In Green Bay, Richard Ryman noted the season-ending game between the Packers and Lions is "so important that ticket prices are up nearly 75% since last week.” The average ticket for the game Sunday at Lambeau Field was $173, “up $73 from Dec. 27 and up $129 from Dec. 5.” Packers-Lions will start at 7:20pm ET, making it the "final NFL regular-season game." If the Packers win, they "get a playoff berth.” The Lions “could get a playoff spot" if they win, "depending on the outcome" of Sunday's Rams-Seahawks game. The Packers and Lions have ended their seasons "playing one another six times in the last seven years,” but this is the first time since 2016 that the game "has had meaning” (GREEN BAY PRESS-GAZETTE, 1/3).
DESERVES SOME CREDIT: In Jacksonville, Gene Frenette wrote “most of the effusive praise” of the Jaguars recent success "went in the direction" of coach Doug Pederson and QB Trevor Lawrence. But what was “easily forgotten" has been the "behind-the-scenes work.” Jaguars GM Trent Baalke is the "guy many people not only wanted to be fired right alongside" former coach Urban Meyer, but was the "target of classless derision near the end of the 2021 season.” There has been "plenty of second-guessing on that decision” to keep Baalke. But looking back at how the Jaguars' "resurgence unfolded, it's impossible to envision" the team being 8-8 and playing the Titans on Saturday night for the AFC South crown "without the impactful acquisitions brought in by Baalke" (FLORIDA TIMES-UNION, 1/3).
