Jones, Smith Lead Packers Past Vikings

December 24, 2019 3:50 am

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – The NFC playoff situation is much clearer following the Green Bay Packers’ 23-10 victory at Minnesota. The outcome gives the Packers the NFC North title and makes Matt LeFleur the 10th rookie coach in league history to have a 12-win season.  Aaron Jones carried Green Bay’s defense by rushing for 154 yards and two second-half touchdowns. Za’Darius Smith was the Packers’ defensive standout with five tackles for loss.  The Packers fought through three first-half turnovers that left them trailing 10-9 at the break.  Kirk Cousins threw an interception and was sacked five times, with a whopping 3 1/2 by Smith. Cousins is 0-9 in Monday night games.  The outcome leaves the 10-5 Vikings with the sixth seed in the NFC playoffs.