The Green Bay Packers needed that.
They don't leave the desert with a convincing win, and there are real concerns on the defensive side of the ball, but championship teams find a way. The Packers didn't lead until late in the fourth quarter, but a gutsy fourth-down call followed by a Josh Jacobs touchdown run ensured Matt LaFleur's team remains atop the NFC North.
The Chicago Bears improved to 4-2 with a victory over the New Orleans Saints, while the Minnesota Vikings fell to 3-3 with a defeat to the Philadelphia Eagles. The Detroit Lions don't play until Monday Night Football, but the Packers leave Sunday's slate as the division leaders and the No. 2 seed in the NFC.
Packers maintain grip on No. 2 seed after beating Cardinals in Week 7
Updated NFC playoff standings
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers (5-1)
- Green Bay Packers (4-1-1)
- Philadelphia Eagles (5-2)
- Los Angeles Rams (5-2)
- San Francisco 49ers (4-2)
- Seattle Seahawks (4-2)
- Detroit Lions (4-2)
In the hunt
- Chicago Bears (4-2)
- Atlanta Falcons (3-2)
- Carolina Panthers (4-3)
- Dallas Cowboys (3-3-1)
- Minnesota Vikings (3-3)
The NFC North is wide open. Green Bay's tie is coming in handy, providing a narrow advantage over Detroit and Chicago. Minnesota's three defeats leave it in the toughest spot, especially with games against the Los Angeles Chargers and Lions on deck.
For the Packers, it's just about winning. Bigger challenges await, starting with Aaron Rodgers' Pittsburgh Steelers next week, but October football isn't about style points — it's about winning.
Green Bay will undoubtedly need to find answers in the secondary to avoid falling victim to a Rodgers masterpiece next week, but for now, the team can take a deep breath and enjoy the win.
Victories on the road don't come easy, but with this one, the Packers improve to 4-1-1 and maintain pole position in the NFC North. That's all that matters.