Packers stretch winning streak to four with 34-31 victory over Saints

New Orleans, LA - Green Bay created enough separation to withstand New Orleans' persistent pressure, beating the Saints 34-31 in Week 13 and extending its winning streak to four games.

The Packers arrived in New Orleans with three consecutive victories, and their latest win required them to navigate a game in which the Saints generated more offensive yards and consistently threatened to close the gap. New Orleans narrowed the margin after Green Bay had established an advantage, but the Packers remained in front when the scoring was complete.

Jordan Love completed 22 of 35 passes for 274 yards and added a rushing touchdown. His lone carry covered 42 yards, the longest run of the game. Josh Jacobs also scored on the ground while handling 21 carries, the most by any player in the game, and finishing with 52 rushing yards.

Green Bay's passing production was divided among three primary targets. Matthew Golden led the Packers with 96 receiving yards on four catches, including the game's longest reception at 31 yards. Jayden Reed caught seven passes for 79 yards, and Tucker Kraft contributed five receptions for 74 yards.

"We had to stay patient because we weren't converting enough of our opportunities," Love said. "It wasn't always smooth, but we kept giving ourselves chances to put points on the board. In a game that close, every possession feels important."

New Orleans countered with the game's leading passer, rusher and receiver. Tyler Shough went 22 of 43 for 279 yards and three touchdowns, posting a 95.0 passer rating. Chris Olave caught seven passes for a game-high 113 yards and a touchdown, while Jordyn Tyson finished with 85 yards and a score on five receptions. Juwan Johnson added five catches for 57 yards and another touchdown.

The Saints also produced the stronger team rushing total, finishing with 160 yards. Travis Etienne Jr led all players with 94 yards on 14 carries and scored a touchdown, with his longest run covering 23 yards. The balance allowed New Orleans to finish with 439 offensive yards, compared with Green Bay's 361.

"There's a lot in the offense that worked, but the result is what stays with you," Olave said. "We moved the ball and got into the end zone, but 31 points and all those yards don't feel the same when you walk away without the win."

The teams finished even with 18 first downs apiece, but reached that number through different statistical paths. New Orleans went 6-for-16 on third down and converted all three of its fourth-down attempts. Green Bay finished 3-for-12 on third down and 0-for-1 on fourth down.

Inside the 20, the Saints scored three touchdowns and one field goal across four red-zone trips. The Packers made four red-zone visits, coming away with one touchdown and two field goals. Those numbers reflected a game in which New Orleans frequently finished its deepest advances with touchdowns, even as Green Bay continued to maintain a narrow overall edge on the scoreboard.

The Packers' defense did not record an interception and finished with one sack, but its fumble production stood out in the defensive totals. Keisean Nixon and Devonte Wyatt were each credited with a forced fumble and two fumble recoveries. Nixon also recorded a pass deflection.

"When the ball comes loose, the job is to finish the play by securing it," Nixon said. "You can't assume somebody else is going to get there. We were active around the football, and that's something we can carry forward."

Green Bay's fourth consecutive victory came despite New Orleans holding advantages in passing yards, rushing yards and total offense. The Saints' three touchdown passes and 160 rushing yards kept the game competitive, but the Packers emerged with the three-point result and extended the winning streak they brought into Week 13.

Up Next

The Green Bay Packers will return home in Week 14 to host the Buffalo Bills as they look to build on their four-game winning streak. The New Orleans Saints will head to Carolina to face the Carolina Panthers and try to rebound from the loss.