The Vikings' offense, specifically their passing offense, needs a jump start and to get going quickly. The struggles start with second-year quarterback J.J. McCarthy and have trickled down to a lack of production from one of the best receivers in the NFL. Justin Jefferson hasn't cracked the 100-yard receiving mark since Week 5. That isn't normal for one of the most productive receivers to ever play the game. 

On Sunday, Jefferson will have to contend with Packers cornerback Carrington Valentine, who has allowed only 18 catches on 35 targets and 192 yards. No matchup is too tall for Jefferson, but Valentine against Jefferson has the potential to be a high-end clash on Sunday.

Bradley Locker of PFF highlighted the matchup as one of the ten best matchups to watch on Sunday. 

"The 4-6 Vikings hope to get back in the contested NFC North race when they travel to face the Packers for the first time this season. When Minnesota’s beleaguered offense has the ball, this is a primetime matchup.

Jefferson’s frustration with J.J. McCarthy’s poor play has been documented over the last few weeks, but he’s still playing like a top-tier wideout. His 77.3 PFF receiving grade is 16th among qualifiers, and his 2.06 yards per route run are tied for 13th. The four-time Pro Bowler has also tacked on 5.3 yards after the catch per reception in 2025, which is a career high so far.

Green Bay’s defense has yet again been effective this year, slotting sixth in success rate. While the trade for Micah Parsons has been a primary catalyst, Valentine has also shored up the team’s cornerback room. Indeed, Valentine’s 78.9 PFF coverage grade is the third-best among qualified corners, having permitted only 192 yards in coverage this year.

Jefferson has yet to reach the 100-yard threshold since Week 5, which seems more the fault of his quarterback’s accuracy. Can he finally return to that number against one of the NFL’s toughest cover corners this year?"

In as much of a "must-win" game as there is left for the Vikings, McCarthy will have to figure out his struggles and get Jefferson and the passing attack going. The task may be daunting, but this is the NFL, and nobody gets a break in this league. 

Kevin O'Connell expressed optimism in his young quarterback moving forward, while McCarthy compared the Vikings passing offense to a bottle with an almost exploding cork. Let's hope the offense turns the corner on Sunday.