Jan 01, 2026
3 min read
And now...the end is near...
The 2025 NFL season will officially end for the Minnesota Vikings at US Bank Stadium on Sunday afternoon as they host their division rival, the Green Bay Packers.
Green Bay won the first game of the season's annual home-and-home series at Lambeau Field by a score of 23-6 in a game where the Vikings had a rough outing.This time, the Packers are locked into the #7 seed in the NFC playoffs even though the Vikings are out of playoff contention, but the home team comes into this one riding a four-game winning streak and looking to finish over .500 for the third time.once in four years under coach Kevin O'Connell.
There is some mystery surrounding Vikings quarterback J.J.McCarthy will be able to start.McCarthy injured his throwing hand late in the first half of Minnesota's Week 16 win over the New York Giants and missed the Week 17 win over Detroit, but the team hopes they can get their young quarterback out to finish the season.The team will also look to get Justin Jefferson into the record books, as he needs 53 yards to become the third player in NFL history to have 1,000 receiving yards in each of his first six NFL seasons, joining former Vikings great Randy Moss and Tampa Bay Buccaneers star Mike Evans.
The Packers don't have much to play for in this game, and it wouldn't be a surprise to see them use some of their key players in this contest in an effort to get healthy for their trip to either Chicago or Philadelphia on Wild Card Weekend.the Packers will also rest a few games, as the Vikings are currently 7.5-point favorites in Sunday's game.
It could also be Vikings great Harrison Smith's last game.Named the NFC Defensive Player of the Week for his performance against the Lions in Week 17, Smith is the Vikings' longest-tenured member, having been with the team since being drafted in the first round of the 2012 NFL Draft, and has appeared in 214 career games for the Vikings (206 regular-season playoffs).The rumors are swirling, and will probably continue.A whirlwind, but there's at least a chance this could be the swan song for one of the best ever to wear the purple and gold.
Kickoff for this game is midnight and will be carried by the CBS family of networks, including WCCO-4 in the Twin Cities.We'll have all of this week's game coverage on this stream for you, so stay tuned for the latest.
Green Bay Packers at Minnesota Vikings: Initial injury reports
The final game of the 2025 regular season is officially set for our Minnesota Vikings as the first injury reports of the week surface.Let's take a look at who is tackling the issues and what skills they have (or haven't) practiced.
As we noted earlier this week, the Packers will likely rest several key players for this game as they can't improve their NFC playoff picture and have to prepare for a Wild Card Weekend trip to Chicago or Philadelphia.If Love or Willis don't play, the Packers could turn to Clayton "Name That" Tune to start at quarterback on Sunday.Niemann is back from IR and John Williams is back from the PUP list, so the Packers could activate one or both of them to give them work before the playoffs, but I don't expect any of the really important names on this roster to suit up for the Packers on Sunday.
Read article > Vikes views: How important is Jefferson to eclipse 1,000 yards?
Statistics are for losers.This quote has been repeated by countless coaches, players, owners and personnel throughout NFL history.With a losing season, we have time until the final game to focus on the stats rather than what really matters.
Justin Jefferson is 53 yards shy of 1,000 yards for the season.This is a milestone he has accomplished in his first 5 seasons in the NFL.Normally, you wouldn't think twice about going over that low, but this was one of those years.Inconsistent QB play, slumps and general team struggles have kept Jefferson relatively quiet this season.Entering the year, he was considered a proven QB after what he did in 2023.
Read article>Minnesota Vikings react to Week 18 probe: Win or lose?
Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a fan poll across the NFL.Throughout the year, we ask questions about the most vocal Vikings fans and fans in the country.Sign up here to participate in the weekly email poll.
It's time for our final SB Nation Reacts poll on the Minnesota Vikings this regular season.Due to the holidays last week and everything that came with it, we didn't receive the confidence survey results (the other SB Nation NFL sites didn't either), but we'll update you with all our confidence numbers for the season once we get the survey results this week.
Read article>Vikings vs. Packers back: Minnesota-themed menu for season finale
Unfortunately, the Vikings were eliminated from the playoffs, but that pain was eased by beating the Lions on Christmas Day and simultaneously ending Detroit's postseason hopes.
Now that it is the last game of the season with the Packers, there is nothing to play except to be proud of the division competitors, that is fun and a good reason to watch the strong runners. But because those who are not locked in the situation of the situation and just want to be where they get the game day. The food you give will help them have an unforgettable experience.
Read article > Minnesota Vikings odds: Vikings favored by nearly one touchdown over Packers
The Minnesota Vikings will finish their 2025 NFL season in front of their home crowd at U.S. Stadium.Stadium.Bank against the Green Bay Packers, and the early betting lines seem to be an indication of how well they think the visiting team will handle their business.
According to FanDuel Sportsbook, the Vikings are listed as 5.5-point favorites over the Packers ahead of their Week 18 matchup, which begins at noon CT on CBS. The over/under for this game is currently 36.5 points, which is tied for the lowest number of any Week 18 contest in that category.
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