One player can make all the difference in determining the outcome of a game. That much is certainly true for the Minnesota Vikings (4-6) as they prepare for a pivotal matchup against their hated rivals in the Green Bay Packers (5-4-1).

Minnesota has been far from perfect on offense with several potential scoring opportunities left on the board. That said, one player has shined for the team despite its struggles.

Vikings running back Jordan Mason has been a steadying force for the team in 2025 and that was no different on Sunday. Mason, in limited carries, changed the game for the better.

The talented back posted six carries for 45 yards and a touchdown. The late score was the first touchdown of the game for Minnesota who trailed 16-3 before the game changing play.

It goes without saying that his quarterback J.J. McCarthy could use more help this season. McCarthy has posted 150 yards or less in every game against NFC North division opposition, and it has not necessarily hurt the team. Minnesota is 2-1 in games within the division with wins over Chicago and Detroit. But undoubtedly, he will need all the help he can get to generate offense.

It's not as if McCarthy cannot or has not made the big play. Several times we have seen McCarthy make a clutch throw in his five games as the Minnesota starter. Even Sunday, working through a bruised hand, the second year signal caller made key throws. Most of them have come in crunch time or with the team working out of no-huddle and fast tempo.

The Vikings don't need perfection in their passing game but they do need a boost from the running game. Between Aaron Jones Sr. and Jordan Mason, the team rushed for over five yards per carry. However, Mason's unique combination of strength, speed, power and agility make him a useful asset to the Vikings' struggling offense.

The Packers defense won't be easy to score against on Sunday. Save for a 40-point performance by the Dallas Cowboys, the Packers defense has been on the dominant side of the NFL. The Vikings could need to use a variety of offensive modes to defeat them, but certainly a drive-sustaining running game and passes to backs out of the backfield could be useful in pulling off the surprise win.

Mason could be the difference maker again on Sunday. He will look to have a strong game against Green Bay.