Packers visit Vikings in clash of surging clubs, the 1st time in series both teams have 11plus wins
Dec 26, 2024
(AP) - The Packers (11-4) will visit the division-rival Vikings (13-2) on Sunday afternoon at 3:25 for a heavyweight matchup between two of the NFC's best.
Numbers and Facts to Know:
BetMGM NFL odds: Packers by 1. (As of 2:36 p.m. on 12/26)
The Packers lead the all-time series 66-59-3, while the Vikings beat the Packers 31-29 in their last matchup on Sept. 29 in Green Bay.
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Packers player to watch
QB Jordan Love had a roller-coaster performance against Minnesota earlier this season, going 32 of 59 for 389 yards with four touchdown passes to establish career highs in all four categories.
However, he also matched his career most with three interceptions as Green Bay's comeback from a 28-0 deficit fell short. Love has eight TD passes and no interceptions over his past five games.
Vikings player to watch
RB Aaron Jones, who will face his former team for the second time, has 440 total yards and four TDs from scrimmage over the past five games. Though the 30-year-old is averaging a career-low 4.5 yards per rush, he topped the 1,000-yard mark last week for the fourth time in eight seasons.
Jones has 233 carries, three short of his career high. He had 139 total yards from scrimmage against the Packers in Week 4, his second-highest total of the season.
Key Packers Injuries
Packers cornerback Jaire Alexander (knee) has missed five straight games while safety Javon Bullard (ankle) has missed two consecutive games. Linebacker Quay Walker (ankle) and safety Evan Williams (quadriceps) didn’t play against the Saints on Monday night.
Both were listed as non-participants on Wednesday's estimated injury report instead of a formal practice.
Packers WR Christian Walker (knee) exited the game on Monday night, but coach Matt LaFleur said the initial diagnosis of a bruise was promising for his availability this week.
Key Vikings Injuries
Vikings linebacker Ivan Pace (hamstring) is back at practice after missing four games, while safety Harrison Smith (foot) missed their last game and was listed as a non-participant on Wednesday's estimated injury report. Head coach Kevin O'Connell sounded 'optimistic' about his availability for Sunday afternoon.
Backup defensive lineman Jalen Redmond (concussion) missed the game against Seattle last week but was listed as a limited participant for Wednesday's estimated injury report.
Series notes
This marks the first time in the 64-year history of the rivalry that both the Packers and Vikings have had 11 or more wins going into the game.
The all-time series in Minnesota is tied at 31-all, however, the road team has won the past three games in this matchup.
The Vikings have won five of the past eight meetings overall and five of the eight matchups at U.S. Bank Stadium since it opened in 2016.
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The Packers and Vikings kick off from U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis at 3:25 p.m. on Sunday. Both teams will finish their seasons against divisional opponents, as the Packers host the Chicago Bears on Sunday, Jan. 5 while Minnesota visits the Detroit Lions on the same day.