The Green Bay Packers have thrashed the Carolina Panthers in the first two quarters of their NFL game, opening up a 28-3 lead over the visitors at Lambeau Field this evening.

The home side made a quick start as Aaron Rodgers completed a 59-yard pass to Jordy Nelson to get the opening touchdown on the board.

Randall Cobb could have doubled Green Bay's advantage on their next drive when Rodgers targeted him down the centre, but the wide receiver could not hold onto the pass in the endzone.

Nelson kept the drive alive though, allowing Eddie Lacy to run the ball in from five yards out a couple of plays later.

James Starks ran in for the Packers' third touchdown of the first quarter as the home side continued to dominate the game, before Cobb added his eighth of the season before half time.

Cam Newton finally managed to get the Panthers into Packers territory late in the first half, but Carolina had to settle for a Graham Gano field goal.