• GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) -- Linebacker Clay Matthews didn't feel like celebrating after the Packers could only muster a tie with the Minnesota Vikings despite rallying from a late 16-point deficit.
• But in a season full of tough breaks in Green Bay, the 26-26 draw Sunday may not be so bad.
• Backup quarterback Matt Flynn threw for 218 yards in helping spark the rally. A winless streak without injured starter Aaron Rodgers stretched to four games, but the Packers remain just a half-game behind the Bears and Lions heading into a Thanksgiving Day showdown in Detroit.
• "There you go -- it's all in front of us. I think we've just got to get that victory and we'll be OK," Matthews said. "Obviously we're going to need a little help on the other end with other teams, but ... it's a big game this weekend."
• Chicago and Detroit, tied for first at 6-5, both lost Sunday. Perhaps the quick turnaround will help the Packers (5-5-1) get over the unusual tie.
• The Vikings (2-8-1) will have to wait the full week with the Bears next at home.
• "I view it as a loss, personally. We gave up a 16-point lead in the fourth quarter," defensive end Jared Allen said. "I don't have a sister, but I'm going to say it's like going to prom with your sister."
• Five things we learned after the first tie in the NFL since the Rams and 49ers ended 24-24 on Nov. 11, 2012.
• IN A KNOT: Game-time temperatures in Green Bay hovered in the upper teens. At least the 77,000-plus frigid fans got to witness a bit of history. This was first game to end in a tie under the new overtime rule instituted last year that continues the extra period if both teams open it with field goals. A touchdown by either team would have ended the game.
• Jacksonville and Houston both kicked field goals to open OT in a game on Nov. 18, 2012, then the Texans won it with a touchdown.
• "It's an empty feeling. You go out there and didn't lose the game," Packers coach Mike McCarthy said. "But you feel like you didn't accomplish what you set out to do."
• IN LIKE FLYNN: Rodgers hurt his left collarbone in the 27-20 loss to the Bears on Nov. 4. Since then, it's been a carousel at quarterback for the Packers.

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