The Green Bay Packers (7-8) could be two wins away from recovering from a 4-8 start and securing a playoff berth. First, the NFC North champions Minnesota Vikings come to Lambeau Field for a game-changing renewal of the rivalry.
The Vikings scored the team’s only victory by more than eight points in Week 1. Can the Packers return the favor and keep playoff hopes alive 16 weeks later?
Here’s how the Packers Wire staff think the Week 17 showdown against the Vikings will play out:
Zach Kruse (7-8): Packers 27, Vikings 24
Considering the Packers’ incredible midseason downfall and the Vikings’ incredible good fortune throughout the season, this matchup looks a lot closer than a typical 12-3 against. 7-8 matches. The Packers are playing their best football of the season and could start to looks a bit dangerous, while the Vikings continue to win close games regardless of the level of competition. Can the Packers steal the lucky horseshoe and win a close game at Lambeau Field? I think they can. Matt LaFleur’s team is better built to win on the road, and the defense’s newly discovered ability to get the ball out could be a saving grace against a quality opponent with a quarterback who can be loose with the football. . It might not always be pretty, especially if Christian Watson and Keisean Nixon aren’t playing, but the Packers are playing well enough in all three phases right now to steal a game, especially given the urgency required by the current situation.
Brandon Carwile (7-8): Packers 27, Vikings 24
The Packers didn’t have an answer for Justin Jefferson when they faced him in Week 1. However, the Green Bay secondary has changed a lot since that meeting – both in the way they play and communicate – and has actually played very well in the last three games. . . With six interceptions in that span, Jaire Alexander and Rasul Douglas will have a ton of confidence going into this game and will need to take advantage of any opportunity Kirk Cousins gives them to earn a takeaway. It could make the difference as it did last week in Miami. Offensively, the Packers have also changed a lot. Neither David Bakhtiari nor Elgton Jenkins were available for the season opener, leading to Aaron Rodgers being sacked four times. Hopefully Bakhtiari and Jenkins try this week to give Green Bay their best chance against a talented Vikings pass rush. I think the Packers will be looking to have a balanced offensive offense against Minnesota with a strong performance from AJ Dillon, who will have a bigger workload with Aaron Jones hobbled. The Vikings have won an NFL record 11 games with a score this season, but their luck will run out against a Green Bay team playing for their lives in the playoffs.
Paul Bretl (7-8): Packers 30, Vikings 27
As you can see by my record, trying to take the pulse of this Packers team hasn’t been easy, but they’re playing their best football right now and things are going well. The offensive line will be very different this time from Week 1, which will be the catalyst for offensive success. A mix of run-pass balance is a must and hopefully Christian Watson can play, having that great playing ability opens up the rest of the attack. In defence, pressing Kirk Cousins will be a must and nothing will stop Justin Jefferson, so hopefully they can limit the big plays, and that starts with good communication at the back – something that we didn’t see in week 1.
Brennen Rupp (7-8): Packers 34, Vikings 27
An athletic meet at Lambeau Field on New Year’s Day. The Green Bay Packers aren’t the same team that lost to the Minnesota Vikings in Week 1. The offensive line has improved dramatically and should have David Bakhtiari back at left tackle. The rookie’s wide receivers are more comfortable and if he’s able to play, Christian Watson has become an explosive point guard. After a week in which they forced four turnovers, I expect the Green Bay defense to force a turnover or two to tip this game in Green Bay’s favor. Give me the Packers by seven at home to keep their playoff hopes alive heading into the final week of the season.
| Writer | Prediction | Score | Record |
| Zach Cruz | To earn | 27-24 | 7-8 |
| Brandon Carwile | To earn | 27-24 | 7-8 |
| Paul Brettl | To earn | 30-27 | 7-8 |
| Brennan Rupp | To earn | 34-27 | 7-8 |
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