If you just looked at the final score vikings vs packers from this past Sunday, you’d probably think it was a boring, defensive slog. A 16-3 victory for the Minnesota Vikings doesn't exactly scream "game of the year." But honestly, scores are liars. Especially in a rivalry this deep.
The January 4th, 2026, meeting at U.S. Bank Stadium was a strange mix of high emotions, backup quarterbacks, and a Minnesota defense that looked like it wanted to physically delete the Green Bay Packers from the field. It was the "Border Battle" in its purest, weirdest form.
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The Score Vikings vs Packers Breakdown: How it Went Down
The Vikings came into this one on a four-game heater, desperately trying to salvage a season that felt lost back in November. Meanwhile, Matt LaFleur and the Packers had already punched their ticket to the postseason. They basically rolled into Minneapolis with the "Do Not Disturb" sign out, resting Jordan Love, Josh Jacobs, and several key defensive starters.
Green Bay played it safe. Minnesota played for pride.
A First Half of Field Goals and Fullbacks
Minnesota started things off with J.J. McCarthy looking sharp. He’s had a rollercoaster of a rookie year, hasn't he? He led the Vikings down the field on the opening drive, only to see it stall. Will Reichard, who has been a literal robot this season, drilled a 43-yard field goal to put Minnesota up 3-0.
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Then things got sentimental.
With about 23 seconds left in the second quarter, the Vikings were at the one-yard line. Instead of a flashy pass or a speed run, Kevin O'Connell gave the ball to the "Hammer," C.J. Ham. The Duluth native plowed into the end zone for a 1-yard touchdown. It was his only carry of the game, and potentially the last of his career. The stadium went absolutely wild.
The Second Half: Defense and "The Clayton Tune Experience"
If you were a Packers fan watching this, you probably had a rough afternoon. With Clayton Tune under center, the Green Bay offense was non-existent. Like, actually non-existent. At one point, their net passing yards were in the negatives.
Minnesota added two more field goals from Reichard (26 and 44 yards) to push the lead to 16-0. The Packers only managed to avoid the shutout on the very last play of the game with a 24-yard field goal.
Final score: Vikings 16, Packers 3.
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The J.J. McCarthy Conundrum
We have to talk about McCarthy. He finished the day 14-of-23 for 182 yards. He looked great early on, feeding Justin Jefferson (who finally cleared that 1,000-yard mark again, tying Randy Moss for the most 1k seasons to start a career).
But then, the injury bug bit.
McCarthy left the game in the third quarter after bothering that hairline fracture in his right hand. Max Brosmer came in to mop up, and while he was efficient (7-of-8), the offense lost its vertical threat. It’s the story of the Vikings' season: flashes of brilliance interrupted by a trip to the medical tent.
Why This Game Matters (Even if the Score Doesn't)
You might think a game between a playoff-bound team's backups and a team already eliminated doesn't matter. You'd be wrong.
- Harrison Smith's Farewell? The Vikings called a timeout late in the fourth just to let the crowd give "The Hitman" a standing ovation. If that was his last game in purple, he went out with a win over the team he’s tortured for over a decade.
- Momentum is Real. Minnesota finished the year on a five-game winning streak. They went from 4-8 to 9-8. That matters for a locker room going into an offseason of uncertainty.
- Packers' Rust vs. Rest. Green Bay head coach Matt LaFleur is playing a dangerous game. They’ve lost four straight heading into the playoffs as the No. 7 seed. Will the rest help Jordan Love, or will they be cold when they face the 2-seed next week?
Looking at the Numbers
Honestly, the stat sheet for the score vikings vs packers looks like something from the 1940s.
- Total Net Yards: Vikings 288, Packers 145.
- Passing Yards: Green Bay ended up with -7 net passing yards because of the four sacks Tune took. That is a wild stat.
- Time of Possession: Minnesota held the ball for over 37 minutes. They just sat on the Packers' chest and wouldn't let them up.
Key Individual Performances
- Justin Jefferson (MIN): 8 catches, 101 yards.
- Jordan Mason (MIN): 14 carries, 94 yards.
- Emanuel Wilson (GB): 18 carries, 44 yards (The only real bright spot for Green Bay's offense).
- Will Reichard (MIN): 3/3 FGs. He’s 33-for-35 on the year. Franchise record stuff.
What’s Next for the Border Battle?
The rivalry now stands at 67–61–3 in favor of Green Bay. Even with the loss, the Packers own the historical edge, but the Vikings have proven they can muck up any game plan Brian Flores wants to throw at them.
If you’re a Vikings fan, you’re looking at the draft. You’re wondering if McCarthy is the guy or if his hand is a long-term concern. If you’re a Packers fan, you’re ignoring this score entirely. You’re looking at the Wild Card round and hoping the "real" team shows up.
Actionable Takeaways for Fans
- Watch the Injury Reports: Keep a close eye on J.J. McCarthy's hand surgery or rehab updates this offseason; it’ll dictate if the Vikings look for a veteran bridge QB again.
- Playoff Betting: If you're looking at Green Bay in the playoffs, don't let this 16-3 score scare you off. They rested everyone. Look at the Weeks 1-15 tape instead.
- Salary Cap Szn: Keep an eye on the "retirements." Harrison Smith and C.J. Ham basically had "goodbye" moments. Their potential exits open up significant cap space for Minnesota to rebuild that secondary.
The score vikings vs packers was 16-3, but the story was about transitions. One team is heading to the dance, and the other is finally starting to see what their future looks like. It wasn't pretty, but in the NFC North, it rarely is.