There was a time when the Minnesota Vikings and Green Bay Packers playing each other meant an epic rivalry game would be on the schedule. That hasn't been the case at all this season, though. When Kevin O'Connell's team went to Green Bay earlier this season, they had a 4-6 record, then got embarrassed at Lambeau Field.
With Green Bay prioritizing health over results, the game becomes less about outcome and more about execution, evaluation, and rhythm.
On Sunday, the Vikings will wrap up their wildly unimpressive 2025 campaign. After spending a boatload in free agency, they are going to win up nearly .500 and with no playoff appearance to show for it . Despite hosting the Packers at U.S. Bank Stadium, it largely feels like a preseason game.
Green Bay is locked into the 7th seed and has nothing to play for. Quarterback Jordan Love missed last week with a concussion and won't be on the field Sunday. Malik Willis started, but he has been banged up as well and could be held out of the contest. The only other quarterback currently in the organization is practice squad veteran Clayton Tune.
Dec 31, 2023; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur runs off the field after the game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports.
Matt LaFleur has already announced that the Packers will hold out the vast majority of their starters. That puts the Vikings in an ideal position to win. Their draft positioning won't be impacted substantially either way, and Minnesota looks so well-positioned they are more than touchdown favorites.
This is all despite not having at least two-thirds of the offensive line, the starting or backup quarterback, and a host of defenders, all injured. O'Connell has no real reason his team shouldn't make this one look easy, but the quarterbacks have kept opponents in games all season.
Dec 14, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell before a game against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images.
J.J. McCarthy 's hand is still broken , and regardless of healing, it doesn't make sense to put him out there. Max Brosmer hasn't looked good, but this will be the closest thing he gets to a preseason game, probably at any point in his regular season career. John Wolford is also in the mix should the Vikings decide to make a change.
Sure, it's Packers and Vikings weekend, but it's a watered-down version that means nothing to anyone involved. Fans can point to the desire that their team come out on top, and it would be nice to even the ledger this season, but this one couldn't be less inspiring.
