Vikings blank Packers and zero in on bye

Keenum throws a touchdown pass as Minnesota gets first shutout since 1993.

MINNESOTA 16 GREEN BAY 0

GREEN BAY, Wis. — The 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 already clinched the NFC North and can secure a bye if Carolina loses or ties on Sunday against Tampa Bay.

Minnesota left frigid Lambeau Field with its first shutout since a 13-0 win over Detroit on Dec. 5, 1993. It was the first shutout over the Packers (7-8) since Nov. 14, 1971.

The defense has “played pretty good all year long. Proof will be in the pudding here in a couple weeks,” Vikings coach Mike Zimmer said, referring to the playoffs.

The Packers were shut out twice in a season for the first time since 2006. In their defense, the team fielded a lineup that often looked like one that coach Mike McCarthy would send out for a game late in the preseason.

Starting outside linebackers Clay Matthews (hamstring) and Nick Perry (ankle/shoulder) missed the game, along with cornerback Damarious Randall (hamstring).

Brett Hundley was 17 of 40 for 130 yards with two interceptions in taking over at quarterback again for Aaron Rodgers, who is on injured reserve.

The Packers didn’t have leading receiver Davante Adams, who is in the concussion protocol, then lost wideout Jordy Nelson and tight end Richard Rodgers to shoulder injuries in the first half.

“Injuries are unfortunate. We had a lot of opportunities tonight. We didn’t make the plays,” McCarthy said.