Four takeaways from Packers’ NFC North-clinching win over Lions

Aaron Rodgers completes MVP charge

Six weeks ago his name was nowhere near the MVP award, but now Aaron Rodgers is among the favorites.

Once called a “down year”, Rodgers finished the season with 4,428 passing yards (fourth in the NFL), 40 touchdown passes (first) with a passer rating of 104.2 (fourth). He also tossed just seven interceptions all year.

More importantly, the two-time MVP winner elevated his game when it mattered the most. Over his past seven games, Rodgers completed 168 of 241 passes (69.7 percent) for 2,018 yards, 18 touchdowns and no interceptions. His rating over that span is 120.0.

Rodgers’ 2016 MVP resume is stacked with clutch moments, from his 60-yard bomb to Jordy Nelson in Chicago to his dissecting of Seattle’s elite defense on essentially one leg. His stunning touchdown pass to Geronimo Allison in the fourth quarter Sunday is right up there. Rodgers scrambled twice on the play to buy time before eventually finding his receiver with a perfect throw.

Whether he ultimately wins the MVP award is yet to be seen. There are many other worthy candidates such as Matt Ryan, Tom Brady and Ezekiel Elliott. From the Packers’ perspective, it doesn’t matter.

The fact is their star played some of the best football of his career when it mattered most. He did so again in Detroit, which is why the Packers are division champions.