The Minnesota Vikings (13-2) enter their NFC North rivalry game against the Green Bay Packers on Sunday (3:25 p.m. CST, FOX) with a crystalized path to the No. 1 seed and first-round bye in the playoffs.
Simply put, the Vikings control their own destiny. If they can protect their home turf against the Packers this week, and then come back and defeat the first-place Detroit Lions at Ford Field in Week 18, the NFC playoffs will run through U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis next month.
The Packers (11-4) have plenty to play for themselves, even after sewing up a playoff spot following Monday night’s rout of the depleted New Orleans Saints. Green Bay is currently a game ahead of the Washington Commanders (10-5) for the No. 6 seed, meaning it would avoid a difficult first-round matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles (12-3) if the season ended today.
MORE: NFL power rankings Week 17: Do Vikings have case for No. 1 after 8th straight win?
Both teams are on fire, with the Packers winning five of their last six games, and the Vikings riding an eight-game win streak. Sunday’s game will be a rematch of Week 4 at Lambeau Field, which saw Minnesota lead 28-0 at halftime and the Packers rally back to within a field goal in the fourth quarter. The Vikings held on that day for a 31-28 win.
As you might expect for the NFL’s marquee game of Week 17, experts are split on who will come out on top. Here’s what they’re saying, with score predictions, about a matchup that most expect will come down to the final possessions of the fourth quarter:
NFL picks, predictions Week 17: Vikings vs. Packers
Iyer: “The Vikings have won eight consecutive games, but they have had some close calls, including Week 16 in Seattle. Back at home, they face a Green Bay defense that can contain their passing game a bit, and the offense will warm up Jordan Love on the road with no elements.”
Bender: “The Vikings were up 28-0 on the Packers in the first meeting before a furious second-half rally by Green Bay made it a 31-29 thriller. That was Jordan Love’s first game back from a knee injury. The Packers managed just 86 rushing yards in that loss, and the Vikings rank second in the league against the run (87.1 ypg.). Minnesota gets its first sweep of Green Bay since 2017.
Cluff: “The Vikings have won eight straight games and are 13-2 on the season. Sam Darnold is on a roll. That will continue with a thrilling win against the Packers.”
Johnson: “The Green Bay Packers defense will almost certainly have Jaire Alexander back on the field for this Week 17 matchup, it just might not be enough. Sam Darnold is playing like an All-Pro as of late, recording a 15-1 TD-INT ratio and 113.6 QB rating over the last six games. Minnesota will also have the home crowd on its side and a defense that can cause more issues for Jordan Love than Green Bay’s defense can for Darnold. In a close game, one interception from Love is the difference-maker.”
Rolfe: “Although the stakes are lower for the Green Bay Packers in Week 16 than they perhaps could have been, this game hasn’t lost any of its buzz. The Minnesota Vikings have to win to keep the pressure on Detroit, while the Packers should be desperate to avoid finishing as the No. 7 seed and a potential trip to Philadelphia, Detroit, or back to Minnesota. The numbers tell you that there’s not much to choose between them. Green Bay is better offensively, while Minnesota is better defensively and on special teams. Yet, the Packers have also played a significantly tougher schedule than the Vikings.”
