MINNEAPOLIS — The Minnesota Vikings rolled past a Green Bay Packers squad that rested most starters Sunday afternoon, posting a 16-3 victory at U.S. Bank Stadium that meant everything for individual pride and nothing for playoff positioning.
Justin Jefferson stole the spotlight in the regular season finale, reaching 1,000 receiving yards for the sixth consecutive year to open his career. Only Randy Moss and Mike Evans had previously accomplished that feat in NFL history.
The Vikings (9-8) closed their season on a five-game winning streak. Green Bay (9-7-1) heads to the playoffs as the NFC’s seventh seed despite a four-game skid, having locked up their postseason berth before kickoff.
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Jefferson’s Milestone Moment
Jefferson entered the game needing 53 yards to preserve his streak. He reached the mark on his fifth reception, a 17-yard hitch route in the second quarter that triggered a standing ovation from 66,606 fans.
The All-Pro receiver finished with eight catches for 101 yards on 11 targets. He now owns 8,480 career receiving yards, the most by any player through their first six NFL seasons.
“Definitely relieved, just off of a difficult year, emotionally and physically, to come out with the attitude of trying to finish the game and trying to leave a mark,” Jefferson said.
Coach Kevin O’Connell had prioritized getting Jefferson across the threshold. “He should never play a season for the Minnesota Vikings and not get to those numbers,” O’Connell said.
Packers Rest Starters, Pay the Price
Green Bay coach Matt LaFleur sat Jordan Love, who had suffered a concussion two weeks earlier, along with most offensive and defensive regulars. Backup Malik Willis was unavailable due to injury, forcing third-string quarterback Clayton Tune into his second career start.
The results were brutal. Tune completed 6 of 11 passes for 34 yards and took four sacks that cost 41 yards. Green Bay’s net passing total: negative-seven yards.
“We tried to protect as many as we could,” LaFleur said. “But also, I thought it was just a great opportunity for a lot of these guys that haven’t gotten the reps that maybe they want.”
The Packers punted on their first eight possessions, excluding a kneel-down before halftime. Brandon McManus avoided the shutout with a 24-yard field goal as time expired after LaFleur called timeout with one second remaining.
Quarterback Situation Remains Murky for Minnesota
J.J. McCarthy started for Minnesota but lasted only until early in the third quarter, when he left with soreness in his throwing hand. The rookie had already missed seven games this season due to multiple injuries, including the knee surgery that wiped out his entire first year.
McCarthy went 14 for 23 for 182 yards before his exit. Backup Max Brosmer took over and completed 7 of 8 passes for 57 yards, helping Jefferson surpass 100 receiving yards for the first time in 12 games.
Minnesota Passing Stats
Quarterback | Comp/Att | Yards | TD | INT | Rating | Sacks-Yards Lost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
J.J. McCarthy | 14/23 | 182 | 0 | 0 | 85.8 | 0-0 |
Max Brosmer | 7/8 | 57 | 0 | 0 | 96.4 | 2-13 |
Team | 21/31 | 226 | 0 | 0 | 90.7 | 2-13 |
Green Bay Passing Stats
Quarterback | Comp/Att | Yards | TD | INT | Rating | Sacks-Yards Lost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Clayton Tune | 6/11 | 34 | 0 | 0 | 60.4 | 4-41 |
Team | 6/11 | -7 | 0 | 0 | 60.4 | 4-41 |
Turner Terrorizes Backup Offense
Rookie edge rusher Dallas Turner showcased his potential against Green Bay’s second and third stringers. He recorded two sacks, two tackles for loss and two quarterback hits among his six total tackles.
The Vikings defense collected four sacks total and held the Packers to 128 rushing yards on 35 attempts.
Defensive Leaders
Player | Team | Total Tackles | Sacks | TFL | QB Hits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Eric Wilson | MIN | 9 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
Jamon Johnson | GB | 10 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Barryn Sorrell | GB | 8 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
Blake Cashman | MIN | 7 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
Dallas Turner | MIN | 6 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
Mason Leads Ground Attack
Jordan Mason carried 14 times for 94 yards, including a 24-yard gain that stood as the game’s longest run. He averaged 6.7 yards per carry.
Fullback C.J. Ham scored the only touchdown on a one-yard plunge in the second quarter. The two-time Pro Bowl selection received multiple standing ovations throughout the afternoon as his future with the team remains uncertain.
Rushing Leaders
Player | Team | Carries | Yards | Average | Long | TD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Jordan Mason | MIN | 14 | 94 | 6.7 | 24 | 0 |
Chris Brooks | GB | 13 | 61 | 4.7 | 12 | 0 |
Emanuel Wilson | GB | 18 | 44 | 2.4 | 12 | 0 |
Ty Chandler | MIN | 10 | 23 | 2.3 | 5 | 0 |
Receiving Breakdown
Jalen Nailor posted three catches for 49 yards, including a 26-yard reception. Tight end Josh Oliver grabbed two passes for 29 yards before leaving with an ankle injury in the second quarter.
The Packers managed just six completions total. Jakobie Keeney-James led Green Bay with two receptions for 15 yards.
Top Receivers
Player | Team | Catches | Yards | Average | Long | Targets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Justin Jefferson | MIN | 8 | 101 | 12.6 | 18 | 11 |
Jalen Nailor | MIN | 3 | 49 | 16.3 | 26 | 3 |
Josh Oliver | MIN | 2 | 29 | 14.5 | 22 | 2 |
Jakobie Keeney-James | GB | 2 | 15 | 7.5 | 8 | 2 |
Kicking Game Decides Outcome
Will Reichard converted all three field goal attempts for Minnesota, connecting from 43, 32 and 28 yards. He also made his only extra point try.
Daniel Whelan punted eight times for Green Bay, averaging 53.9 yards with five kicks landing inside the 20-yard line. His 68-yard boot was the longest punt of the game.
What’s Next
The Packers face either the Philadelphia Eagles or Chicago Bears in the wild-card round next weekend. Green Bay enters the playoffs having lost four straight, joining the 1986 Jets, 1999 Lions and 2024 Steelers as the only teams to reach the postseason with such a skid. Only the Jets won their opening playoff game.
Minnesota begins an offseason filled with questions. McCarthy’s injury history looms large. The team must address quarterback depth, offensive line concerns and cornerback needs while navigating salary cap constraints.
The Vikings will pick either 17th or 18th in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Safety Harrison Smith received multiple tributes throughout the afternoon. The 14-year veteran is under contract for next season but has not decided whether to return.
“I was kind of joking before the game, ‘I feel like I’m at my funeral. I don’t really have a choice anymore with what’s going on here,'” Smith said. “So we’ll see.”
For one afternoon in January, though, the focus belonged to Jefferson. His 1,000-yard streak stays alive. The Vikings vs Packers match player stats show a team that salvaged individual achievement from a disappointing season, finishing 9-8 after being eliminated from playoff contention in Week 15.
