Packers vs. Vikings: Preview, Prediction

This Week 18 matchup feels like a missed opportunity for Green Bay, which enters on a three-game losing streak and badly needs momentum heading into the playoffs. Instead of using this game to steady the ship, coach Matt LaFleur is choosing to rest Jordan Love, even though Love is healthy, after he missed last week with an injury. The decision signals that results no longer matter, and that’s a dangerous message to send at this stage of the season.

By sitting Love and several other starters, the Packers are setting up Clayton Tune to start against one of the NFL’s most aggressive defenses. Brian Flores’ blitz-heavy Vikings unit is coming off a dominant performance against Detroit and should overwhelm a Green Bay offense that will struggle to stay on schedule. Minnesota, which is still playing hard despite being eliminated, has every reason to finish strong, especially with J.J. McCarthy expected back under center.

This is also a critical moment for LaFleur. If the Packers lose again this week, limp into the postseason, and are bounced in the first round, serious questions should be asked about his future. Momentum matters in January, and choosing rest over rhythm could backfire badly. In truth, LaFleur has shown enough over multiple seasons to justify serious questions about whether he’s the coach to lead the Packers to a Super Bowl — questions that will only grow louder if Green Bay stumbles into the playoffs and exits early.

With Green Bay focused on preservation and Minnesota focused on winning, the outcome feels predictable.

Prediction: Vikings 27, Packers 13

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