Top seed something special for Packers

CHICAGO >> Aaron Rodgers saw teammates hugging and dancing and coach Matt LaFleur break out a few impressive moves in the locker room celebration.

The Green Bay Packers clinched the No. 1 seed in the NFC. Then they cut loose.

“I didn’t see any tears,” Rodgers said. “I’d probably be the one crying. I think anybody over 30 can appreciate ... the emotions, the perspective changes a little bit. Each moment is a little more special.”

Rodgers threw for four touchdowns, breaking his franchise record for scoring passes in a season, and Green Bay clinched the No. 1 seed in the NFC by beating the playoff-bound Chicago Bears 35-16 on Sunday.

The Packers (13-3) earned a bye while winning their sixth in a row and beat Chicago (8-8) for the 19th time in 22 games, counting the postseason.

“This is a special season,” Rodgers said. “It will always be a special season for me. It’s been a special year as well. ... It’s such a difficult time for so many people. I’ve really just tried to have a good perspective, an attitude of gratitude and really just enjoy every moment of this season.”

The Bears are headed to the playoffs for the second time in coach Matt Nagy’s three years despite the loss because Arizona fell to the Los Angeles Rams.

Rodgers joined Peyton Manning (2004 and 2013) as the only players to throw for at least 45 touchdowns in multiple seasons. He now has 48, surpassing his previous high of 45 in his first MVP season of 2011, and just five interceptions.