The Minnesota Vikings vs Green Bay Packers Match Player Stats have one of the fiercest rivalries in the NFL, a clash that gets fans buzzing every season. These NFC North powerhouses have faced off for decades, delivering unforgettable moments and nail-biting finishes. In this article, we’ll break down the player stats from their most recent clash on December 29, 2024, at U.S. Bank Stadium, where the Vikings edged out the Packers 27-25. We’ll keep it simple, engaging, and packed with insights that any fan—whether you’re a kid or a seasoned football lover—can enjoy. Let’s dive into the numbers, the standout performances, and what made this game a classic in their storied rivalry.
A Quick Look at the Minnesota Vikings vs Green Bay Packers Match Player Stats Rivalry
Before we get into the stats, let’s set the stage. The Minnesota Vikings vs Green Bay Packers Match Player Stats have been locking horns since 1961, with Green Bay leading the all-time series 66-60-3. This rivalry is intense, often with playoff implications, and the December 2024 matchup was no exception. Both teams had already clinched playoff spots, but the stakes were high: a Vikings win kept them in the hunt for the NFC North title, while the Packers were fighting for better playoff seeding. The game was a thriller, with Minnesota’s quarterback Sam Darnold stealing the show and Green Bay’s late rally falling just short. Now, let’s break down the player stats that defined this game.
Game Overview: Vikings 27, Packers 25
The December 29, 2024, showdown at U.S. Bank Stadium was a high-scoring affair with plenty of drama. The Vikings jumped out to a 27-10 lead by the fourth quarter, thanks to a dominant performance by their offense. The Packers fought back with two touchdowns, but it wasn’t enough to overcome Minnesota’s early advantage. The final score of 27-25 reflected how close this game was, and the stats tell the story of key players who shaped the outcome.
Team Stats Snapshot
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Total Yards: Vikings 441, Packers 271
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Turnovers: Both teams had 1
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First Downs: Vikings 26, Packers 17
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Possession Time: Vikings 35:30, Packers 24:30
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Attendance: 67,031 fans packed U.S. Bank Stadium
These numbers show Minnesota controlled the game, holding the ball longer and racking up more yards. But let’s zoom in on the players who made the difference.
Vikings’ Standout Performers
The Vikings’ victory was powered by a balanced attack, with their quarterback, running backs, and receivers all stepping up. Here’s a look at the key players and their stats.
Sam Darnold (Quarterback)
Sam Darnold had a career day, proving why he’s been a revelation for Minnesota this season. He threw for a personal-best 377 yards, completing 33 of 43 passes (76.7% completion rate) with 3 touchdowns and 1 interception. His ability to stay calm under pressure and find open receivers was crucial. Darnold connected with multiple targets, spreading the ball around and keeping the Packers’ defense on its heels. His performance earned praise from coach Kevin O’Connell, who highlighted Darnold’s leadership and ability to “maximize his opportunity.”
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Key Stat: 377 passing yards, 3 TDs
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Highlight Play: A 28-yard touchdown pass to Justin Jefferson in the third quarter that extended the Vikings’ lead.
Justin Jefferson (Wide Receiver)
No surprise here—Justin Jefferson was a game-changer. The star wideout hauled in 8 receptions for 115 yards and 1 touchdown. His ability to find space against Green Bay’s secondary was critical, especially on third downs. Jefferson’s chemistry with Darnold was evident, as he consistently got open for big gains.
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Key Stat: 8 catches, 115 yards, 1 TD
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Highlight Play: A diving catch in the end zone for his touchdown, showcasing his elite hands and body control.
Aaron Jones (Running Back)
Aaron Jones, a former Packer, had a solid day against his old team. He rushed for 85 yards on 18 carries, averaging 4.7 yards per attempt, and added 3 receptions for 28 yards. While he didn’t find the end zone, his steady production kept the chains moving and opened up the passing game for Darnold.
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Key Stat: 85 rushing yards, 4.7 yards per carry
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Highlight Play: A 15-yard run in the second quarter that set up a field goal.
Jordan Addison (Wide Receiver)
Jordan Addison complemented Jefferson beautifully, catching 6 passes for 92 yards and 1 touchdown. His speed stretched the field, forcing the Packers’ defense to respect the deep ball. Addison’s touchdown came on a well-designed play where he beat his defender on a slant route.
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Key Stat: 6 catches, 92 yards, 1 TD
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Highlight Play: A 20-yard touchdown catch in the second quarter.
Will Reichard (Kicker)
Kicker Will Reichard was perfect on the day, nailing both of his field goal attempts and all three extra points. His reliability was crucial in a game that came down to the wire.
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Key Stat: 2/2 field goals, 3/3 extra points
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Highlight Play: A 41-yard field goal in the fourth quarter to keep the Vikings ahead.
Defensive Standouts
The Vikings’ defense played a big role, holding the Packers to 271 total yards and forcing a key turnover. Linebacker Blake Cashman led the team with 9 tackles, including 1 for a loss, and safety Harrison Smith added 7 tackles and a pass deflection. The defensive line, led by Jalen Redmond, pressured Packers quarterback Jordan Love, limiting Green Bay’s passing attack.
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Key Stat: Vikings defense recorded 3 sacks and 1 interception
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Highlight Play: A third-quarter interception by Camryn Bynum that stopped a promising Packers drive.
Packers’ Standout Performers
Despite the loss, the Packers had several players who kept them in the game. Their late rally showed resilience, but they couldn’t overcome the early deficit. Here’s a look at their top performers.
Jordan Love (Quarterback)
Jordan Love had a tough day, completing 19 of 30 passes for 185 yards, 2 touchdowns, and 1 interception. He struggled early, facing constant pressure from the Vikings’ defense, but he heated up in the fourth quarter, leading two touchdown drives. Love’s performance was a mixed bag, as his interception in the third quarter hurt Green Bay’s momentum.
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Key Stat: 185 passing yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT
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Highlight Play: A 33-yard touchdown pass to Romeo Doubs in the fourth quarter that sparked the comeback attempt.
Josh Jacobs (Running Back)
Josh Jacobs was a bright spot for the Packers, rushing for 95 yards on 20 carries (4.8 yards per carry) and scoring 1 touchdown. He also caught 4 passes for 35 yards. Jacobs’ physical running style kept the Vikings’ defense honest and gave Green Bay a chance to stay competitive.
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Key Stat: 95 rushing yards, 1 TD
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Highlight Play: A 12-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter that cut the Vikings’ lead to 27-23.
Romeo Doubs (Wide Receiver)
Romeo Doubs led the Packers’ receiving corps with 5 catches for 72 yards and 1 touchdown. His ability to get open on deep routes gave Love a reliable target, especially during the late rally.
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Key Stat: 5 catches, 72 yards, 1 TD
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Highlight Play: The 33-yard touchdown catch that brought the Packers within striking distance.
Tucker Kraft (Tight End)
Tight end Tucker Kraft chipped in with 4 receptions for 45 yards and 1 touchdown. His touchdown catch in the fourth quarter was a clutch moment, showing his growing importance to the Packers’ offense.
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Key Stat: 4 catches, 45 yards, 1 TD
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Highlight Play: A 10-yard touchdown reception in the final minutes.
Defensive Standouts
The Packers’ defense struggled to contain Darnold and the Vikings’ passing attack, but they had some bright spots. Linebacker Quay Walker led the team with 10 tackles, and defensive end Rashan Gary recorded 1.5 sacks. However, the absence of key players like cornerback Jaire Alexander and receiver Christian Watson hurt Green Bay’s chances.
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Key Stat: Packers defense recorded 2 sacks but allowed 441 total yards
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Highlight Play: Gary’s sack on Darnold in the second quarter that forced a punt.
Key Moments That Shaped the Game
The stats only tell part of the story. Here are the pivotal plays that swung the game in the Vikings’ favor:
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Darnold’s Hot Start: The Vikings’ quarterback threw for 200 yards in the first half alone, including touchdown passes to Jefferson and Addison. This set the tone and gave Minnesota a 17-7 lead at halftime.
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Bynum’s Interception: Early in the third quarter, Camryn Bynum picked off Jordan Love, halting a Packers drive and giving the Vikings great field position.
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Packers’ Late Surge: Green Bay’s two fourth-quarter touchdowns, one by Jacobs and one by Kraft, made it a two-point game with under two minutes left. However, the Vikings recovered the onside kick to seal the win.
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Vikings’ Time of Possession: Minnesota held the ball for over 35 minutes, tiring out the Packers’ defense and limiting their offensive opportunities.
Why the Vikings Won
The Vikings’ victory came down to three key factors:
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Darnold’s Efficiency: His 377 yards and 3 touchdowns overwhelmed Green Bay’s secondary.
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Balanced Offense: With Jones running effectively and Jefferson and Addison making big plays, the Vikings kept the Packers guessing.
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Defensive Pressure: Minnesota’s defense disrupted Love’s rhythm early, forcing mistakes and limiting Green Bay’s passing game.
Why the Packers Fell Short
The Packers’ loss can be traced to a few critical issues:
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Slow Start: Green Bay managed only 10 points through three quarters, digging a hole too deep to climb out of.
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Missing Key Players: Without Jaire Alexander and Christian Watson, the Packers lacked firepower on both sides of the ball.
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Defensive Struggles: Allowing 441 yards, including 377 through the air, was too much to overcome.
Comparing the Two Teams
Here’s a quick table summarizing the key stats for both teams:
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Category |
Vikings |
Packers |
|---|---|---|
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Total Yards |
441 | 271 |
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Passing Yards |
377 | 185 |
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Rushing Yards |
64 | 86 |
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First Downs |
26 | 17 |
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Turnovers |
1 | 1 |
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Time of Possession |
35:30 | 24:30 |
What’s Next for Both Teams?
For the Vikings, the win improved their record to 14-2 and set up a massive NFC North title game against the Detroit Lions. A victory there could secure the No. 1 seed in the NFC playoffs. For the Packers, the loss dropped them to 11-5, locking them into the No. 6 or No. 7 seed. They’ll face the Chicago Bears in Week 18, a team they’ve dominated recently, before heading into the postseason.
Why This Minnesota Vikings vs Green Bay Packers Match Player Stats Rivalry Matters
The Minnesota Vikings vs Green Bay Packers Match Player Stats rivalry isn’t just about stats—it’s about passion, history, and bragging rights. Games like this one show why fans love this matchup. From Sam Darnold’s career day to Jordan Love’s late heroics, the individual performances add fuel to the fire of this NFC North feud. Whether you’re cheering for the purple and gold or the green and yellow, these games are always must-watch events.
How to Stay Updated on Minnesota Vikings vs Green Bay Packers Match Player Stats
Want to keep up with the latest stats and highlights? Check out sites like ESPN, NFL.com, or Yahoo Sports for detailed game recaps and player performances. You can also follow the teams on social media for real-time updates. For historical context, Wikipedia’s page on the Minnesota Vikings vs Green Bay Packers Match Player Stats rivalry is a great resource.
Final Thoughts
The December 29, 2024, clash between the Minnesota Vikings vs Green Bay Packers Match Player Stats was a showcase of talent, strategy, and heart. Sam Darnold’s 377-yard, three-touchdown performance led the Vikings to a hard-fought 27-25 victory, while Josh Jacobs and Romeo Doubs kept the Packers in the fight until the final whistle. This game added another chapter to one of the NFL’s greatest rivalries, and the stats tell the story of a battle that had fans on the edge of their seats. Whether you’re a diehard fan or just love good football, this matchup delivered everything you could ask for.
