ASHWAUBENON, Wis. — Fans of the Green Bay Packers had to wait a week for one more holiday gift.
They got it when the team defeated the Minnesota Vikings at home at Lambeau Field Sunday afternoon.
What You Need To Know
- The Packers won a crucial game Sunday afternoon against the Vikings
- After a slow start to the season, fans were bullish on playoff chances
- The teams playoff opportunities come down to next weekend games versus Detroit
For Peter Leichtnam of Idaho, the victory was literally a gift. The trip to Titletown came from his girlfriend.
“It turned out to be … my best Christmas ever,” he said after the game. “And the Packers stomped them.”
A New Year’s day game that a few weeks ago looked like it could be meaningless, took on a new importance after the results of last week’s slate of NFL games kept the Packers in the playoff hunt.
“It made it more special to come here for them to win, so it was good,” Leichtnam said.
After a slow start to the season, fan Nathan Ricketts said the team has made the closing weeks of the season a cliffhanger.
“We looked really good and played really, really against a team that’s favored in the NFC,” the Illinois resident said. “it’s good to see us play that well.”
He’s gained some confidence in the teams chances against the Detroit Lions at home next weekend.
“It’s vital,” he said about the importance of the last regular season game. “They beat us the first time we played them and now having the ability to win and go to the playoffs, it means everything. It’s awesome.”
Leichtnam felt that same growing confidence after the game. And a little more.
“Cold,” he said with a laugh. “Optimistic. I’m confident they’re going to win.”