Green Bay Packers (11-4) vs. Minnesota Vikings (13-2)
Sunday, 4:25 p.m. EST, Fox
Current Betting Odds: Packers favored by 1
Against the Spread: Packers 9-6, Vikings 10-4-1
Head-to-Head Record: Packers lead 66-59-3
Last Encounter: Vikings triumphed over the Packers 31-29 on September 29, 2024, in Green Bay.
Recent Results: The Packers secured a dominating 34-0 victory against the Saints, while the Vikings edged out the Seahawks with a score of 27-24.

Analyzing Team Offenses and Defenses:
Packers’ Offense Rankings: Total (4), Rushing (4), Passing (12), Scoring (7)
Packers’ Defense Rankings: Total (6), Rushing (8), Passing (8), Scoring (6)
Vikings’ Offense Rankings: Total (12), Rushing (16), Passing (8), Scoring (9)
Vikings’ Defense Rankings: Total (15), Rushing (2), Passing (30), Scoring (3)
Turnover Differential: Packers +12, Vikings +10

Player Spotlight:
For the Packers, quarterback Jordan Love had a standout yet tumultuous match against the Vikings earlier in the season, completing 32 of 59 attempts for 389 yards and four touchdowns, alongside three interceptions. Love has since rallied with eight touchdown passes and no interceptions in his last five games.

On the Vikings squad, running back Aaron Jones returns to face his former team for the second time. Over the last five games, he has accumulated 440 total yards and four touchdowns. Despite his career-low average of 4.5 yards per carry, Jones surpassed 1,000 rushing yards for the fourth time in his career last week, with his performance against the Packers in Week 4 yielding a notable 139 total yards.

Injury Updates:
The Packers have been hit hard with injuries, as cornerback Jaire Alexander (knee) is set to miss his sixth consecutive game, along with safety Javon Bullard (ankle) who has not played in two games. Linebacker Quay Walker (ankle) and safety Evan Williams (quadriceps) were also sidelined from last Monday’s game and did not participate in Wednesday’s estimated injury report. Receiver Christian Walker’s knee injury seems to be minor, as coach Matt LaFleur expressed optimism about his return.

For the Vikings, linebacker Ivan Pace (hamstring) has resumed practice after a four-game hiatus, while safety Harrison Smith (foot) missed last week’s game and was also a non-participant in Wednesday’s estimated injury report. However, coach Kevin O’Connell is hopeful for Smith’s availability. Backup defensive lineman Jalen Redmond (concussion) was limited in practice after sitting out against the Seahawks.

Series History:
This marked a historic moment as it is the first instance in the 64-year rivalry where both teams have entered the game with eleven or more wins. The all-time series in Minnesota stands tied at 31 victories each. Remarkably, the visiting team has emerged victorious in the last three matchups, with the Vikings winning five of the last eight meetings since U.S. Bank Stadium opened in 2016.

Statistical Insights:
The Packers have clinched a playoff spot, winning nine of their last eleven games, although they are out of the NFC North title race. This season, they’ve achieved a total of 2,209 rushing yards, the highest since 2003. Running back Josh Jacobs has extended his streak to six consecutive games with a rushing touchdown and is on the cusp of matching the franchise record within a season. Notably, he is among the select few in Packers history to breach the 1,200-yard mark.

The Vikings aim to extend their eight-game winning streak and are currently tied with the Lions for the NFC North lead. If they lose to the Packers, the Lions will secure the division title. Coach O’Connell is achieving unprecedented success early in his tenure, joining an elite group of coaches with at least 13 wins in two of their first three seasons. Quarterback Sam Darnold stands as the seventh quarterback to achieve a similar record in his first season with a new team. Additionally, wide receiver Justin Jefferson continues to impress, as he nears becoming the fifth player in NFL history with multiple seasons of 100 receptions and 1,500 yards.

Fantasy Advice:
In fantasy considerations, Packers receiver Jayden Reed could be a valuable asset. He has garnered 311 receiving yards along with three touchdowns in his matchups against the Vikings, including a standout performance with seven catches for a career-high 139 yards in their earlier contest this season. After a lull of just 107 receiving yards in five games from mid-November to mid-December, Reed has demonstrated resurgence with four catches for 76 yards most recently.