Badgers keep the axe! Collin Larsh’s field goal helps Wisconsin beat Minnesota, 20-17, in OT.

Packers stay atop NFC after Jones’ fast start

GREEN BAY - Aaron Jones changed his agent Monday. On Saturday, the Green Bay Packers running back showed why he’s worth the money.

Not that the Packers should need much convincing. Jones is a star, has been a star for some time now, and on Saturday night at Lambeau Field did what is expected of a star.

Jones finished with 145 yards and a touchdown on 20 carries, averaging an absurd 7.3-yard average in the Packers’ 24-16 win against the Carolina Panthers. His night started with a 46-yard run through the heart of the Panthers defense. By halftime, Jones had his second 100-yard game in three weeks.

Mason Crosby sealed the win with a 51yard field goal that gave the Packers a two-score lead with 3:39 left. Crosby’s kick came a week after his 57-yarder sealed a win in Detroit. He’s now 16-of-16 on field goals this season.

The win keeps the Packers (11-3) in firm command for the NFC’s top overall seed, which would secure the conference’s lone bye and ensure the path to Super Bowl LV goes through Lambeau Field. If they win the next two games, they’ll be two home playoff games away from the Super Bowl.

Jones’ outburst allowed the Packers to weather a cool night from their passing game. Aaron Rodgers’ case for a third career MVP did not take a giant leap forward. The quarterback completed 20 of 29 passes for 143 yards and only one touchdown, and a 91.6 passer rating that snapped an eight-game streak of over 100.

Rodgers added a 6-yard rushing touchdown on third-and-goal, his second straight week with a rushing touchdown. It’s the first time since the first two games of 2016 that Rodgers, who is now 37 years old, has had a rushing touchdown on consecutive weeks.

But Rodgers was sacked a season-high five times and didn’t hide his displeasure during a postgame interview on NFL Network.

“This is ‘one of those disappointing wins,” Rodgers said. “I’ve got a sour taste in my mouth.”

It was a quiet night for Davante Adams. The Packers’ star receiver saw an eight-game streak of TD receptions end; he finished with seven catches for 42 yards.

The Packers’ defense netted three sacks, one each by Za’Darius and Preston Smith and one by Adrian Amos.

MILWAUKEE JOURNAL SENTINEL Packers running back Aaron Jones struts eight yards untouched into the end zone to score a touchdown during the second quarter of their game against the Carolina Panthers on Saturday. Please visit jsonline.com/sports for complete coverage.