The Minnesota Vikings and Green Bay Packers rivalry never fails to deliver excitement, and the 2024-2025 NFL season proves no exception. These two NFC North giants clashed twice this year, showcasing incredible talent, nail-biting moments, and stats that leave fans buzzing. With the season wrapping up and the latest data fresh as of March 20, 2025, let’s dive into the player performances that defined these epic matchups. Buckle up for a deep look at the numbers, standout stars, and what made these games unforgettable.
Game 1: September 29, 2024 – Vikings Edge Packers 31-29
The first meeting of the season kicked off at Lambeau Field, and it set the tone for a wild rivalry ride. Minnesota stormed out of the gate, building a commanding 28-0 lead by the second quarter. Green Bay fought back with grit, but the Vikings held on for a 31-29 victory that had everyone talking. Player stats from this game reveal the heroes and struggles on both sides.
Sam Darnold Shines Bright for Minnesota
Sam Darnold, the Vikings’ quarterback, turned heads with a performance that silenced doubters. He completed 20 of his 28 passes, racking up 275 yards and tossing three touchdowns. Darnold spread the ball around, connecting with Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, and T.J. Hockenson for scores. However, he threw one interception, a minor blemish on an otherwise stellar day. His poise under pressure kept Minnesota’s offense humming, especially in the first half when they built that massive lead.
Meanwhile, running back Aaron Jones, a former Packer, returned to Lambeau with a vengeance. He carried the ball 22 times, gaining 93 yards on the ground, and added 46 receiving yards on five catches. Jones didn’t find the end zone, but his steady production wore down Green Bay’s defense. Clearly, he enjoyed sticking it to his old team.
Jordan Love’s Rollercoaster Day for Green Bay
On the Packers’ sideline, Jordan Love experienced a game of highs and lows. He finished with 32 completions on 54 attempts, piling up 389 passing yards and throwing four touchdowns. Love found Dontayvion Wicks twice, Tucker Kraft once, and Jayden Reed once for scores. But here’s the catch—three interceptions marred his stat line. Those turnovers, including a costly pick in the fourth quarter, handed Minnesota chances to seal the win. Love also scrambled for six yards on one carry, showing off his legs a bit.
Running back Josh Jacobs chipped in with 51 yards on nine carries, averaging a solid 5.7 yards per pop. He didn’t score, but his runs kept drives alive during Green Bay’s comeback attempt. Unfortunately, two missed field goals by kicker Brayden Narveson added to the Packers’ woes, leaving points on the table.
Key Skill Players Steal the Show
Justin Jefferson, Minnesota’s superstar wide receiver, hauled in six passes for 85 yards and a touchdown. His ability to get open against Green Bay’s secondary proved crucial. Jordan Addison complemented him with three catches for 72 yards and a score, including a slick seven-yard end-around touchdown. Tight end T.J. Hockenson added five receptions for 51 yards and a touchdown, rounding out a balanced Vikings attack.
For Green Bay, Dontayvion Wicks emerged as a breakout star, snagging five catches for 78 yards and two touchdowns. Jayden Reed dazzled with seven grabs for 139 yards and a touchdown, while Tucker Kraft’s five receptions for 53 yards included a clutch fourth-quarter score. Despite the loss, these numbers highlight the Packers’ offensive firepower.
Game 2: December 29, 2024 – Vikings Sweep Packers 27-25
Fast forward to Week 17 at U.S. Bank Stadium, and the stakes soared even higher. Both teams had already clinched playoff spots, but Minnesota aimed to lock up the NFC North, while Green Bay battled for seeding. The Vikings prevailed again, 27-25, completing their first season sweep of the Packers since 2017. Let’s unpack the stats that fueled this thriller.
Darnold’s Career Day Lifts Minnesota
Sam Darnold saved his best for this rematch, delivering a career-defining performance. He went 33-for-43, amassing 377 passing yards, three touchdowns, and one interception. Darnold carved up Green Bay’s defense with precision, hitting Justin Jefferson for a 10-yard touchdown, T.J. Hockenson for a nine-yard score, and Jalen Nailor for a 31-yard strike. His 377 yards marked a personal best, and his composure under pressure kept the Vikings ahead. Additionally, he scrambled twice for eight yards, adding a small but scrappy rushing contribution.
Aaron Jones kept the ground game rolling, rushing 17 times for 69 yards and catching five passes for 36 yards. Cam Akers spelled him with eight carries for 41 yards, including a 26-yard burst that shifted momentum. Together, they ensured Minnesota controlled the clock and kept Green Bay’s defense guessing.
Love Struggles, But Packers Fight Back
Jordan Love couldn’t replicate his Game 1 fireworks, finishing 19-for-30 with 185 yards and one touchdown. He connected with Emanuel Wilson for a six-yard score in the fourth quarter, sparking a late rally. However, no interceptions didn’t erase the pressure he faced—three sacks and eight quarterback hits rattled him all game. Love added 12 rushing yards on three attempts, but Minnesota’s defense smothered his downfield passing.
Josh Jacobs shouldered the run game, toting the ball 14 times for 67 yards and catching three passes for 20 yards. His steady output gave Green Bay a chance, but a fumble on the opening drive handed Minnesota early field position. Kicker Brandon McManus went 4-for-4 on field goals, including a 47-yarder, but it wasn’t enough to close the gap.
Receivers and Tight Ends Shine Again
Justin Jefferson torched the Packers for 102 yards on eight catches, including that 10-yard touchdown. His 22-yard grab early in the game set the tone, and his chemistry with Darnold dazzled. T.J. Hockenson added six receptions for 62 yards and a touchdown, proving a reliable safety valve. Jalen Nailor’s three catches for 63 yards included the game-changing 31-yard touchdown, showcasing his growing role.
Green Bay’s Romeo Doubs led with eight grabs for 81 yards, while Jayden Reed managed four catches for 39 yards. Emanuel Wilson’s three receptions for 22 yards included the lone touchdown catch, but the Packers’ receivers struggled to break free consistently. Minnesota’s secondary deserves credit for clamping down.
Defensive Standouts Who Shaped the Games
Defense often decides these rivalry clashes, and both teams brought heat in 2024-2025. Let’s spotlight the players who made life tough for opposing offenses.
Vikings’ Defense Stifles Green Bay
Linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel terrorized Green Bay in both games. In Game 1, he notched five tackles and a sack, disrupting Love’s rhythm. In Game 2, he added four tackles and another sack, including a jarring hit that forced a fumble. Jonathan Greenard joined the party, recording two sacks in Game 2 and consistently pressuring Love. Cornerback Byron Murphy Jr. picked off Love once in Game 1, while safety Camryn Bynum’s seven tackles in Game 2 helped seal the win.
Minnesota’s defense sacked Love three times in each game, totaling six sacks across the season series. They also forced four turnovers in Game 1 and one in Game 2, capitalizing on Green Bay’s mistakes. This relentless pressure kept the Packers on their heels.
Packers’ Defense Shows Grit
Green Bay’s defense didn’t roll over, though. Linebacker Quay Walker led with nine tackles in Game 1 and added a sack in Game 2, stuffing Minnesota’s run game. Edge rusher Keisean Nixon forced a fumble in Game 2, recovered by teammate Edgerrin Cooper, giving the Packers a lifeline. Cornerback Carrington Valentine snagged an interception off Darnold in Game 2, halting a Vikings drive.
The Packers sacked Darnold twice in Game 1 and once in Game 2, with Preston Smith and Rashan Gary leading the charge. While they couldn’t stop Minnesota’s aerial assault entirely, their late-game stops kept both contests close.
FAQs: Vikings vs. Packers Player Stats Breakdown
1. Which quarterback had the better overall performance in the 2024-2025 Vikings-Packers games?
Paul Sam Darnold outperformed Jordan Love across both games with more consistent numbers. In Game 1, Darnold threw for 275 yards, three touchdowns, and one interception, while Love had 389 yards, four touchdowns, and three interceptions. In Game 2, Darnold soared to 377 yards, three touchdowns, and one interception, compared to Love’s 185 yards and one touchdown. Darnold’s higher completion rate and fewer turnovers gave him the edge.
2. How did Justin Jefferson impact the games against Green Bay’s defense this season?
Alek Justin Jefferson proved unstoppable, torching Green Bay’s secondary in both matchups. He caught six passes for 85 yards and a touchdown in Game 1, consistently finding gaps in coverage. In Game 2, he grabbed eight passes for 102 yards and another score, including a 22-yard catch that sparked Minnesota’s offense. His big-play ability forced Green Bay to adjust, opening opportunities for teammates.
3. What role did turnovers play in deciding the outcomes of these rivalry games?
Turnovers swung both games heavily in Minnesota’s favor. In Game 1, Green Bay’s three interceptions from Love and a muffed punt handed the Vikings extra possessions, helping them build a 28-0 lead. Game 2 saw a Josh Jacobs fumble and a failed fourth-down try cost the Packers dearly, while Minnesota only lost the ball once via Darnold’s interception. Green Bay’s sloppiness proved decisive.
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