3 Storylines for Packers-Vikings
At 12 PM on Sunday, the Green Bay Packers and Minnesota Vikings will face off for the first time this season.
The two teams have been on very different trajectories all season. While Green Bay started the year with a 2-1 record, Minnesota started 0-3. Heading into Week 8, though the momentum has completely flipped. The Packers have lost three consecutive games over the past four weeks, and the Vikings have won three of their last four to get back on track.
Here is a look 3 storylines to keep an eye on heading into the weekend before the 126th installment of one of the oldest rivalries in the NFL.
3 Storylines for Packers-Vikings
A Fight to Get Back into the Playoff Race
This is a very important game for both Green Bay and Minnesota for obvious reasons. Of course, the divisional matchup is always one that comes with some extra motivation, but there should be even more as each team is fighting to get into the NFC playoff race.
After Tampa Bay lost on Thursday night, Minnesota woke up on Friday holding the No. 7 seed in the NFC, meaning they would be in the dance if the season ended today. Green Bay sits at 2-4, though, just half a game behind the five teams in the conference that are 3-4.
We still have 10 weeks to go, though, so neither team can afford to take their foot off the gas. A win for either side would go a long way towards improving their chances at actually making the playoffs when January rolls around.
After this weekend, Minnesota will travel to Atlanta and take on the leaders in the NFC South before hosting the New Orleans Saints in Week 10. Meanwhile, Green Bay will host the Los Angeles Rams (another current 3-4 team) before a tough road game against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Jordan Love vs. the Rising Vikings Defense
Gone are the days of Brett Favre or Aaron Rodgers constantly dismantling Vikings defenses. Instead, first-year starter Jordan Love is trying to live up to his predecessors. His performances this season have been a bit of a mixed bag this season, and now, he has to navigate his offense through the rising Vikings defense.
Love had a strong start to the year, throwing for seven TDs compared to a single interception over Green Bay’s first three games. However, the three-game losing streak hasn’t been nearly as productive for the young QB. He has just three touchdowns during this streak and has thrown six interceptions.
The Vikings defense has really come alive during Minnesota’s winning streak, allowing just 15 points per game over the past two weeks and forcing six turnovers. For the Vikings to find success on the road, they will need to continue making big plays against the young QB.
Another Big Jordan Addison Game?
Jordan Addison had his coming out party on Monday night against the 49ers, catching seven passes from Kirk Cousins for 123 yards and a pair of touchdowns, including a 60-yard TD at the end of the first half.
The Vikings have needed their 2023 first-round pick over the past few weeks with Justin Jefferson out due to his hamstring injury. Addison has delivered in a big way, and now, he could be line for another big game against the Packers.
Green Bay has listed both CB Jaire Alexander and LB De’Vondre Campbell as questionable for this weekend’s game, and earlier this week, they placed both S Darnell Savage and CB Eric Stokes on IR. The Packers defense could be severely limited once again, opening the door for Addison to continue his dominance.
Josh Frey is a Class of 2020 graduate of The College of Idaho and managing editor of PurplePTSD.com. When he’s not writing about the NFL, Josh enjoys running, gaming, or rooting for the Milwaukee Brewers and Bucks. Check out his Twitter account: @Freyed_Chicken.