The Detroit Lions clinched the first NFC play-off berth as a walk-off field goal snatched a 34-31 victory against the Green Bay Packers.
Jake Bates’ 35-yard field goal on the final play of the game secured a franchise record 11th consecutive victory and moved the Lions to 12-1.
Quarterback Jared Goff passed for 283 yards and three touchdowns, two to Tim Patrick, while David Montgomery had 84 combined yards rushing and receiving and scored a touchdown on the ground.
Montgomery finished off a 70-yard opening drive with a three-yard scoring run to set the tone for a pulsating match, with both sides holding the lead at various points.
Running back Josh Jacobs starred for Green Bay with three rushing touchdowns while quarterback Jordan Love – after being held to 31 passing yards in the first half – finished with 206 passing yards and a touchdown.
The victory maintains the Lions’ top seeding in the NFC and moves them close to securing a first-round bye and homefield advantage in the play-offs.
It’s the first time since 1995 that the Lions – who have never appeared in a Super Bowl – have reached the post-season in back-to-back seasons.
Detroit are looking to win their divisional title for a second straight year, something they haven’t achieved since 1954, before the AFL-NFL merger.
