.
The 7-9 Vikings will need a road win over the Lions and plenty of help to reach the playoffs. Minnesota vs. Detroit will be played at 1 PM ET on Fox.
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