How Aaron Rodgers helped Jordan Love take the Packers to the playoffs

Every little bit helps when the game is as important as this past Sunday's season-finale between the Chicago Bears and Green Bay Packers.

The Packers found themselves in a win-and-get-in situation similar to last season — against a divisional rival and all. Last season, on Jan. 8, Aaron Rodgers threw an interception with 3:34 to go in the fourth quarter that not only ended Green Bay's season, but also his time with the Packers. Detroit won that game, 20-16.

This season, with Jordan Love now quarterback of the Packers, Green Bay walked away with a 17-9 win over the Chicago Bears.

They won, and now they're in. The Packers play the Dallas Cowboys and old friend Mike McCarthy in the NFC wild-card next weekend.

Love was spectacular against Chicago, completing 27-of-32 passes for 316 yards and two touchdowns with no interactions. Ironically, though, he may have received a bit of help from Rodgers. At the very least, he received some encouragement from the four-time MVP and future Hall of Famer — whose now with the New York Jets.

Rodgers apparently texted Love before the game, according to Albert Breer of "Sports Illustrated." His message?

"Go beat the Bears."

Rodgers knows a thing or two about beating Chicago. He was 24-5 against Chicago over 18 seasons, and he's apparently passed on "ownership" of the franchise to Love.

Love is now 2-0 against the Bears as a starter.