Aaron Rodgers

Aaron Rodgers and Davante Adams both made references to The Last Dance heading into the 2021 NFL season.

While it's possible one or both stars winds up leaving Green Bay this offseason, Peter King of NBC Sports has an idea that could keep them together outside the greater Wisconsin area.

King delved into a scenario where the Denver Broncos fire coach Vic Fangio in favor of Packers offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett, land Adams in free agency and then trade first- and fourth-round picks in 2022 and a first-round pick in 2023 along with wideout Jerry Jeudy to the Packers for Rodgers.

While that scenario playing out exactly how King envisioned is unlikely, an Adams-Rodgers pairing in Denver cannot be discounted. The Broncos have one of the most promising young cores of skill-position players in football, making them attractive to Rodgers if he were to decide to force a trade out of Green Bay this offseason.

Green Bay seems unlikely to allow Adams to walk into free agency; he looks like a prime candidate for the franchise tag, even if the Packers' messy cap situation tries getting in the way. Adams is the type of player who can command multiple draft picks in trade talks, so even a short-term tag before trading him feels like the likelier option.

If the Broncos want to throw all their chips to the middle of the table, there are worse ways to do it than keeping Rodgers and Adams together.

Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who has been dealing with a toe injury over the last several weeks, told reporters after Saturday's 24-22 win over the Cleveland Browns that he is hoping he did not suffer a "major setback" with the injury.

Rodgers had told Erin Andrews of Fox Sports during his postgame interview that his toe "felt really good" this week.

That was until Browns defensive end Myles Garrett stepped on his toe before halftime, causing the reigning MVP to suffer a setback in his recovery. 

"This was the first week that the toe felt really good," Rodgers told Andrews. "So, I was disappointed to get stepped on. It just kind of set it right back to where it was a few weeks ago, but that's the way it goes. It wasn't on purpose. It's frustrating, but we got the win." 

Rodgers also said he suffered a setback with his toe following a 45-30 win over the Chicago Bears on Dec. 12. He still passed for 341 yards and four touchdowns in that game. 

Saturday's meeting was the first time Garrett and Rodgers had met. After stepping on his toe, Garrett approached Rodgers to apologize for the incident, and the two shook hands before the next play. 

ESPN's Adam Schefter reported earlier this month that Rodgers' toe injury was expected to last for the remainder of the season. The 38-year-old could have underwent surgery, but the operation would've required a pin to be inserted and he wouldn't have been able to play, so he elected to wait until after the season to undergo the procedure. 

Rodgers suffered the ailment during his COVID-19 quarantine in November. The California native said during an appearance on The Pat McAfee Show earlier this month that the toe injury wasn't going to stop him from playing, adding that "it's just pain management."

Despite the injury, Rodgers has been impressive this season. He completed 24 of 34 passes for 202 yards and three touchdowns against the Browns, and overtook Brett Favre to become the Packers' leader in career touchdown passes. 

Rodgers entered Saturday's game having completed 67.8 percent of his passes for 3,487 yards and 30 touchdowns against just four interceptions. 

The Packers are 12-3 and have already locked up the NFC North title, clinching a spot in the playoffs. They'll face the Minnesota Vikings and Detroit Lions to end the regular season. 

After setting a new franchise record for passing touchdowns in Saturday's win over the Cleveland Browns, Green Bay Packers star quarterback Aaron Rodgers reflected on his accomplishment.

Rodgers pointed to his time as the backup to Hall of Famer Brett Favre as one of the reasons for him reaching this achievement.

"I got to sit behind a legend for three years and see what greatness looked like firsthand," Rodgers told Fox Sports' Erin Andrews. "That's an experience that changed my life forever, and I'm so fortunate to be able to play here at this stadium for these fans and in this great organization for the last 17 years. This is, ya know, a longevity record, but it's one I'm really proud of."

Rodgers threw three touchdowns in Saturday's 24-22 win and now has 445 passing scores in his career, surpassing Favre's longtime record of 442. He set the mark with an 11-yard score to Allen Lazard in the first quarter. He threw two touchdowns to his favorite target Davante Adams, who recorded 10 catches for 114 yards.

Rodgers has been one of the most prolific quarterbacks in the NFL since becoming the Packers' full-time starter in 2008. He's thrown for at least 25 touchdowns in 12 out of the last 14 seasons, topping the 40-touchdown mark three times.

In the midst of another strong season, Rodgers is in the running for his second consecutive NFL MVP award, which would be his fourth overall. Including Saturday's performance, he's thrown for 3,689 yards and 33 touchdowns with just four interceptions in 14 games.

The Packers improved to 12-3 with their fourth straight victory and are the top seed in the NFC. With just two weeks left in the season, they are in the driver's seat to secure the conference's first-round bye. Green Bay already clinched the NFC North with last week's win over the Baltimore Ravens, its third consecutive division title. 

Rodgers and the Packers will be back in action next Sunday night against the Minnesota Vikings.

The Green Bay Packers earned their fourth straight win by defeated the Cleveland Browns 24-22 on Christmas Day. Aaron Rodgers threw for 202 yards and three touchdowns as Green Bay improved to 12-3.

Rodgers surpassed Hall of Famer Brett Favre's franchise passing touchdowns record of 442 in the victory. Rodgers now has 445 passing scores in his career. 

With the win, the Packers maintain their top spot in the NFC standings. Green Bay already clinched the NFC North after last week's win over the Baltimore Ravens.

The Browns fell to 7-8 after their second consecutive loss, causing a major blow to their playoff hopes. Baker Mayfield threw two touchdowns and four interceptions in the loss. Nick Chubb had 184 total scrimmage yards and a touchdown.

Notable Stats

Aaron Rodgers, QB, GB: 24-of-34 for 202 YDS, 3 TD

Davante Adams, WR, GB: 10 REC for 114 YDS, 2 TD

Baker Mayfield, QB, CLE: 21-of-36 for 222 YDS, 2 TD, 4 INT

Nick Chubb, RB, CLE: 17 CAR for 126 YDS, TD; 3 REC for 58 YDS

Packers Perform on Both Sides of the Ball

Green Bay played complementary football on Saturday, using strong defense to ignite its offense. The Packers forced three first-half turnovers and scored touchdowns on each ensuing possession. Chandon Sullivan, Rasul Douglas and Darnell Savage each recorded an interception in the first half.

Packers receiver Allen Lazard got things going with an 11-yard score, which was Rodgers' record-breaker.

Adams made his presence felt in a big way early on, recording nine catches for 105 yards and two touchdowns before halftime.

Cleveland kept the game competitive, but Green Bay was able to get timely stops to put the brakes on any momentum the Browns were trying to build.

The Browns broke through with a touchdown late in the fourth quarter to make it a two-point game, but Douglas got his second interception of the day to put the game away. Saturday's win was the first game that the Packers have held an opponent to under 28 points since their Week 10 shutout win over the Seattle Seahawks.

If Green Bay's defense can continue to make opportunistic plays that its offense can take advantage of, the Packers will be a tough out in the playoffs.

Mayfield's Mistakes Too Much for Cleveland to Overcome

Cleveland played a competitive game on Saturday, but the team couldn't bounce back from early mistakes by Mayfield. It was the first four-interception game of his career.

The polarizing quarterback made some questionable decisions throughout the game. Each of his first-half interceptions came on badly thrown balls.

The Browns had success when they made their rushing attack the focal point of their offense. With Chubb leading the way, Cleveland totaled 219 yards on the ground.

Mayfield's first three interceptions led to touchdowns by Green Bay. The Packers had just one other scoring drive throughout the game, so it's safe to say Cleveland could've been in position to earn an upset win had Mayfield avoided so many costly errors. The back-breaker came on his fourth interception with 50 seconds remaining in the game.

The Browns had an opportunity to steal a win against the top team in the NFC, but Mayfield's subpar performance was too much for them to overcome. Cleveland will have some crucial decisions to make this offseason regarding whether it will sign Mayfield to a long-term extension. Saturday's outing may have damaged his case to earn a big-money deal.

What's Next?

The Packers will host the NFC North rival Minnesota Vikings next Sunday night. The Browns will remain on the road for a division matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Jan. 3 on Monday Night Football.

Aaron Rodgers and Davante Adams are now the most productive touchdown duo in Green Bay Packers history, surpassing Rodgers' longtime partnership with former Packers wide receiver Jordy Nelson. 

The two accomplished the feat when Rodgers hit Adams for a nine-yard score in the second quarter of Saturday's game against the Cleveland Browns to put the Packers up 14-6. 

Rodgers and Adams have played together since 2014. In 105 games, Adams has caught 595 passes from Rodgers for 7,285 yards and 66 touchdowns on 903 targets. 

Nelson caught 483 passes from the reigning MVP for 7,069 yards and 65 scores on 727 targets in 119 games from 2008 to 2017. He and Rodgers won a Super Bowl together in 2011.

Rodgers is playing at an MVP level once again this season. He entered Saturday's game completing 67.8 percent of his passes for 3,487 yards and 30 touchdowns against four interceptions. 

Adams is also in the midst of another impressive campaign, entering Saturday leading the Packers with 96 catches for 1,248 yards (third in NFL) and eight touchdowns in 13 games. 

Rodgers also overtook Brett Favre's record for the most touchdown passes in Green Bay history after hitting Allen Lazard for an 11-yard score in the first quarter of Saturday's game.  

Aaron Rodgers now has the most passing touchdowns in Green Bay Packers history after connecting with Allen Lazard on an 11-yard score in the first quarter of Saturday's game against the Cleveland Browns. 

Rodgers has 443 passing touchdowns in his career, topping Favre's 442 in Green Bay.

The 38-year-old tied Favre during the Week 15 game against the Baltimore Ravens, although he was much more efficient in his path to the franchise record:

Favre praised Rodgers after the accomplishment:

"It's been a special run for me to be able to follow up a legend," Rodgers said of Favre on Fox.

Favre starred in Green Bay from 1992 to 2007, winning three MVP awards and one Super Bowl title. Rodgers was drafted in 2005 and spent three years as the veteran's backup before taking over, also earning three MVPs with one Super Bowl over his 14 seasons as a starter.

Rodgers has a chance to add to both of those marks in 2021 as one of the favorites for MVP while leading one of the top Super Bowl contenders.

From a statistical standpoint, the next step will be to catch Favre's career total of 508 passing touchdowns.

Favre notably continued his career beyond the Packers, spending one year with the New York Jets and two with the Minnesota Vikings before retiring. Rodgers has an uncertain future beyond this season with Jordan Love potentially set to take over under center.

Depending on his longevity, Rodgers could continue to climb the all-time touchdown list with Favre, Peyton Manning (539), Drew Brees (571) and Tom Brady (617) ahead of him. 

Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers has never faced Cleveland Browns star Myles Garrett, but the reigning MVP knows just how special the veteran defensive end is, telling reporters that he'll be a Hall of Famer if he continues to play at an elite level. 

"He legitimately has gold-jacket possibilities in his future if he keeps playing the way he's playing for a few more years," Rodgers told reporters.

Garrett's status for Saturday's Christmas matchup between the Packers and Browns was in question after the 25-year-old suffered a groin injury in Monday's 16-14 loss to the Las Vegas Raiders. 

However, the All-Pro defensive end told reporters that he believes he'll play "regardless" of how he feels. He's not sure if he'll be able to handle a full workload at Lambeau Field, though, because he hasn't practiced all week.

Garrett is in the midst of one of his best seasons in the NFL. He leads the Browns with a career-high 15 sacks, which is tied for third in the league and has recorded three passes defended, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery, 48 tackles, 16 tackles for a loss and 28 quarterback hits. 

The Texas A&M product was also recently named to the Pro Bowl for the second straight season.

If Garrett is unable to play against the Packers, the Browns could have some problems along the defensive line. Fellow defensive end Jadeveon Clowney's status is unclear after he was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list, and Cleveland is already without Takkarist McKinley, who was ruled out for the season after tearing his Achilles against the Raiders. 

Rodgers is also playing at a high level and will undoubtedly cause problems for the Browns defense, regardless if Garrett plays. The 38-year-old has completed 67.8 percent of his passes for 3,487 yards and 30 touchdowns against just four interceptions in 13 games. 

Saturday's game is a huge one for the Browns, who control their own postseason destiny. If they defeat the Packers, Pittsburgh Steelers and Cincinnati Bengals, they have a 97 percent chance to make the playoffs, per the New York Times' interactive projections.

If the Browns lose to the Packers, they still have a 39 percent chance to make the postseason with wins over the Steelers and Bengals. If they lose all three games, or two of three, they'll likely miss the postseason. 

Given the playoff implications, it should come as no surprise that Garrett expects to play, regardless if he isn't fully healthy.  

A group of NFL executives believe Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers will be named the league MVP. 

In a survey of 23 high-ranking personnel by NFL Network's Tom Pelissero, Rodgers beat out Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor for the award by an 11-8 voting margin. 

As most of the other top quarterbacks who have been in the MVP conversation have stumbled recently, Rodgers has caught fire over the past four weeks.

The 38-year-old is averaging 325.3 passing yards per game with a 70.6 completion percentage, 13 touchdowns and no interceptions since Week 11. Green Bay is averaging 35.8 points per game during that span. 

For the season, Rodgers leads the NFL in ESPN's QBR metric (67.3), is tied for fifth in the NFL in touchdown passes (30) and seventh in completion percentage (67.8). He has the lowest interception rate among all qualified quarterbacks (0.9 percent).

"I'd love to not say he's the guy, because he's easy to root against," one NFC team executive told Pelissero, "but f--king Aaron Rodgers, [he's] amazing."

The Colts' ascent to AFC playoff contenders has coincided with Taylor turning into a superstar. 

After being held to a total of 171 rushing yards through the first three games of the season, Taylor is averaging 122.5 yards per game on the ground and has scored 19 total touchdowns (17 rushing) since Week 4. 

Taylor has eight 100-yard rushing games this season, including at least 170 yards three times since Week 9. The Colts are 8-0 when he hits the century mark and 0-6 when he doesn't. 

If Rodgers wins the award, he would join Peyton Manning as the only players in NFL history with at least four MVPs. He would also be the first player since Manning—the all-time leader with five MVPs—in 2008 and 2009 to win it in back-to-back seasons. 

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady was the only other player to receive two votes in the survey. Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp and Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert each received one vote.