Vikings defense dominates, securing a crucial win to cap a stunning five-game streak and finish the season strong.
The Minnesota Vikings (9-8) ended the season one a high note. The Vikings finish the year with a winning record on the strength of five straight wins. The fifth win is perhaps the most meaningful.
Minnesota knocked off the Green Bay Packers (9-7-1) in a 16-3 rock fight. And while the game does not have much significance to the Packers this year, it means everything to a Vikings organization that had a 4-8 record just five games ago.
The five-game stretch included wins over the Washington Commanders, New York Giants, Dallas Cowboys, Detroit Lions and finally Sunday's game against the Green Bay Packers. The defense ended the stretch with an emphatic victory.
It's worth mentioning that the Packers offense was not at full strength. Clayton Tune started the game for Green Bay at quarterback in the place of Jordan Love. Tune completed six of 11 passing attempts for 34 yards. In fairness, it was one more than New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart threw for (33) a couple of weeks ago.
Save for a strong rushing day by Green Bay running back Chris Brooks, 13 carries for 61 yards, the Packers did not get much going offensively. The Vikings held the Packers to 121 total yards on the game.
Sunday was more about the Vikings than the Packers. Minnesota quarterback J.J. McCarthy put up a respectable performance in his first game back from injury. McCarthy completed 14 of 23 passing attempts for 182 yards and 7.9 yards per attempt. It was a strong comeback performance in his first action back since an injury against the Giants.
Max Brosmer went 7-for-8 off the bench with 57 passing yards of his own to close out the game.
The Vikings got a strong performance on the ground from Minnesota running back Jordan Mason. The steadily improving running back took 14 carries for 94 yards. But the biggest offensive contribution came from a familiar name at receiver.
Minnesota wide receiver Jordan Jefferson had an impressive Sunday against the Packers. He caught eight passes for 101 yards on 11 targets. Jalen Nailor added three catches for 49 yards while tight end Josh Oliver took two receptions for 29 receiving yards.
Vikings fullback C.J. Ham scored the only touchdown of the game with his only carry on a one-yard touchdown run.
The Vikings improved to 4-4 at home and 9-8 for the season in 2025. They now prepare for what could be a transformative offseason in Minnesota.