Vikings record first shutout since 1993

The visiting Minnesota Vikings shut out an opponent for the first time in nearly a quarter- century, beating the injury- depleted Green Bay Packers 16- 0 on Saturday night to stay in the hunt for a firstround playoff bye.

Stefon Diggs caught a four- yard pass from Case Keenum just inside the back line of the end zone in the first quarter for the only touchdown. The Vikings ( 12- 3) have clinched the NFC North and can secure a bye if the Panthers lose or tie on Sunday against the Buccaneers.

The Vikings forced an incomple- tion in the end zone on fourth- andfour from the 14- yard line early in the fourth quarter to turn away the Packers’ last best scoring chance.

The Vikings earned their first shutout since a 13- 0 victory over the Lions on Dec. 5, 1993. It was their first shutout of the Packers ( 7- 8) since Nov. 14, 1971.

Vikings left guard Nick Easton broke his right ankle and will have surgery.

Ravens 23, Colts 16

Joe Flacco threw for 237 yards and two touchdowns, Justin Tuck- er kicked three field goals and host Baltimore moved a step closer to securing a playoff berth by beating Indianapolis.

The Ravens ( 9- 6) scored on their first two possessions and held off the skidding Colts ( 3- 12) in a windy, rain- soaked second half. They could reach the playoffs as an AFC wild card by defeating the Bengals at home next Sunday. Striving for their first postseason berth since 2014, the Ravens have won five of six after a 4- 5 start.

The Colts closed to 16- 13 in the third quarter before Flacco threw a four- yard touchdown pass to Maxx Williams with 8: 40 left.

This and that

The Steelers released five- time Pro Bowl linebacker James Harrison to make room for right tackle Marcus Gilbert. Gilbert is returning from a suspension for violating the league’s performance- enhancing substance policy.

Raiders coach Jack Del Rio said there’s a “good chance” wide receiver Amari Cooper ( sprained ankle) will play Sunday. AP