GREEN BAY - The Green Bay Packers didn't miss a beat without their starting quarterback, as back up rookie Sam Howell lead the team to a dominating 38-6 victory. The win keeps the Packers (11-5-1) hot as the playoffs approach and the only question now is whether or not Tua Tagovailoa will be back in time for the wild card round next week.
Offensively in this one, James Robinson had his best game of the year, rushing for 130 yards and two touchdowns.
"With Tua out, I knew the game plan would be a little more run heavy. I was ready." Robinson said.
Defensively, the Packers held a pitiful Detroit offense to six points and look ready to avoid a repeat of last year where they gave up 52 points to the Seahawks in the first round.
"We'll play anyone," Cornerback Patrick Surtain said. "We ready."
Green Bay now will host Washington in the wild card round next week.
Arizona Cardinals @ San Francisco 49ers
SANTA CLARA - The San Francisco 49ers lost a tough one at home 27-17 to the Arizona Cardinals. With the loss, the 49ers (12-5) fall out of the NFC number one seed and now will play as the three seed in the wild card round next week. It was death by a thousand paper cuts as the Case Keenum-led Cardinal offense ate up the clock and moved the ball in small chunks all afternoon.
"Have to be better," Coach Kyle Shanahan said after the game. We controlled our own destiny and didn't get it done. We have to regroup now and be ready to make our run. We're in the dance and that's all that matters now."
The 49ers will turn around and play Arizona again next week in the wild card round.
Houston Texans @ Indianapolis Colts
INDIANAPOLIS - The Houston Texans (11-6) lost against the Indianapolis Colts 22-17. In a tight back and forth affair, it was the Colts who came out on top. Brandin Cooks was once again excellent for the Texans with 139 yards and two touchdowns.
"Wasn't good enough again. Just like last week where I played well and we still lost,'' Cooks said. "Gotta turn this thing around."
The loss didn't hurt the Texans playoff seeding as they remain number two and will host the seven-seed Denver Broncos next week.
