Packers, Steelers storm into playoffs
Joined by the Cowboys and defending champions Seahawks who crushed the Arizone Cardinals 35-6 in the evening finale.
The Green Bay Packers, Pittsburgh Steelers and Dallas Cowboys booked their places in the playoffs after victories while the New England Patriots earned a first round bye for the postseason.
Sunday’s results meant that defending Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks also secured a place in the playoffs before crushing their NFC West rivals the Arizona Cardinals 35-6 in the evening finale.
The Packers gained their berth with a 20-3 win at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers but they will have to wait until next week to see if they can clinch the NFC North title.
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Green Bay will face divisional rivals the Detroit Lions in the final week of the regular season with both teams on 11-4 records ahead of the showdown.
The Lions, who are also assured a playoff place, beat the Chicago Bears 20-14.
The Steelers, six-time Super Bowl winners, have been absent from the post-season for the past two seasons but Mike Tomlin’s team ensured they will be in the mix this year thanks to a 20-12 win over the Kansas City Chiefs.
The most emphatic statement came from the Dallas Cowboys who crushed the playoff-bound Indianapolis Colts 42-7. With the win, the Cowboys finish top of the NFC East for the first time since 2009.