For the second straight week in prime time, the Green Bay Packers started fast, led by a large margin in the first half, overcame a slight lull in the second half and cruised to a comfortable victory – this time a 34-0 final over the undermanned New Orleans Saints on Monday night at Lambeau Field.

The Packers scored more than 30 points for the fifth straight game and secured the NFL’s first shutout of the 2024 season.

Matt LaFleur’s team took a 21-0 lead after scoring touchdowns on three consecutive possessions to open the game, and Jeff Hafley’s defense delivered two takeaways and seven more stops in a dominant performance against a Saints- Team that was missing its top quarterback, running back and receiver.

The Packers are 11-4 and have secured a spot in the playoffs.

Here’s what went right, what went wrong, and what it means for the Packers’ future:

What went well

– The Packers took the first kickoff, drove 63 yards in 10 plays and scored a touchdown – with four completions from Jordan Love and 40 total yards from Josh Jacobs, they took an early 7-0 lead. The offense set the tone at the start of the games.

– The Packers’ defense gave up under 200 yards, had three sacks and produced two turnovers. The Saints never entered the red zone and both takeaways came with the Saints inside the 30-yard line. Devonte Wyatt’s sack late in the first half ruined another scoring opportunity.

– Running back Josh Jacobs converted 17 touchdowns into a total of 107 yards and a touchdown. He managed a 20-yard run on the first drive to set up a touchdown, caught four passes for 38 yards and scored again inside the 5-yard line.

– Brenton Cox Jr. had a sack, two quarterback hits and a team-high six total pressures (according to Next Gen Stats). He was disruptive all night long. Also Lukas Van Ness, Rashan Gary and Devonte Wyatt. The pass rush pressured rookie Spencer Rattler on 52.6 percent of dropbacks. The emergence of Cox and Van Ness is particularly encouraging for the present and future of the pass rush.

– Tucker Kraft and Jayden Reed both had two catches for a gain of 30 or more yards.

– Brandon McManus managed 55 yards all season, hit from 46 yards with ease and hit all four extra points. On a December evening at Lambeau Field, he had no problems.

– The Packers rushed for 188 yards, did not allow a sack and largely dominated the line of scrimmage. Nine different players had a rushing attempt. Jacobs ran hard early, Emanuel Wilson and Chris Brooks combined for 75 rushing yards and two scores, and receivers Christian Watson, Bo Melton and Jayden Reed added 42 rushing yards. The Packers are a dynamic and versatile rushing team.

– Tucker Kraft and Jordan Love both converted first downs on sneaks. The Packers are now 3-for-3 when Kraft makes the sneak.

– The Packers were 3-on-3 on fourth down. The Saints were 0-2. The Packers also scored four touchdowns on four red zone trips.

— Zayne Anderson recorded his first career interception during his first career start.

What went wrong?

– Jordan Love had a rough patch early in the second half. He completed just two of his first seven passes for six yards after halftime, but he hit Jayden Reed for a big third-down conversion in the fourth quarter.

— Christian Watson left the team with a knee injury. The Packers will hold their breath this week and wait for the results. Since the bye he has been instrumental in the breakthrough of the offensive.

– The Packers had two special teams penalties, including one that stalled the second drive inside the 10-yard line and another (a tripping penalty on Lukas Van Ness) that resulted from a bad punt from inside the 26-yard -Penalty converted by Daniel Whelan.

– The Packers also had two penalties that gave the Saints a first down. Brenton Cox Jr. was called for a questionable passer ejection penalty, and Kingsley Enagbare had his hand up to his face on the third penalty. Colby Wooden was cited for unnecessary roughness after a fourth down stop.

What it means

The Packers are officially in the playoffs. Matt LaFleur’s team is now 11-4 and has a legitimate chance at 13 wins. Even if the NFC North title is no longer a possibility, the Packers can advance to the fifth seed – which would mean playing on the road against either the NFC West or the NFC South winner to open the postseason. Most importantly, the Packers seem to be playing their best football in January. Green Bay is 5-1 since the bye and is now ranked in the top 10 in both offense (No. 7) and defense (No. 6). This is a complete, balanced football team whose postseason is approaching.

Highlights

What’s next?

I’m hitting the road this Sunday on a short week to play the Minnesota Vikings at US Bank Stadium. The game – which has been moved to 3:25 p.m. CT – will determine whether the Packers have a chance at the No. 5 seed. The Vikings have won eight straight games and are 13-2 in the NFC North race, fighting for the No. 1 seed.