When: 4:25 PM ET, Sunday, December 29, 2024
Where: U.S. Bank Stadium, Minneapolis, Minnesota
Vikings vs. Packers Showdown: A Clash with Playoff Implications
Sam Darnold’s football journey has taken him coast to coast, from his college days at USC to NFL stints with the New York Jets, Carolina Panthers, and San Francisco 49ers. Now leading the Minnesota Vikings, Darnold finds himself immersed in the storied NFC North rivalry between the Vikings and the Green Bay Packers.
“This whole NFC North rivalry is something special,” Darnold said ahead of Sunday’s matchup in Minneapolis. “It’s not just about the teams; it’s the fans, the history, and the passion. Packers fans are great, but when it comes to football, they’re not shy about telling you who they think is better. It makes it fun—that’s why we play the game.”
This game carries high stakes, with playoff positioning on the line for both teams. The Vikings (13-2) are tied with the Detroit Lions atop the division but trail due to a tiebreaker. Meanwhile, the Packers (11-4) are battling for wild-card seeding and could land anywhere from the No. 5 to No. 7 spot depending on Sunday’s result.
Green Bay’s Playmakers Step Up
Packers running back Josh Jacobs has been a force this season, racking up 1,216 yards and 13 touchdowns. Jacobs contributed 69 rushing yards and a touchdown in Green Bay’s 34-0 rout of the New Orleans Saints on Monday, while quarterback Jordan Love added 182 passing yards and a score without a turnover.
Love has quietly put together a solid season, throwing for 3,135 yards, 24 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions for a 97.8 passer rating. Wide receivers Jayden Reed (52 receptions, 803 yards, 6 TDs) and Christian Watson (29 receptions, 620 yards, 2 TDs) provide a balanced aerial attack for the Packers.
“What’s exciting is seeing so many players contribute,” said Packers coach Matt LaFleur. “That’s a sign of a good team—guys staying ready and stepping up when it matters.”
Darnold and Jefferson Lead the Charge
The Vikings, riding an eight-game winning streak, are powered by Darnold’s impressive first season in Minnesota. He has thrown for 3,776 yards, 32 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions, earning a 105.4 passer rating. Running back Aaron Jones, a former Packer, has added 1,046 rushing yards and five touchdowns to complement Darnold’s production.
Justin Jefferson continues to cement his status as one of the league’s elite receivers, hauling in 92 receptions for 1,387 yards and 10 touchdowns. Second-year standout Jordan Addison has also been a reliable weapon with 56 catches for 806 yards and eight scores.
Jefferson is eager for the challenge, regardless of whether he faces Green Bay’s top cornerback, Jaire Alexander, who is questionable with a knee injury. “I love these high-stakes games,” Jefferson said. “It’s what football is all about—stepping up when it matters most.”
Injury Updates
Green Bay enters the contest with several key players limited in practice, including Alexander, safety Javon Bullard (ankle), and tackle Andre Dillard (concussion). Minnesota, meanwhile, is largely healthy aside from cornerback Fabian Moreau, who is nursing a hip injury.
Final Showdown of the Regular Season
The Vikings claimed the first meeting of the season, a thrilling 31-29 victory at Lambeau Field in late September. Sunday’s game promises another fierce battle between two teams eyeing playoff glory. With division bragging rights and postseason positioning on the line, this is a game no fan will want to miss.
