Aaron Rodgers leads Packers to NFC North title

CHICAGO -- Aaron Rodgers returned from a broken collarbone and now is taking aim at a postseason run.

Rodgers fired a 48-yard touchdown to Randall Cobb in the final minute yesterday, and the Packers beat the Bears, 33-28, to capture the NFC North championship.

"This is a special group of guys who've been through a lot," Rodgers said. "It's been a roller coaster."

Back after missing seven games, Rodgers found a wide-open Cobb on fourth-and-8 to wipe out a one-point deficit with 38 seconds left. The Bears had one final drive, but Jay Cutler's deep pass to Alshon Jeffery was intercepted by Sam Shields on the final play.

The Packers (8-7-1) will host the 49ers (12-4) next weekend in the wild-card round.

It's Green Bay's third straight division title and fifth postseason appearance in a row. It also kept the Bears (8-8) out of the playoffs for the sixth time in seven years.

Chicago receiver Brandon Marshall beat Tramon Williams in the end zone on the first play of the fourth quarter to make it 28-20. But Green Bay answered when Eddie Lacy ran it in from 6 yards out after a 22-yard pass from Rodgers to Andrew Quarless went through safety Chris Conte's hands.

On the winning drive, Green Bay converted twice on fourth-and-1 before Rodgers eluded pressure and unleashed the winning pass to Cobb.

"We had a blitz on," Bears coach Marc Trestman said. "We lost an edge. Aaron was able to get outside. Once he got outside, things happen. When you've got a zero blitz on, things can happen. And we just lost coverage with our eyes in the backfield."

Cobb, in his first appearance since Oct. 13 because of a broken leg, caught just two passes, both for touchdowns. "To be in that moment at the end of the game and have that opportunity, it's a blessing," Cobb said.

Rogers was intercepted on the Packers' first two possessions but threw for 318 yards and two touchdowns. Jordy Nelson had 161 yards receiving.

With a playoff spot on the line and his contract set to expire, Cutler threw for 226 yards with two touchdowns and an interception. He said he'd like to return. "You'd love to," Cutler said. "You can't predict the future, though. I'm not really going to get into what's going to happen. It always works out how it's supposed to."-- AP