Packers clinch playoff berth with NFL’s first shutout of 2024 season
The Green Bay Packers made it five wins in the last six games with a dominant 34-0 victory over the visiting New Orleans Saints on a freezing ‘Monday Night Football’ showdown. The Packers notched the first shutout of the season with one of their most complete performances of the year.
The Packers offense was methodical to open the game, scoring touchdowns on each of its first three drives. Quarterback Jordan Love pitched it to wideout Dontayvion Wicks for the first score of the game. Running back Josh Jacobs scored from 2 yards out on the next drive to make it 14-0 early in the second quarter.
Green Bay running back Chris Brooks made it three touchdowns in three drives with his first career score from 1 yard out to make it 21-0. Brooks was one of eight different players to record at least one carry in the first half for Green Bay.
The Packers defense held New Orleans to just 75 yards in the first half and forced a Spencer Rattler fumble on the Saints’ second drive of the game. New Orleans’ defense had no answer as the Packers averaged more than six yards per play in the first two quarters and went 2-for-2 on fourth-down attempts.
Green Bay’s offense cruised in the second half with two field goals to push it to 27-0, including a season-long 55-yarder from Brandon McManus, with just over seven minutes left in the game. The defense forced another turnover and kept the Saints out of scoring range.
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Emanuel Wilson made it three Packers running backs to score a touchdown in the game with a 1-yard touchdown run to make it 34-0.
Love finished the night 16 of 28 for 182 yards and a touchdown before ceding the final few minutes to backup Malik Willis. Jayden Reed ended the night with a team-high 76 yards receiving and Jacobs had 107 total yards (69 rushing, 38 receiving) and a team-high four receptions.
Green Bay’s defense had a season-best 196 total yards allowed in the win and the offense averaged nearly 6 yards per play.
With the victory, Green Bay (11-4) clinched a playoff berth and kept pace with NFC North foes Detroit (13-2) and Minnesota (13-2), who both won this week. The Packers have a road game against the Vikings next week.
New Orleans (5-10) have lost consecutive games for the first time since their seven-game losing streak ended in early November. The Saints head home next week to take on the Las Vegas Raiders (3-12) in a game that could have major implications for the 2025 NFL draft order.
NFL PLAYOFF PICTURE: Packers clinch wild card, leaving one more in NFC
Packers vs. Saints highlights
Packers 34, Saints 0: Emanuel Wilson punches in another rushing TD
Quarterback Malik Willis and running back Emanuel Wilson engineered a seven-play, 48-yard drive to put the game even farther out of reach. Wilson punched it in from one yard out to make it three different Packers with a rushing touchdown and Brandon McManus made his fourth extra point of the game to make it 34-0 with 2:41 to go.
Malik Willis takes over at QB for Packers
With a 27-0 lead, the Packers have pulled starting quarterback Jordan Love and put in backup Malik Willis with 5:44 to go in the game.
Saints turn over on downs
Spencer Rattler’s pass to Dante Pettis fell incomplete onfourth-and-7 from the Saints’ 33-yard line. An unnecessary roughness penalty on Green Bay’s Colby Wooden will push the Packers offense back another 15 yards.
Packers 27, Saints 0: Brandon McManus extends the lead from 46 yards out
The Packers offense worked 56 yards down the field and nearly made it inside the red zone again, but Jordan Love’s pass to Dontayvion Wicks fell incomplete on third-and-4. Green Bay settled for a 46-yard field goal from Brandon McManus to make it a four-score game with 7:13 to go in this one.
Saints can’t get past midfield, settle for another punt
Spencer Rattler found Dante Pettis for an 11-yard gain on the first play of the drive, but the Saints could only manage two more yards over the next three plays. New Orleans punts it back to Green Bay with 11:50 to go in the game. The Packers offense will start their next drive from their own 16-yard line.
Packers punt for first time in second half
Green Bay managed to get just past midfield but couldn’t convert a third-and-7 from the Saints’ 49-yard line. Two penalties backed the Packers up 20 yards before Daniel Whelan finally punted the ball away. New Orleans takes over on its own 34 with 13:07 to go in the game.
Packers in control to close third quarter
Green Bay’s offense took four plays to wind 2 minutes and 11 seconds off the clock and close out the third quarter at Lambeau Field. The offense is driving with the Packers up 24-0 with one quarter of ‘Monday Night Football’ left to go.
Packers pick off Spencer Rattler
The Saints’ offense had its best drive of the night with 48 yards, including a 20-yard shot from Spencer Rattler to Dante Pettis. But the next play saw Rattler throw his first interception of the game to safety Zayne Anderson. Green Bay takes over on its own 20-yard line.
Packers WR Christian Watson questionable to return
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Christian Watson had 23 yards in the first half of ‘Monday Night Football’ — all via rushing — against the New Orleans Saints. Watson was one of eight players to have a rushing attempt in the first half for the Packers.
But one of his carries, a 14-yard gain to bring the Packers deep inside the red zone, was his final play of the half and saw him hit the ground hard out of bounds.
Watson was later seen on the sidelines receiving getting attention on his knee. Ahead of the second half, Green Bay announced the wide receiver was questionable to return.
Packers 24, Saints 0: Brandon McManus nails 55-yard field goal
The Packers offense marched 47 yards in 10 plays but couldn’t reach the red zone in their opening drive of the second half. Kicker Brandon McManus hit a 55-yard field goal, his longest of the season, to push the Green Bay advantage to 24 points with 7:03 left in the third quarter.
Saints open second half with a punt
New Orleans managed just 19 yards but took nearly three minutes off the game clock with their opening drive of the second half. Spencer Rattler couldn’t connect with Dante Pettis on third-and-2 and, after a delay of game penalty, the Saints punted the ball back to Green Bay. The Packers take over at their own 15-yard line with 12:14 to go in the third quarter.
Packers defense holds Saints scoreless to close half
New Orleans’ offense went as far as the Green Bay 34-yard line before a 12-yard sack by Packers defensive tackle Devonte Wyatt pushed them well out of field goal range. The Packers take a 21-0 lead into halftime, and the Saints will get the ball to start the second half.
Packers punt for the first time
After three consecutive touchdown drives, Green Bay’s offense stalled and the Packers were forced to punt. The Saints offense will get another shot before halftime starting at their own 20 with 1:49 to go in the half.
Packers get sack, turnover on Spencer Rattler
Packers cornerback Keisean Nixon got to Spencer Rattler for a sack and forced the ball loose for defensive lineman Rashan Gary to recover. The Packers get the first turnover of the game and will take over at their own 34-yard line with 2:45 to go in the first half.
Packers 21, Saints 0: Chris Brooks scores first career TD on MNF
Green Bay marched 67 yards for their third consecutive touchdown drive to open ‘Monday Night Football.’ This time it was running back Chris Brooks running it in from one yard out for his first NFL score. Brandon McManus’ extra point is good and the Packers hold a three-score lead with 6:22 left in the first half.
Green Bay never faced a third down on the drive in the 2 minutes and 57 seconds they had the ball.
Saints forced to punt again
New Orleans’ offense went nowhere on its second drive of the game. The Packers’ defense held strong after a false start penalty on New Orleans and forced a three-and-out. Green Bay will take over at their own 33-yard line with 9:25 to go in the first half.
Packers 14, Saints 0: Josh Jacobs brings it in from two yards out
The Packers offense continued to churn up yards at key moments with a 96-yard drive finished off with a 2-yard touchdown run by Josh Jacobs. Green Bay converted two fourth downs on the 17-play drive that took 8:55 off the game clock. Brandon McManus’ extra point is good and Green Bay has a two-score lead with 11:43 to go in the first half.
Packers close first quarter facing 4th-and-1
The Green Bay offense has churned out 51 yards in 10 plays to cross midfield into Saints territory. Running back Emanuel Wilson was held to just one yard on 3rd-and-2 from the Saints’ 46. Green Bay lined up for a play on 4th-and-1 but let the clock run out on the first quarter.
Saints offense stalls, forced to punt
New Orleans managed two first downs on its opening drive, but couldn’t get further than the Packers’ 40-yard line. After a penalty, the Saints punted and Green Bay will take over on its own 4-yard line with 5:38 to go in the first quarter.
Packers 7, Saints 0: Jordan Love finds Dontayvion Wicks for short TD
Green Bay marched 63 yards on 10 plays and opened the game with a touchdown pass from Jordan Love to Dontayvion Wicks. Brandon McManus’ extra point is good and Green Bay takes an early lead with 8:41 to go in the first quarter.
The Packers faced just two third downs on the drive, one of which was helped by a 5-yard penalty on Saints defensive lineman Cameron Jordan. Running back Josh Jacobs had 40 all-purpose yards on the drive, including a 20-yard run that set the Packers up with a first-and-goal from the 1-yard line.
Packers to receive opening kickoff
New Orleans won the coin toss and opted to defer to the second half. The Packers will start the game on offense.
Packers vs. Saints start time
- Start time: 8:15 p.m. ET (7:15 p.m. CT)
The Saints-Packers ‘MNF’ matchup is scheduled to begin at its customary time of 8:15 p.m. ET.
Packers vs. Saints TV channel
- TV channel: ABC | ESPN
ESPN again is the broadcast home of ‘Monday Night Football.’ The longtime team of Joe Buck (play-by-play) and Troy Aikman (color) will be on the call, with Lisa Salters adding reports from the sideline.
There will be no “ManningCast” for tonight’s broadcast.
Packers vs. Saints live stream
- Live stream: Fubo | ESPN+
For cord cutters looking for a live stream for the matchup, you can turn to Fubo. Fubo carries NBC, as well as CBS, FOX, NFL Network and the ESPN family of networks, meaning you can catch NFL action through the remainder of the season.
ESPN+, the proprietary streaming service of ESPN, will also carry the game.
Saints inactives vs. Packers
- QB Derek Carr
- WR Marquez Valdes-Scantling
- RB Alvin Kamara
- DT Nathan Shepherd
- DT Khristian Boyd
Packers inactives vs. Saints
- LB Quay Walker
- WR Malik Heath
- S Javon Bullard
- CB Jaire Alexander
- S Evan Williams
- OL Jacob Monk
Packers vs. Saints predictions, picks
Here’s how the USA TODAY Sports staff feels about the Saints-Packers tilt
- Tyler Dragon: Packers 27, Saints 16
- Jordan Mendoza: Packers 29, Saints 13
Packers vs. Saints odds, moneyline, over/under
The Packers are favorites to defeat the Saints, according to the BetMGM NFL odds. Not interested in this game? Check out expert picks and best bets for every NFL game this week.
- Spread: Packers (-14)
- Moneyline: Packers (-1000); Saints (+625)
- Over/under: 43.5
Where is Packers vs. Saints?
The Saints travel up to the Frozen Tundra of Lambeau Field for the “MNF” tilt.
Lambeau Field has been the home of the Packers since 1957. During the Super Bowl era, it has hosted four NFL/NFC championship games (1967, 1996, 2007 and 2020 seasons). Prior to the AFL-NFL merger, Lambeau Field (called City Stadium from 1957-1964 before being renamed for Earl ‘Curly’ Lambeau) hosted NFL championship games in 1961 and 1965.
Arguably the most famous game ever played at Lambeau Field was the ‘Ice Bowl,’ the iconic championship game won by the Packers against the Dallas Cowboys on Dec. 31, 1967. During Week 17 of the 1993 season, Pro Football Hall of Famer LeRoy Butler did the first ‘Lambeau Leap’ during a game against the Los Angeles Raiders.
Packers vs. Saints weather updates
Green Bay Packers fans entering the team’s ‘Monday Night Football’ game against the New Orleans Saints dreaming of two things: a playoff berth and a white Christmas.
They might get both on the same night.
The Packers can clinch a spot in postseason with a win over the Saints. They can achieve that at Lambeau Field, which could end up snow-covered because of some flurries falling in Wisconsin on Monday.
The snow isn’t going to be like what NFL fans saw during the Cleveland Browns vs. Pittsburgh Steelers game earlier in the season. It might not even fall at all during the game. — Jacob Camenker
NFC North standings
The Packers are sitting at 10-4, but are third place in the NFC North. Here’s how the division lines up:
- Detroit Lions (13-2)
- Minnesota Vikings (13-2)
- Green Bay Packers (10-4)
- Chicago Bears (4-11)
NFC South standings
The Saints are trying to stay out of the basement of the NFC South on “MNF.” Here’s how the division stacks up.
- Atlanta Falcons (8-7)
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers (8-7)
- New Orleans Saints (5-9)
- Carolina Panthers (4-11)
Packers’ playoff odds
Green Bay can clinch its second straight playoff berth — and fifth in six years — with a win on ‘Monday Night Football.’
With that being the case, the Packers already had excellent odds to make the postseason. Prior to any games kicking off in Week 16, BetMGM had the team at -10000 (99% implied) odds to be a playoff team.
Packers playoff scenarios
It’s win-and-in for the Packers on “MNF.” With a victory over the Saints, the Packers will clinch a wild-card spot in the NFC bracket of the playoffs.
What happened to Derek Carr?
Derek Carr fractured his left (non-throwing) hand earlier this season. As of Dec. 17, Carr was still a few weeks away from being ready for contact, which makes a return this season very unlikely, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
The Saints quarterback is dealing with multiple fractures in his left hand and was still in the league’s concussion protocol as of Monday, Dec. 17. While being cleared for contact would be a necessary step in any return, getting through the five-step concussion protocol has to happen first.
When was Derek Carr’s injury?
Derek Carr suffered the injury in the fourth quarter of Week 14 against the New York Giants on a scramble. The quarterback collided with his receiver, Kevin Austin Jr., after jumping in an attempt to get a first down. Instead, Carr landed awkwardly on his head and hand, suffering a pair of injuries on the play.
Spencer Rattler college career
Spencer Rattler began his college career already as a well-known and hyped prospect. He was the consensus No. 1 quarterback in college football’s 2019 recruiting class and stared in Netflix’s documentary series ‘QB1: Beyond The Lights’ during his final year at Pinnacle High School (Arizona).
Rattler drew the attention of many major programs but ultimately committed Oklahoma after watching Lincoln Riley develop Baker Mayfield into a top college quarterback. While Mayfield didn’t win the Heisman or become the No. 1 overall pick in the 2018 NFL draft until after Rattler had committed, Riley’s status as one of college football’s top quarterback gurus made the Sooners an attractive destination for Rattler.
Is Alvin Kamara playing tonight?
Alvin Kamara will be out vs. the Packers.
Saints coach Darren Rizzi provided an update last Thursday during media availability.
‘It’s more significant than we initially thought,’ Rizzi said. He added that Kamara was unlikely to play in the Saints’ upcoming game on ’Monday Night Football.’
Following the Week 15 game, Rizzi declined to elaborate on whether the injury was minor and told reporters more testing would be done on the running back.
Unfortunately, testing has revealed that Kamara could miss an extended time. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that, while the situation is still being evaluated, it could be a season-ending injury for the veteran running back.
Which NFL team has the most Super Bowl wins?
The New England Patriots and Pittsburgh Steelers are tied for the most Super Bowl wins with six.
The Packers have won four Super Bowls in five appearances, including the first two Super Bowls (then called the AFL–NFL World Championship Game) under legendary coach Vince Lombardi, for whom the Super Bowl championship trophy is named after. The Packers’ most recent Super Bowl win came during the 2010 season in Super Bowl XLV. In all, the Packers boast 13 NFL championships, the most of any franchise.
The Saints prevailed in their one Super Bowl appearance, during the 2009 season in Super Bowl XLIV against the Indianapolis Colts.
NFL franchises with most Super Bowl wins:
- New England Patriots — 6
- Pittsburgh Steelers — 6
- Dallas Cowboys — 5
- San Francisco 49ers — 5
- Green Bay Packers — 4
- Kansas City Chiefs — 4
- New York Giants — 4
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