The Green Bay Packers were swept by the Minnesota Vikings over two games that looked remarkably similar during the 2024 season.
In the first meeting, the Packers fell behind 28-0 but rallied to 28-22 and eventually lost 31-29. On Sunday at U.S. Bank Stadium, the Packers fell behind 20-3 and 27-10 in the second half but rallied to 27-25 and failed to complete the comeback late.
The Packers are now 11-5 entering the season finale, with four of the losses coming to the Vikings and Detroit Lions and all five losses coming against the teams with the top three records in the NFC (Philadelphia Eagles).
Like so many of the Packers’ losses this season, struggles early led to big deficits, and late rallies weren’t enough to overcome.
Josh Jacobs fumbled on the opening possession, Jordan Love had only 64 passing yards through three quarters, receivers dropped at least four passes and the Packers defense let Sam Darnold — who completed 33 passes for 377 yards and three scores — slice and dice them from start to finish.
The Vikings got an 18-yard touchdown pass from Darnold to Jordan Addison to go up 20-3 to open the second half, and Minnesota responded to the Packers’ first touchdown with Darnold’s 9-yard touchdown pass to Cam Akers that restored the 17-point lead at 27-10.
After scoring back-to-back touchdowns in the fourth quarter, the Packers needed a stop to get the ball back. But Darnold hit Justin Jefferson and Akers for completions to move the sticks, and the Vikings kneeled out the remaining clock.
The Packers trailed by at least 10 points in all four games against the Vikings and Lions this season.
The Vikings finished Sunday with 441 total yards while averaging 6.3 yards per play and producing 26 first downs.
Love took three sacks, and the Packers were penalized seven times.
Carrington Valentine intercepted Darnold in the third quarter, setting up Jacobs’ 2-yard touchdown run.
Matt LaFleur’s team finishes the regular season by hosting the Chicago Bears at Lambeau Field next Sunday. The Packers have clinched a playoff spot but can now finish no better than the No. 6 seed in the NFC, and the No. 7 seed is a possibility if the Washington Commanders win out.