The Green Bay Packers are in Minneapolis for a big-time showdown with the Minnesota Vikings — who have won eight straight games — on Sunday afternoon at U.S. Bank Stadium.
The matchup — America’s Game of the Week on FOX — should be the perfect road playoff test for a Packers team that has been ascending on both offense and defense since the bye week.
The 11-4 Packers can still jump the 13-2 Vikings in the standings but would need a win Sunday and both a win over the Chicago Bears and a Vikings loss to the Detroit Lions next Sunday.
Follow along with Packers Wire for live updates and highlights from Packers vs. Vikings in Week 17:
Final score: Vikings 27, Packers 25
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | F | |
| GB (11-5) | 3 | 0 | 7 | 16 | 25 |
| MIN (14-2) | 0 | 13 | 14 | 0 | 27 |
Live scoring
First quarter
GB 3, MIN 0: Brandon McManus 22-yard field goal (1:47)
Second quarter
MIN 7, GB 3: Jalen Nailor 31-yard catch (11:52)
MIN 10, GB 3: Will Reichard 25-yard field goal (2:16)
MIN 13, GB 3: Will Reichard 50-yard field goal (0:00)
Third quarter
MIN 20, GB 3: Jordan Addison 18-yard catch (9:44)
MIN 20, GB 10: Josh Jacobs 2-yard run (5:07)
MIN 27, GB 10: Cam Akers 9-yard catch (0:57)
Fourth quarter
MIN 27, GB 18: Emanuel Wilson 5-yard run (6:12)
MIN 27, GB 25: Malik Heath 3-yard catch (2:18)
Updates, highlights
Watson inactive: The Packers will be without wide receiver Christian Watson, who is inactive with a knee injury. However, rookie defensive back Javon Bullard is returning from a two-game absence. Three defensive starters — cornerback Jaire Alexander, linebacker Quay Walker and safety Evan Williams — are out. The Vikings are healthy.
Jacobs fumbles early: The Packers picked up a pair of first downs on the opening drive, but Josh Jacobs fumbled inside Minnesota territory at the end of a 7-yard run. Tough start after winning the toss and taking the ball.
Nixon prevents touchdown: Packers cornerback Keisean Nixon broke up what could have been a 39-yard touchdown pass to Jordan Addison, and the Vikings missed a 57-yard field goal two plays later. The score remains 0-0, and the Packers are getting the ball near midfield. Huge potential swing here.
Packers strike first: A couple of nice runs from Josh Jacobs, a first down from Tucker Kraft and a penalty on Minnesota set up the Packers’ first points of the contest. Unable to convert on third-and-long inside the 10-yard line, Matt LaFleur kicked the short field goal. It’s 3-0.
Nailor touchdown gives Vikings the lead: The Vikings took a 7-3 lead on Jalen Nailor’s 31-yard touchdown catch. Nailor got open on a deep post from the slot. Sam Darnold was barely pressured on the drive, which went 77 yards in nine plays.
Vikings add 3: After the Packers failed to convert a fourth down at Minnesota’s 23-yard line, the Vikings drove the field and ended up with a short field goal from Will Reichard.
Vikings lead 13-3 at half: A questionable offside call negated a 55-yard field goal miss from Will Reichard, and the rookie kicker connected given a second opportunity.
Slipping away: The Vikings have a commanding lead after Sam Darnold engineered a nine-play, 70-yard touchdown drive to open the second half. Jordan Addison finished it with an 18-yard scoring catch. It’s 20-3 Vikings, and the Packers are reeling.
Valentine makes huge play: The Packers are alive after Carrington Valentine’s interception of Sam Darnold. Credit Karl Brooks for following the play and recovering Valentine’s fumble. Pressure hurried Darnold’s throw.
YESSSIR!#GBvsMIN pic.twitter.com/cpYeaPRATd
— Green Bay Packers (@packers) December 29, 2024
Packers convert: Josh Jacobs converted Carrington Valentine’s interception into seven points with a 2-yard touchdown run. Jacobs now has a touchdown run in seven straight games. It’s 20-10. Can the Packers get more stops?
Josh Jacobs doing what he does best.
TOUCHDOWN!#GBvsMIN pic.twitter.com/VrCRORcCBC
— Green Bay Packers (@packers) December 29, 2024
Vikings respond, go back up 17: So much for getting stops. The Vikings marched right down the field and scored another touchdown to reclaim a 17-point lead. The Packers are likely going to be heading into the fourth quarter down three scores.
Packers cut lead to 9: Bo Melton made a contested catch on third down, Tucker Kraft created an explosive play for 35 yards and Emanuel Wilson run in a 5-yard touchdown with just over six minutes left. Romeo Doubs converted the two-point to cut the lead to 27-18.
https://twitter.com/packers/status/1873519715399630854
Game on: The Packers got a stop, and then drove 62 yards for a quick touchdown before the two-minute warning. Jordan Love hit Malik Heath for a 4-yard touchdown after connecting on several big plays on the drive. It’s 27-25. Can the Packers get one more stop and one more score to pull this off?
