Packers face Lions in key NFL battle

LOS ANGELES—The Green Bay Packers host the Detroit Lions in one of several high-stakes contests in the final weekend of the National Football League’s regular season.

There are playoff spots and division titles to be determined including the critical Green Bay game which will see the winner earn the NFC North Division title and a first-round bye.

Both teams have already clinched postseason spots and the Packers are a perfect 7-0 at home this season.

Green Bay claimed their spot in the playoffs for the sixth straight season with a 20-3 win over Tampa Bay last Sunday.

If Green Bay beats the Lions and Seattle loses to St. Louis, the Packers will have home-field advantage throughout the playoffs.

The Lions, who rallied to beat Chicago, 20-14, last week, have lost 23 consecutive games at Lambeau Field.

Green Bay quarterback Aaron Rodgers suffered a left calf injury in the win over Tampa Bay but the Packers say they are not worried.

“I don’t think there’s much concern at all,” said receiver Jordy Nelson. “I think he’ll be ready to go. So, we’ll see how his week goes and we’ll find out on Sunday. I think he’ll be fine, though.”

Two teams with losing records square off in a winner-take-all game when Carolina visits Atlanta.

The winner will claim the NFC South Division title as the Falcons just need a win while the Panthers need a win or a tie.

Carolina has won its past three games and 11 of past 12 in December.

The Washington Redskins host the Dallas Cowboys, who can clinch a first-round playoff bye with a win—but only if Seattle and Arizona also lose.

Cowboys star DeMarco Murray needs just 29 yards to break Emmitt Smith’s 1995 club rushing record. AFP