Packers clinch playoff spot with dominant win over Saints

Green Bay Packers fans could have gotten a head start on wrapping Christmas presents for their loved ones as their team dominated the New Orleans Saints on Monday night, 34-0.

The Saints defense had no answer for Packers running back Josh Jacobs and as they got closer to the red zone on each drive, they always came away with no points. The coupled struggles turned into a demoralizing late-season defeat for a season already over.

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Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love (10) passes during the first half of an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints, Monday, Dec. 23, 2024, in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (AP Photo/Mike Roemer)

The Packers looked good early and often on their way to clinching a playoff spot.

Jacobs' rushing attack helped put Green Bay on the board on its first drive. It ended with a 2-yard touchdown pass from Jordan Love to wide receiver Dontayvion Wicks. Then, Jacobs was rewarded with a touchdown of his own on the team's second drive of the game.

Before anyone knew it, Green Bay led 21-0 and the halftime whistle blew. Aside from two field goals in the second half, that was all the Packers needed to win the game and improve to 11-4.

Love was 16 of 28 with 182 passing yards and a touchdown pass.

Jacobs, Emanuel Wilson and Chris Brooks each had a rushing touchdown. Jacobs led everyone with 68 rushing yards. Jayden Reed had three catches for 76 yards. Wicks had three catches for 13 yards.

New Orleans Saints quarterback Spencer Rattler (18) is sacked by Green Bay Packers defensive tackle Devonte Wyatt (95) during the first half of an NFL football game, the Monday, December 23, 2024, in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (AP Photo/Mike Roemer)

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Saints quarterback Spencer Rattler finished 15 of 30 with 153 passing yards and one interception. He led the team with 28 rushing yards. He was sacked three times. New Orleans only ran the ball 20 times.

Jordan Mims had five catches, leading the team, but only managed 16 yards. No other player had more than two catches. Foster Moreau had 33 receiving yards to lead the team.

The NFC North has been very competitive. The Packers have one of the best records in football but find themselves in third place in the division as the Detroit Lions and Minnesota Vikings both have a 13-2 record. Both teams also clinched their playoff spots.

New Orleans Saints tight end Foster Moreau (87) completes a pass against Green Bay Packers linebacker Eric Wilson (45) during the first half of an NFL football game, the Monday, December 23, 2024, in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)

Green Bay has one more win than the Washington Commanders, giving them the sixth playoff spot if the regular season ends Monday night. The Packers clinched a playoff spot.

The Saints have suffered from a coaching change and a plethora of injuries to most of their key players. If they had been a little luckier, they could have been in the NFC South division race with the Atlanta Falcons and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

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For now, the Falcons still hold the key to the playoff spot.

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