New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski
Nov 30, 2014; Green Bay, WI, USA; New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) attempts to catch a pass while Green Bay Packers free safety Ha Ha Clinton-Dix (21) defends during the second half at Lambeau Field. The Packers won 26-21. Reuters

In a match-up between division leaders, Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers beat Tom Brady and the New England Patriots, 26-21 on Sunday in the Week 13 action in the National Football League (NFL). Rodgers passed for 368 yards with a couple of touchdowns out duelling Brady who had 245 passing yards with 2 TD.

The Patriots had their seven-game winning streak snapped but remain on top of the AFC with a 9-3 win-loss record. The Packers improved to the same record but just good enough to tie other conference leaders in the NFC along with the Arizona Cardinals and Philadelphia Eagles. Green Bay now has won seven of its last eight games and are on a four-game winning streak plus they remain perfect at home at 6-0.

Rodgers had first-half scores to Richard Rodgers and Jordy Nelson as the Patriots led 23-14 at halftime. Both teams struggled to score after the break with just a TD and a field goal in the second half. Eddie Lacy had 98 rushing yards on 21 carries while Davante Adams and Randal Cobb had 121 (6 receptions) and 85 receiving yards (7 receptions), respectively. Brady threw for 22-of-35 passes while Rob Gronkowski had seven receptions for 98 years for the Patriots which got out gained 320-478 for the game. The Patriots cut the lead down to two points early in the fourth and final quarter but Green Bay’s defence stymied their attack the rest of the way.

Green Bay’s four-game win streak came against the Chicago Bears, Philadelphia Eagles, Minnesota Vikings and the Patriots. They are in prime position to take the top position in the NFC but still have the Detroit Lions (8-4) and Buffalo Bills (7-5) on schedule. Part of New England’s seven-game winning streak includes big wins over contending teams like the Denver Broncos (8-3), Indianapolis Colts (8-4) and the Detroit Lions in the last three games. The Packers will play at home again in their next game against the Atlanta Falcons while the Patriots continue their road trip against the San Diego Chargers.

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