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Vikings vs Packers Preview: Odds, Tips and Prediction

The Packers' dominance in the first shutout of the NFL enabled the team to clinch a playoff spot, while the Vikings have made a remarkable achievement by recording an eight-game winning streak. This game will put the Packers to the test against one of the league’s best records, and it’s the kind of matchup many fans will bet on NFL markets from the moneyline and spread to the total points.

Ian Wanyeki

Sports Writer

Last updated: 2025-12-30

Fact checked by:

Chad Nagel

Sports & Betting Editor

6 minutes read

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Max Brosmer #12 of the Minnesota Vikings looks to pass against the Detroit Lions

Max Brosmer / Getty Images

Table of Contents

Pre-Game Odds and Win Probability

Vikings: 33/100 (1.33) – 75.2%
Packers: 12/5 (3.40)- 29.4%
*Odds courtesy of Betway, subject to change

How to Watch Bears vs Packers

Date: Sunday, January 4th, 2026
Tip-Off Time: 1 PM ET
Venue: U.S. Bank Stadium, Minneapolis
TV/Streaming: FOX
Records: Packers record (9-6-1), Vikings record (8-8-0)

Head-to-Head Record

Date     Venue     Score
11/23/2025  :   Lambeau Field    Green Bay Packers 23 – 6 Minnesota Vikings
12/29/2024  :   U.S. Bank Stadium    Minnesota Vikings 27 – 25 Green Bay Packers
09/29/2024   : Lambeau Field    Green Bay Packers 29 – 31 Minnesota Vikings
12/31/2023   : U.S. Bank Stadium    Minnesota Vikings 21 – 33 Green Bay Packers
10/29/2023   : Lambeau Field    Green Bay Packers 10 – 24 Minnesota Vikings

In the last five matchups that these two teams have met, Minnesota has a dominant record at 3-2.

Minnesota Vikings: Current Form – LWWWW

The Week 17 game against the Detroit Lions was a great show after the Vikings emerged victorious. The unlikely win might end up helping the hosts of the Week 18 game from ending up in last place in the NFC North. This matchup against the Packers might lead to a 4-2 record in the division.

Although this season has been quite chaotic for the purple and gold, as they might only end with nine wins if they win in this game, their performance cannot be considered shabby, given that the team has endured significant injuries on the offense. Despite being eliminated from playoff contention, the Vikings demonstrated that they have not given up on wins, as shown by their victory against the Lions

Vikings Offense vs Packers Defense

The Vikings’ offense has been marred by poor offensive flow as the team has been required to deal with multiple quarterbacks. The team has maintained a dynamic passing game through individual stars like J.J. McCarthy and Carson Wentz. Nonetheless, overall offense efficiency has been low.

The Packers’ defense has demonstrated strength in pass rushes and early game situations, but has shown inconsistency in stopping the run against physical opponents.

Key Players to Watch (Vikings)

Carson Wentz (Quarterback): Wentz has demonstrated that he is an efficient passer who gets the ball out quickly. Thereby, he stands out as a key member of the offense.
Justin Jefferson (Wide Receiver): Jefferson has been leading Minnesota in targets, catches, and receiving yards, and he might keep his streak alive in this game.
Blake Cashman (Linebacker): Cashman is leading the NFL in tackles per game, making double-digit tackle games. He is a key member of the Vikings’ defense unit.

Minnesota Vikings Injury Report

Donovan Jackson, Jordan Mason, Elijah Williams, and Austin Keys may not be available against the Packers due to ankle injuries. Further, Justin Skule and T.J. Hockenson may also not take the field against the Packers due to shoulder injuries.

Green Bay Packers Current Form – WWLLL

The Packers’ loss to the Ravens in Week 17 was the third in a row, with the offense showing great need for a revamp as the playoffs approach. Losing Micah Parsons has made it tough for the Packers, but they are still capable of outplaying their opponents. However, when facing a heavy personnel and a powerful back, the Packers team is likely to be outrun. Moreover, the injuries on the Packers’ defensive front are quite overwhelming.

Packers Offense vs Vikings Defense

The Packers’ offensive unit is a blend of condensed formations that focus on gap run and outside zone concepts. This team’s offense seeks to interfere with the defense’s flow, forcing them to play up in the short area. Injuries and fumbles are among the challenges that have led to inconsistencies in the Packers’ offensive line.

The Vikings’ defense ranks fifth in yardage defense and top 10 in takeaways. The team has a top-tier defense unit that not only sets the tone but also forces turnovers and controls opponents.

Key Players to Watch (Packers)

Josh Jacobs (Running back): Jacobs' strong running game has complemented the team's passing game. He has rushed for 890 and accumulated 13 touchdowns.
Romeo Doubs (Wide Receiver): Doubs has been one of the consistent threats for the Packers, with his athleticism and speed being a sight to behold. He has accumulated 578 receiving yards on 47 receptions and five touchdowns.
Quay Walker (Linebacker): Walker is an athletic machine in tackling, known for his gap-shooting ability and explosive speed. His versatility is one to watch in this game, making him a key player.

Green Bay Packers Injury Report

Darian Kinnard and Aaron Banks are dealing with neck injuries, and it is unknown if they will play against the Vikings while Devon Wyatt and Savion Williams remain questionable due to ankle and foot injuries, respectively. Lastly, Jordan Love remains questionable due to a concussion, and so is Zack Tom due to a back injury.

Predicted Line-Ups (Offense & Defense)

Minnesota Vikings

Offense:

QB: Max Brosmer
RB: Aaron Jones Sr.
WR: Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, Jalen Nailor
TE: Josh Oliver,
OL: C.J. Ham, Justin Skule, Donovan Jackson, Michael Jurgens, Will Fries, Blake Brandel

Defense:

DE: Jonathan Allen
DT: Jalen Redmond
LB: Dallas Turner, Blake Cashman, Eric Wilson, Andrew Van Ginkel
CB: Isaiah Rodgers, Byron Murphy Jr.
S: Harrison Smith, Jay Ward,

Green Bay Packers

Offense:

QB: Claytone Tune
RB: Josh Jacobs
WR: Christian Watson, Romeo Doubs, Jayden Reed
TE: Luke Musgrave
OL: Rasheed Walker, Aaron Banks, Sean Rhyan, Anthony Belton, Jordan Morgan

Defense:

DE: Rashan Gary
DT: Colby Wooden, Karl Brooks, Kingsley Enagbare
LB: Edgerrin Cooper, Quay Walker, Isaiah McDuffie
CB: Keisean Nixon, Carrington Valentine
S: Evan Williams, Xavier McKinney

Suggested Main Bets

Before you place any of these picks, it’s smart to compare the latest lines on betting sites in the USA, especially with potential late news on Green Bay resting starters affecting the spread and total.

Vikings to Win: This game may have an “either-way” outcome, but Minnesota is more likely to win as they are having a home game that will most definitely have a frenzied crowd.
Vikings to Cover a -5.5 Point Spread: There is a possibility for the Packers to rest starters as they get ready for the playoff seed. Therefore, the Vikings are likely to have a point advantage.
Total Points: Over 36.5: This game might be an average scoring affair, and given the odds for both teams, the game is not expected to register high points.

Prop Bets & Same-Game Parlay Ideas

Josh Jacobs: Over 60.5 rushing yards – If the Packers do not rest Jacobs in this matchup, he is expected to exhibit excellence in rushing yards, leading to an outstanding outcome.

Why the Vikings Can Win

After losing to the Ravens in Week 17, the Packers clinched the No.7 seed. They will not be focusing on beating the Vikings, as they have nothing material to gain.
The Vikings are playing a home game, and their focus is to maintain a dominant win record.
The absence of Jordan Love has greatly contributed to the Packers’ consecutive loss, and if absent for this game, the outcome will favor the Vikings.

Expert Prediction:

The Packers’ win over the Vikings is less likely to improve the former's seed, which means that a win will mean nothing for them. With the following weekend featuring a playoff game for the Packers, their starters are less likely to suit up, giving the Vikings the entire win advantage.

Ian WanyekiSports Writer

Ian Wanyeki is a Nairobi-based sports journalist with a strong passion for sport and an impressive grasp of multiple disciplines. A Bachelor of Science graduate from Kenyatta University, he has worked as a sports analyst at Covenant Television Network, a sports reporter at NTV, and a correspondent and contributor for Quartz Africa.