The Green Bay Packers (11-4) and Minnesota Vikings (13-2) will write the latest chapter in their long-running rivalry on Sunday afternoon at US Bank Stadium. Both the Packers and Vikings have clinched a playoff spot in the NFC and will compete for seeding in one of the most invigorating and vital matchups in the long history of the rivalry.
The Vikings have won eight straight games and still have a chance at 15 wins and the NFC North title. This is one of the NFL’s biggest surprises and most impressive teams in 2024, so the Packers will need to play at their best to go to US Bank Stadium and beat the Vikings on Sunday.
Here’s a closer look at the Vikings in Week 17:
Last week (win, 27-24 vs. Seahawks)
The Vikings received a 5-yard touchdown pass from Sam Darnold to Jordan Addison for a quick 7-0 lead and took a 17-7 lead into halftime, but the Seahawks quickly tied it at 17 in the third quarter and eventually took the lead. The lead was 24-20 on Geno Smith’s touchdown pass with less than five minutes left in the fourth quarter. However, the Vikings responded immediately, with Justin Jefferson’s 39-yard score about a minute later retaking the lead. The Vikings intercepted Smith behind schedule to seal the deal. Darnold threw three passes without an interception, Jefferson caught 10 passes and the Vikings defense completed two passes. Minnesota only had 298 total yards and finished 3-of-12 on third down, but Kevin O’Connell’s team still finds massive plays in massive moments.
Playing quarterback
Sam Darnold was a freshman revelation for Minnesota. The former third overall pick threw 32 touchdown passes and 11 interceptions for a passer rating of 105.4, making him one of just five quarterbacks with at least 30 touchdown passes and a passer rating above 100.0 this season. Darnold led the Vikings to five winning games in 2024. Excelling in Kevin O’Connell’s offense, Darnold made good decisions and consistently distributed the ball to a talented group of playmakers. He also took 45 sacks. Darnold ranks 14th in success rate, 13th in QBR, 12th in EPA/game, 23rd in valuable play percentage on turnovers, and 23rd in pressure-to-sack ratio, so it’s possible that his scoring stats exceed its actual effectiveness. However, he performed admirably in a well-managed and talented offense led by one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL.
Line of scrimmage
The Vikings are averaging just 4.0 yards per rushing attempt and have had 46 sacks. PFF ranks the Vikings 26th in pass blocking efficiency. The Vikings rank 15th in run blocking, according to PFF. Minnesota lost left guard Christian Darrisaw to a season-ending injury and replaced him with former Jaguar Cam Robinson, which is quite a significant demotion. Right tackle Brian O’Neil was excellent. The remaining four starters are question marks. Defensively, the Vikings dominated the run game, giving up just 3.9 yards per attempt (second best) and only seven rushing touchdowns (first). Minnesota ranks second in PFF’s run defense. The pass rush is fueled by two versatile edge rushers (Jonathan Greenard and Andrew Van Ginkel) and a wild lightning package from Brian Flores. The Vikings have five players with pressures of 20 or more and an incredible 10 players with pressures of 10 or more. They will come in waves. At raucous US Bank Stadium, the Packers offensive line will face one of its toughest tests of the season.
Turnover
The Vikings have a +10 point turnover differential and lead the NFL with 30 turnovers. While the Vikings have six multi-award games and rank middle of the pack in sacks (20), the defense – which has an NFL-high 22 interceptions – has caught up. Ten different players steal for Minnesota; seven has many choices. Cornerback Byron Murphy has six interceptions. Edge rusher Jonathan Greenard has four forced fumbles. Andrew Van Ginkel has two interceptions for touchdowns. On offense, Sam Darnold recorded 11 interceptions and eight fumbles, while running back Aaron Jones had five fumbles. Darnold has 21 successful plays, which ranks him third among quarterbacks.
Injury situation
Safety Harrison Smith and linebacker Fabian Moreau missed last week’s win in Seattle with injuries. Linebacker Ivan Pace Jr. He is an injured substitute and should play on Sunday. Otherwise, the Vikings are robust. The team retained Christian Darrisaw, cornerback Mekhi Blackmon and quarterback JJ McCarthy.
Players worth knowing
RB Aaron Jones: The former Packer has 1,046 rushing yards, 1,394 total yards and 7 total scores for the Vikings. He averages 4.5 yards per carry and continues to look electric as a runner.
Edge rusher Jonathan Greenard: The former Texan leads the Vikings in tackles (69) and defense (38). He is a game destroyer.
TE TJ Hockenson: The Packers didn’t face him in their first meeting. He has since returned from a knee injury last season and is once again a focal point in the passing game. Hockenson is averaging nearly five catches and 50 yards per game.
WR Jordan Addison: The 2023 first-rounder has eight touchdown catches while averaging 9.5 yards per target. Justin Jefferson will attract attention, but Addison is also a unsafe weapon.
Josh Mettelus: He is an elite defender and forward who plays throughout Brian Flores’ defensive formation. Expect to see him lightning speedy, playing in the box and protecting playmakers and attackers.
