Packers can eliminate Vikings from playoff contention on Sunday night

With a win on Sunday night, the Packers would eliminate the rival Vikings from playoff contention.

The Green Bay Packers can end the 2021 season for Mike Zimmer and the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday night.

Thanks to the Philadelphia Eagles’ win over the Washington Football Team earlier on Sunday, a Packers’ win over the Vikings on Sunday night would officially eliminate Minnesota from playoff contention.

The Vikings would fall to 7-9 with a loss to the Packers. As of Sunday afternoon, Minnesota sits at 7-8 and in the eighth spot in the NFC, trailing the Eagles and San Francisco 49ers for the two final wildcard spots.

It’s possible a loss to the Packers could be the end of the road for Zimmer, who is 71-55-1 over eight seasons as the Vikings head coach. If eliminated, the Vikings would miss the postseason for the second straight season.

Besides eliminating a divisional rival, the Packers have their own motivations for winning the football game. Matt LaFleur’s team can get to 13-3 and within one result (another Packers win or a Cowboys loss) away from clinching the No. 1 seed in the NFC playoffs. (Note: the Cowboys are playing the Cardinals on Sunday afternoon.)

The Vikings have won two straight games against the Packers, including a win at Lambeau Field last season. The last time Green Bay beat Minnesota was Week 1 in 2020. In November, the Vikings got a game-winning field goal as time expired to knock off the Packers at U.S. Bank Stadium.

Starting Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins is out for Sunday night. Sean Mannion will start at Lambeau Field against MVP favorite Aaron Rodgers.

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