Minnesota Vikings power to NFC North title as Carolina Panthers spoil Aaron Rodgers' return for Green Bay Packers

Jacksonville Jaguars book their place in the play-offs while the Philadelphia Eagles secure a first-round bye after beating the New York Giants

(Getty)

The Minnesota Vikings powered to the NFC North title with a 34-7 victory over the injury-hit Cincinnati Bengals that keeps them on course for a possible first-round bye in the play-offs.

Mike Zimmer's men won the division crown for the second time in three years as they bid to be the first team ever to reach a Super Bowl in their home ground.

The Vikings were expertly marshalled by quarterback Case Keenum, who threw for 236 yards and two touchdowns, while Teddy Bridgewater made his long-awaited return from injury late in the game.

The return of Aaron Rodgers from collarbone surgery could not prevent the Green Bay Packers from slipping to a 31-24 loss to the Carolina Panthers.

Rodgers was intercepted on three occasions for the first time since 2009 but also threw for three touchdowns to turning a 31-17 deficit into the chance to draw level, only for Geronimo Allison to fumble at a critical stage.

Case Keenum celebrates Minnesota Vikings' victory over the Cincinnati Bengals (Getty)

The Jacksonville Jaguars thumped the Houston Texans 45-7 to end their decade-long wait for play-off qualification.

Quarterback Blake Bortles was outstanding as the Jaguars eased home with a quality all-round performance, completing 21 of his 29 passes for 326 yards and three touchdowns.

The Philadelphia Eagles secured a first-round bye after dispatching the New York Giants 34-29 that maintains their ambition as finishing as NFC top seeds.

The Giants had a late chance to snatch victory only for Eli Manning's pass to elude tight end Evan Engram.

Dak Prescott celebrates after the Dallas Cowboys secured a late victory over Oakland Raiders (Getty)

A Dan Bailey field goal from 19 yards with less than two minutes left on the clock was the difference as the Dallas Cowboys beat the Oakland Raiders 20-17.

The Cowboys were 10-0 up at the half, but Oakland pulled it back with a Michael Crabtree touchdown and Giorgio Tavecchio field goal.

Dak Prescott rushed into the end zone to put the Cowboys 17-10 up before Crabtree got his second to tie things up with 10 minutes left to play, but the Cowboys tacked on a field goal to go 7-6 in the season.

PA