Packers vs. Vikings: Preview, Prediction

The Green Bay Packers will open the 2026 regular season Sunday against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, with kickoff scheduled for 3:25 p.m. CT.

The Vikings enter the NFC North showdown as slight betting favorites after finishing last season on a five-game winning streak. Green Bay, meanwhile, stumbled down the stretch, losing five consecutive games after starting the 2025 season 9-3-1 before falling to Chicago in the playoffs.

But none of that matters much once the ball is kicked off Sunday.

The Packers and Vikings both finished 2025 with nine victories, and both enter a competitive NFC North with plenty to prove. For Green Bay, the key will be whether its offense can overcome a rebuilt offensive line and whether its revamped defense can contain a dangerous Minnesota offense led by Kyler Murray.

Ultimately, I expect the Packers to find a way.

The biggest concern entering the game is Green Bay’s offensive line. Jordan Morgan, Sean Rhyan and Jacob Monk will start at left tackle, center and right guard, respectively, while Morgan, Aaron Banks and Zach Bako-Bewele are all dealing with recent or lingering knee issues.

That is a difficult situation against Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores, who will undoubtedly test the Packers with pressure, blitzes and stunts.

If Green Bay can protect Jordan Love, however, the Packers have the offensive firepower to win this game.

With Josh Jacobs unavailable to start the season, the Packers could lean more heavily on Love and their talented group of pass catchers. Christian Watson, Jayden Reed, Matthew Golden and Tucker Kraft give Love four dangerous options capable of creating explosive plays.

That could be particularly important against a Vikings defense that will look to manufacture pressure. If Love has enough time to identify the blitz and attack Minnesota downfield, Green Bay should have opportunities for big plays.

Defensively, the Packers face a different challenge.

Micah Parsons won’t be available, meaning Green Bay will have to find other ways to pressure Murray without allowing him to escape the pocket. Edgerrin Cooper could play a critical role in that matchup because of his speed and versatility. Expect Green Bay to use him as a spy at times while also bringing pressure from different spots.

The Packers also need their newcomers to make immediate contributions. Zaire Franklin, Javon Hargrave, Brandon Cisse, Chris McClellan and rookie Dani Dennis-Sutton are among the players who could have an impact in their Green Bay debuts.

Special teams could ultimately decide a close game, too. Rookie kicker Trey Smack enters the season with plenty of confidence after an impressive preseason, including multiple field goals of more than 50 yards. In what could be a one-score game late, his ability to capitalize on scoring opportunities could prove valuable.

I expect this game to be close throughout, but Green Bay has enough offensive firepower to make the difference late.

The Packers’ passing game will hit a few explosive plays, Love will make enough plays under pressure and the defense will do just enough to keep Murray from taking over with his legs.

Prediction: Packers 27, Vikings 24

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