NFL: Green Bay Packers hold off fightback from Atlanta Falcons to secure home win

The Green Bay Packers strengthened their position at the top of the NFC North division with a 43-37 home win over the Atlanta Falcons.

The Packers opened up a 31-7 lead with four touchdowns, but were forced to hold off a Falcons fight back to improve to a joint-NFL best 10-3.

Quarterback Aaron Rodgers amassed 327 yards and tossed three touchdowns for Green Bay, while wide receiver Jordy Nelson had two TDs and 146 yards, with running back Eddie Lacy scoring twice and adding 106 all-purpose yards to seal a fifth straight win.

Live NFL

Both teams traded opening drive rushing touchdowns for an early 7-7 scoreline before the Packers exploded in the second quarter. Lacy opened with a one-yard touchdown run and Mason Crosby kicked the field goal for a 17-7 lead.

Morgan Burnett then made a crucial interception, pulling a down a wayward pass and returning the ball 32 yards to the red zone where the Packers released Lacy to score again.

Nelson added a 10-yard touchdown reception late in the second quarter to extend their advantage, but the Falcons produced a spirited rally in the second-half.

Jones made a 79-yard reception to set up an Eric Weems touchdown, while a 22-yard catch and score for Jones pulled Atlanta to 34-24.

Rodgers eased Green Bay nerves when he connected with Nelson for a 60-yard touchdown, but Roddy White’s score, with just over six minutes left, forced the hosts to work for the win.