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A look at how the rest of the NFC North fared in Week 12 action.
Detroit Lions:
New England 34, Detroit 9
* Record: 7-4*
Make it two straight losses for the Lions, who were unable to keep up with New England on either side of the ball. Matthew Stafford threw for 264 yards, but it took him 46 passing attempts to do it, and Detroit was kept out of the end zone all game long. Stafford's QB rating of 49.5 was his lowest of the season, and he didn't get much relief from the team's run game, which averaged just 3.6 yards per carry.
On defense, the Lions were powerless to stop Tom Brady, who threw for 349 yards and two touchdown. Patriots running back LeGarrette Blount – signed earlier in the week after being released by Pittsburgh – ran for 78 yards and a pair of touchdowns in his debut for the Patriots this season.
Green Bay Packers
Green Bay 24, Minnesota 21
* Record: 8-3
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Behind the strong running of Eddie Lacy, the Packers went on the road and emerged with a tough victory within the division. Lacy ran 25 times for 125 yards – both of which were season-highs - and scored a touchdown to key the Green Bay attack. Lacy also had a 10-yard receiving touchdowns, one of two thrown on the afternoon by Aaron Rodgers.
Rodgers finished with 209 passing yards. He also avoided throwing an interception for the third consecutive game.
Minnesota Vikings:
Green Bay 24, Minnesota 21
* Record: 4-7*
A late rally couldn't lead the Vikings to a home victory against the first-place Packers. Teddy Bridgewater threw for 210 yards and two touchdowns, including a 5-yard score with 3:23 remaining in the fourth quarter. After a successful 2-point conversion, Minnesota trailed by three, and coach Mike Zimmer elected to kick deep instead of trying an onside kick. The Vikings defense was unable to get the stop it needed, as the Packers ran out the clock on the win.
