GREEN BAY, Wis., Dec. 21 (UPI) -- Dave Rayner made three of five field goal tries Thursday night as Green Bay edged the Minnesota Vikings, 9-7.
His third field goal came with 1:34 remaining and gave the Packers their third straight win.
Brett Favre was 26-for-50 for 285 yards, no touchdowns, and two interceptions; Donald Driver caught nine passes for 99 yards; and Ahman Green rushed for 42 yards on 18 carries for Green Bay, which rose to 7-8 to keep its slim playoff hopes alive.
Fred Smoot scored on a 47-yard interception return; Chester Taylor gained 49 yards on 15 carries; and rookie quarterback Tarvaris Jackson completed only 10 of 20 passes for 50 yards for the Vikings (6-9), who were eliminated from the NFC playoff chase with the third loss in their last four games.
Smoot's touchdown gave the Vikings a 7-6 lead with about five minutes remaining in the third quarter.
