Packers vs. Vikings NFL Week 17 Picks: Expect a High-Scoring Showdown

Green Bay Packers

Josh Jacobs extended his remarkable streak of scoring touchdowns to six consecutive games, amassing 107 scrimmage yards in the process, as the Green Bay Packers secured a playoff berth with a dominant 34-0 victory over the struggling New Orleans Saints on Monday night.

This marked the first shutout of the NFL season and clinched Green Bay’s fifth postseason appearance in the past six years.

Jacobs carried the ball 13 times for 69 yards and a one-yard touchdown while adding 38 yards on four receptions. His rushing touchdown streak leaves him just one shy of the Packers’ franchise record, set by Paul Hornung in 1960 with seven consecutive games.

Jordan Love contributed to the Packers’ offensive effort by completing 16 of 28 passes for 182 yards, including a two-yard touchdown strike to Dontayvion Wicks. Green Bay’s ground game also featured one-yard scoring runs from Chris Brooks and Emanuel Wilson, while Brandon McManus nailed field goals from 55 and 46 yards.

Minnesota Vikings

Sam Darnold delivered late-game heroics to help the Minnesota Vikings edge the Seattle Seahawks 27-24 on Sunday. Darnold found Justin Jefferson for a dramatic deep pass with just under four minutes remaining, setting up his third touchdown pass of the game and keeping Minnesota in contention for the NFC’s top seed.

The Seahawks briefly took the lead on Geno Smith’s third touchdown pass, but Darnold engineered a lightning-fast 30-second drive, aided by a 15-yard facemask penalty. With the pocket collapsing, he launched a deep pass that Jefferson hauled in just short of the goal line despite tight coverage from two defenders.

Jefferson shone with 10 catches for 148 yards and two touchdowns, powering the Vikings to their eighth straight win. With victories over Green Bay and Detroit to close the season, Minnesota can secure the NFC’s top seed and a first-round playoff bye.

Darnold continued his stellar campaign, throwing multiple touchdowns for the 11th time this season and surpassing 200 passing yards for the 10th time. He finished 22 of 35 for 246 yards, guiding Minnesota to an impressive 8-1 record in one-score games and helping Kevin O’Connell become the first Vikings coach to record multiple 13-win seasons.

Key Matchups

Both teams are well-coached and disciplined, making this NFC North showdown a battle of strengths. The outcome may hinge on Green Bay’s ability to contain Jefferson and whether Minnesota’s defense can limit Jacobs’ impact.

Josh Jacobs vs. Vikings’ Front Seven

Jacobs has been the engine of Green Bay’s offense, scoring a rushing touchdown in six straight games. He’ll face a Vikings defense that has been effective in one-score games but hasn’t recently faced a back of Jacobs’ caliber.

If Jacobs can establish the ground game early, it will open up play-action opportunities for Love. Conversely, if the Vikings can bottle him up and force Green Bay into third-and-long situations, they’ll gain a significant edge.

Justin Jefferson vs. Packers’ Secondary

Jefferson is coming off a stellar performance, hauling in 10 catches for 148 yards and two touchdowns against Seattle. Green Bay’s secondary must find a way to slow him down, as Jefferson has shown an uncanny ability to make plays in crucial moments.

If the Packers can double-team Jefferson and force Darnold to look elsewhere, they’ll have a chance to disrupt Minnesota’s offensive rhythm.

Jordan Love vs. Vikings’ Pass Rush

Love has been efficient but not spectacular, completing 16 of 28 passes for 182 yards and a touchdown against the Saints. Facing a Vikings team that thrives on creating pressure, Love’s ability to stay poised and avoid turnovers will be critical.

A clean pocket could allow him to connect on intermediate routes and sustain long drives, keeping Minnesota’s potent offense off the field.

Special Teams and Field Position

McManus adds a reliable weapon for Green Bay in the kicking game, as evidenced by his 55- and 46-yard field goals last week. In what could be a close contest, the ability to convert field goals and flip the field on punts may play a pivotal role. Minnesota’s ability to counter in this area will be equally important.

The Pick

This game has all the makings of a tightly contested divisional battle. The Packers’ ability to lean on Jacobs for consistent production gives them an edge in controlling time of possession, but the Vikings’ dynamic passing attack, led by Darnold and Jefferson, will pose a significant challenge. The outcome may come down to turnovers and who executes better in the red zone.

Expect Green Bay to start fast, using Jacobs to establish the run and set up play-action opportunities for Love. Minnesota, however, will respond with big plays from Jefferson and a composed Darnold, keeping it close. In the end, the Vikings’ knack for winning close games this season could prove decisive in a high-scoring contest.

NFL Pick: Over 48.5 (-108) at Heritage Sports 

Over 48.5 (-108)

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