Vikings 16-0 Packers: Minnesota shut out Green Bay
Sunday 24 December 2017 08:05, UK
The Minnesota Vikings shut out the injury-depleted Green Bay Packers 16-0 on Saturday night to stay in the hunt for a first-round bye in the playoffs.
Stefon Diggs caught a four-yard pass from Case Keenum just inside the back of the endzone in the first quarter for the only touchdown of the game.
Vikings safety Harrison Smith ended one Green Bay drive with an interception at the five-yard line late in the first half, while a Brett Hundley incompletion on fourth-and-four at the 14-yard line early in the fourth quarter ended the Packers' last best effort to get into the endzone.
It meant Minnesota left a frigid Lambeau Field with their first shutout win in the NFL since a 13-0 triumph over the Detroit Lions in 1993 and their first over the Packers since 1971.
The Vikings (12-3) have already clinched the NFC North and can now secure a bye if the Carolina Panthers lose or tie on Sunday against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
The Packers (7-8), already eliminated from playoff contention before the game, were without starting quarterback Aaron Rodgers, linebackers Clay Matthews and Nick Perry, along with cornerback Damarious Randall.
Green Bay also did without leading receiver Davante Adams, who is in the concussion protocol, and then proceeded to lose fellow wideout Jordy Nelson and tight end Richard Rodgers to shoulder injuries in the first half against Minnesota.
