Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur. Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Packers send 'filthy' message after Lions' Christmas Day downfall

Originally posted on WI Sports Heroics | By Robin M Adams | Last updated Dec 26, 2025 7:54 AM ET

The Green Bay Packers can finally breathe.

Thanks to the Minnesota Vikings’ 23-10 win at home on Thursday night against the Detroit Lions, Green Bay has officially secured a ticket to the NFL playoffs even before they play a game in Week 17.

And for that, the Packers are very thankful.

“Merry Christmas, ya filthy animals,” Green Bay wrote in a social media post on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, after the Vikings dragged the Lions to an early vacation.

Merry Christmas, ya filthy animals pic.twitter.com/4UX5C7ZKj7

— Green Bay Packers (@packers) December 26, 2025

Packers have the Vikings to thank on Christmas Day

Minnesota was already out of playoff contention, but it still showed a lot of fight against the Lions, who just didn’t have it on Christmas Day. The Lions were not able to perform like a team that had its season on the line, as the Vikings defense silenced Detroit’s attack. Lions quarterback Jared Goff had one of his worst games, as he committed five of his team’s six turnovers — two off interceptions and three via lost fumbles. It was truly a night to forget for the Lions on the field — and it’s a completely different story for Green Bay, as its Christmas just became even merrier.

Although Green Bay has already clinched a playoff spot, the Packers can’t just take their foot off the gas, as they remain in the running for the NFC North title, albeit facing long odds to do so. For that to happen, the Packers must beat the Baltimore Ravens and the Vikings in their last two games, and the Bears must lose their remaining games in the regular season.

This article first appeared on WI Sports Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

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