Minnesota Vikings (14-2) – Green Bay Packers (11-5): 27-25
In a game that smacked of the playoffs, with both teams qualified, the rehearsal for January largely turned in the Vikings' favor. Already winners in week 4 at Lambeau Field, they once again established their superiority over their rivals.
Led by a still prolific Sam Darnold (33/43, 377 yards, 3 TD, 1 Int), the difference was quickly made and Minnesota never had the beginning of a doubt. Conversely Jordan Love (19/30, 185 yards, 1 TD) seemed totally lost and without any solution. His late awakening in the 4th quarter eased a defeat that was largely deserved.
With this victory, the Vikings put a little more pressure on the Lions for 1st place in the NFC and will have a final to play next week in Michigan.
Green Bay choked and clueless
While the attack had been walking on water for a month, averaging more than 32 points, the Packers were hit head-on by a purple wall. Main engine of the green and gold attack, and in great shape in recent weeks, Josh Jacobs has come back hard. Guilty of a fumble at the start of the match, the runner did not have his usual performance and spent most of the match impaled in the defense after a handful of yards.
It must be said that Matt LaFleur's playcalling did not help. As with every failed start to a match by his team, the coach panicked and forgot his football. Uninspired and unable to adapt, he let the flow of the match escape him inexorably as the minutes passed.
Darnold and company unfold
Because on the other hand, we do what we know how to do. And it works. Sam Darnold rolls out and finds his targets. There are four to 5 receptions or more. The chains move quickly, easily, the yards pass by. Receivers make themselves available for easy wins. Jalen Nailor for a 31-yard touchdown, then Jordan Addison allowed the locals to break away.
And it's not the interception thrown by Darnold and enhanced into a touchdown by Jacobs that makes O'Connell's men doubt. They resume their march forward immediately. The quarterback resumes his march forward with Cam Akers in the role of finisher. (27-10)
Real awakening, false suspense
Comfortably in front, the Vikings left a small window ajar by missing a 2nd field goal. Behind, the Packers stop calculating and let their horses go a little. They scored two new touchdowns in quick succession by Wilson and Heath coming back to just two points. An opportunity for an unexpected comeback? Not really. The Vikings, without any reason to panic, ensure the end of the match in the wake of Darnold, author of his most prolific match of his career. As in week 4, Green Bay misses its return by 2 points. With two defeats against Minnesota and Detroit, the Packers and LaFleur will have to quickly return to their studies if they want to exist in the playoffs.
