The Minnesota Vikings bring significant challenges to the Green Bay Packers, especially the task of slowing down Sam Darnold and Justin Jefferson.
The Vikings’ Passing Attack
The Packers’ defense faces a daunting challenge in containing Minnesota’s explosive passing game.
Green Bay’s top cornerback, Jaire Alexander, is unlikely to play due to a lingering knee injury, marking his sixth missed game.
Coach Matt LaFleur admitted Alexander is “probably not” ready to return.
While the Packers recently defeated Seattle, their secondary will face a bigger test against Darnold and Jefferson.
“Darnold is having a phenomenal season,” said LaFleur.
The Vikings’ quarterback leads the league in key metrics like passer rating when blitzed (130.1) and play-action passer rating (136.4).
Jefferson continues to set records, becoming the first player to surpass 7,000 receiving yards in his first five seasons.
With 1,400 yards in reach again this season, Jefferson’s dominance remains unparalleled.
Meanwhile, rookie Jordan Addison has stepped up with 56 catches, 806 yards, and eight touchdowns, including two against the Packers earlier this season.
“They’ve got probably the best receiver in the game and other weapons like Addison and T.J. Hockenson,” LaFleur added.
The Packers’ defensive line must deliver its best performance to keep the game competitive.
The Run Defense Problem
The Packers rely heavily on Josh Jacobs to power their offense, but Minnesota’s stout run defense might neutralize him.
Ranked second in rushing yards allowed per game, the Vikings thrive on stopping the run and forcing teams into one-dimensional play.
“Jacobs is one of the best in the league,” Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores said.
Still, Flores’ defensive scheme thrives when opponents struggle to establish a run game.
Minnesota’s pressure-heavy system forces opponents into costly mistakes.
Critical Situations: Third Down and the Red Zone
The Vikings excel in key areas, despite being average in overall defense.
They rank second in third-down defense, first in fourth-down stops, and dominate goal-to-go situations.
Minnesota’s opportunistic defense is tied for the league lead with eight interceptions on third down.
Over the last two weeks, their opponents combined for just 3-of-22 third-down conversions.
LaFleur acknowledged the complexity of Flores’ schemes, saying, “They can line up in one personnel grouping and give you five different looks.”
Green Bay’s offense has been inconsistent on third downs, and quarterback Jordan Love’s 51% third-down completion rate is among the worst in the league.
With their secondary banged up, the Packers’ offense must find a way to deliver a high-scoring performance to have a chance against Minnesota.
As LaFleur put it, “This is going to be a big challenge for us.”
