Packers build big lead, then hang on at home

GREEN BAY, Wis. - Another big first half helped the Green Bay Packers withstand a furious rally by the desperate Atlanta Falcons.

Eddie Lacy ran for a touchdown and caught one of Aaron Rodgers' three TD passes, and Green Bay built a 24-point lead before holding on for a 43-37 victory Monday night.

The Packers (10-3) earned their fifth consecutive victory to stay a game up on Detroit in the NFC North. Atlanta dropped to 5-8, but remained in a first-place tie with New Orleans in the woeful NFC South.

Julio Jones had a career-best 259 yards receiving for the Falcons before leaving with a hip injury. Jones had a 22-yard touchdown catch in a 20-point fourth quarter that helped Atlanta cut into Green Bay's big lead.

Matt Ryan's 2-yard touchdown pass to Harry Douglas with 2 minutes, 15 seconds left got Atlanta within six.

But the Packers recovered the ensuing onside kick. James Starks' 41-yard run with 1:37 left to the Atlanta 6 effectively ended the Falcons' upset hopes.

Atlanta came frustratingly close to a rare victory in Titletown. Green Bay held on for its seventh home win, but the porous pass defense may have given potential playoff foes some hope that Lambeau Field may not be that impenetrable after all.

The Falcons did damage even with Jones hobbling on the sideline, appearing to favor his left side.