Can a meaningless game still feel meaningful in the fierce Packers-Vikings rivalry at U.S. Bank Stadium?
The Minnesota Vikings closed out their 2025 campaign on a high note, throttling a Green Bay Packers squad that rested most starters with a commanding 16-3 victory in the NFC North season finale in Minneapolis.
Score Summary
The Vikings’ defense stifled Green Bay’s backup offense throughout, limiting the Packers to negative net passing yards and just one late field goal:
- 1st Quarter: Vikings 3, Packers 0 → Will Reichard connected on a field goal.
- 2nd Quarter: Vikings 10, Packers 0 → Reichard added another FG, followed by C.J. Ham’s 1-yard TD plunge.
- 3rd Quarter: No scoring.
- 4th Quarter: Vikings 3, Packers 3 → Reichard hit a 37-yarder; Green Bay avoided the shutout with a late FG.
Turning Points
- Packers’ Resting Strategy — Green Bay sat Jordan Love, Josh Jacobs, and most defensive starters, starting third-string QB Clayton Tune; this handed Minnesota early dominance.
- McCarthy’s Early Exit — J.J. McCarthy aggravated a hand injury in the third quarter, but backup Max Brosmer managed the game without costing momentum.
- Defensive Domination — Brian Flores’ unit sacked Tune multiple times (including strip-sacks by Dallas Turner), held Green Bay to 121 total yards and -7 net passing, and forced constant punts.
- Late Insurance — Reichard’s fourth-quarter FG extended the lead after a Brosmer fumble recovery kept drives alive.
Standout Performances
- Justin Jefferson (Vikings WR) — 8 receptions for 101 yards, pushing toward milestones in a frustrating season.
- Jordan Mason (Vikings RB) — 94 rushing yards on 14 carries, grinding out tough yards.
- Dallas Turner (Vikings EDGE) — Multiple sacks, including strip-sacks, terrorizing the Packers’ depleted O-line.
- Brian Flores’ Defense (Vikings) — Held opponents to minimal points late in the year; forced 2-for-10 on third downs and a red-zone takeaway.
- Will Reichard (Vikings K) — Perfect on multiple FGs, providing all non-TD points.
- Clayton Tune (Packers QB) — Struggled with just 34 gross passing yards in a tough spot against a fired-up defense.
- Packers Reserves — Showed effort but couldn’t generate offense; avoided major injuries heading into playoffs.
Playoff Implications
The loss dropped the Packers to 9-8-1 but didn’t affect their locked-in No. 7 seed in the NFC playoffs. Green Bay, after resting key players to stay healthy, will hit the road for the Wild Card Round against the No. 2-seeded Chicago Bears—setting up a third rivalry clash this season (series tied 1-1) at Soldier Field.
For the Vikings, the win capped a five-game streak to finish 9-8, securing a winning record despite missing the postseason. It provided positive momentum into an offseason full of questions around J.J. McCarthy’s development, Justin Jefferson’s future, potential Harrison Smith retirement tributes, and bolstering the roster for a 2026 contention push in the loaded NFC North.
