Ali Siddiqui’s Prediction for Vikings-Packers

The wait is finally over.

The Minnesota Vikings will kickoff their season on Sunday afternoon at U.S. Bank Stadium against the division rival Green Bay Packers. What a way to start the season. Cannot ask for anything better than that.

Vikings Host Packers in W1

Green Bay leads the all-time series 67-61-3, but have lost three of the last four games against them.

These two teams last faced each other in Week 18 of last season. Stakes were not high, though. Green Bay had a wild card spot clinched already and did not play most of their starters. Minnesota was already eliminated and was just looking to end the season on a higher note.

J.J. McCarthy went 14/23 for 182 yards before leaving the game with a sore hand. Jordan Mason rushed for 94 yards on 14 carries. Justin Jefferson caught eight passes for 101 yards. C.J. Ham rushed for a touchdown in what was his final game after nine seasons in the NFL (all with Minnesota).

On defense, Eric Wilson recorded a team-high nine tackles. Dallas Turner recorded two of the team’s four sacks.

For Green Bay, Clayton Tune went 6/11 for 34 yards. Chris Brooks rushed for 61 yards on 13 carries. On defense, Jamon Johnson recorded a game-high 10 tackles.

Minnesota won 16-3 and finished the season at 9-8. It was a disappointing season, but they ended it with five consecutive wins.

“The fact that our team was able to aim and focus through a time when quite honestly some other teams wouldn’t says a lot about our players,” coach Kevin O’Connell said.

Green Bay finished the season at 9-7-1 and lost to the Chicago Bears 31-27 in the first round of the playoffs at Soldier Field.

The NFC North is very wide open this year and even though it is only week one, every game makes a big difference. If Minnesota wants to challenge for a playoff spot or a divisional title, it’s games like these they need to win. This is a home game and while Green Bay has a talented roster, they will be without Micah Parsons and Josh Jacobs.

No, the season would not be over for Minnesota by any means already if they lose, but it would be a disappointment and could come back to bite them later.

Rivalry games are always exciting for the fans, players, and coaches. They also can be very unpredictable and bragging rights can be fun too.

Minnesota’s defense should once again be one of the best in the league if they stay healthy. They did lose Jonathan Greenard, but Turner has a chance to breakout this season in year three. They also still have Andrew Van Ginkel, Blake Cashman, Wilson, Byron Murphy Jr, Isaiah Rodgers, and Jalen Redmond.

Harrison Smith just announced his return to the team and they also added Kyle Van Noy and James Pierre to the roster. Defensive tackles Caleb Banks and Domonique Orange were drafted and both will have an opportunity to make a difference this season.

How will the offense look with Kyler Murray? He certainly cannot be worse than McCarthy, Wentz, and Max Brosmer all looked last season under center. Murray staying healthy will be a huge factor. He missed 12 games last season, nine in 2023, and six in 2022.

When healthy he has shown he can be a good quarterback. His mobility also makes him a threat to defenses. He certainly will have the right supporting cast around him in Jefferson, Jordan Addison, Jauan Jennings, T.J. Hockenson, Mason, and Aaron Jones.

O’Connell is also good with veteran quarterbacks. Sam Darnold had a great year during his only season in Minnesota (2024). Murray could very well do the same if healthy.

If Murray has even just a good, not great year and Minnesota can mostly stay healthy, they have a chance to surprise many. On paper this looks like a team that can not only make the playoffs, but perhaps also win a playoff game too for the first time since 2019.

This is a game Minnesota should win and it would be shocking if they do not.

Prediction: Vikings win 27-17

Ali Siddiqui joined Vikings Territory right before the start of the 2020 season. You can follow him on twitter … More about Ali Siddiqui