Packers have traveled long road to wild-card meeting with Giants

Table. Ran.

Going into the day it was unclear if the Packers could lose and still make the playoffs, but by game time both teams knew that they had punched their tickets to the postseason. Thanks to the Giants win over the Redskins early in the day, all was left was to see was who would be the NFC North champs. A win would earn the fourth seed and host the Giants, the loser heading to Seattle.

This game was a big deal to both teams. Throw out the fact they are divisional rivals. Throw out that the Lions haven’t won the division since Wayne Fontes was coach in 1993. This game had playoff atmosphere written all over it. It was the last game of the regular season and all eyes were on them in primetime.

The defenses came out the gate strong, both offenses taking some time to find their groove. No score at the end of the first quarter and at half it was 14-10 Lions. FB Aaron Ripkowski seemed to be the feature running back as he ended up leading the team in rushing yards with 61 and caught another 15 yards with a touchdown.

The Packers dominated the third and most of the fourth quarters as Rodgers showed his resolve. He ended up throwing for 300 yards and four touchdowns. Undrafted rookie wide receiver Geronimo Allison was thrown into duty with the absence of starter Randall Cobb and he took advantage of his opportunities. Allison had a banner day as he pulled in a touchdown and led the team in receiving yards with 91.

Detroit quarterback Matthew Stafford had his time too as he accumulated 347 yards and two touchdowns and spread the ball around to receivers Golden Tate, Marvin Jones, Eric Ebron and Anquan Boldin.

In the end Rodgers and company did enough to earn their fourth NFC North title in five years. Packers 31, Lions 24.