Where to watch? NBC (local KARE-11) at 7:30 PM CST.
Where to listen? KFAN-FM 100.3/KTLK-AM 1130
The Minnesota Vikings (10-5) are heading back to Sunday Night Football to take on the Green Bay Packers (10-5) at Lambeau Field. As if we need a reminder for what’s at stake, here’s a refresher course. After decimating the New York Giants 49-17, the Vikings have secured a playoff spot for the first time since 2012.
If Minnesota can beat Green Bay they will win the NFC North Division title and secure home field advantage for the playoffs against the Seattle Seahawks. But if they lose; the Vikings will be 5th or 6th seed and will be forced to play on the road in round one.
The last time these two teams played was in week 11 when Green Bay ended Minnesota’s five game winning streak at TCF Bank Stadium 30-13.
The Vikings had 110 yards of penalties, which was the highest the team had all season, and they played horribly on both sides of the ball. The Packers were only flagged four times for 19 yards.
The Vikings will need to continue to play the disciplined football that has gotten them this far in order to stay on top of the Packers.
One of the more important match ups of this game will be Aaron Rodgers against the Vikings defense.
Rodgers is 11-4 against Minnesota but the two time NFL MVP has not been himself as of late. He has a 66.2% passer rating and his completion percentage this season is 60.4%, the lowest since 2006.
While all of this seems like déjà vu to us– Rodgers was coming off poor performances the last time they played the Vikings, Minnesota may have the upper hand this week.
The Packers offensive line is hurting badly and most of their star players have most of the season.
But the biggest key to a Vikings NFC North title win and home field advantage for the playoffs is that Minnesota needs to get out of their own way.
The Packers lead the Vikings in all time wins 59-49-2. While the Vikings have managed to get a win here and there, it’s been all Packers all the time.
The NFC title as of the past five years has been handed to the Packers. But this Minnesota team feels different.
While the Vikings are a three point underdog Sunday, those who have seemingly nothing to lose, have everything to gain.
An upset would show the world that this team is more than a fluke, but something to taken very seriously in years to come.
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