Vikings rally to defeat Packers 39-22 after fourth-quarter surge
Minnesota overcame an early deficit and a quarterback injury to beat Green Bay 39-22, scoring 29 unanswered points after trailing 22-10 in the third quarter.
Minnesota secured a 39-22 win over Green Bay in the NFL season opener after scoring 29 unanswered points following a 22-10 lead for the Packers in the third quarter. Early in the fourth quarter, Green Bay held a 25-17 advantage after a 40-yard field goal by rookie Trey Smack, but a subsequent offside penalty gave the Vikings a first down and prompted coach Matt LaFleur to forgo the field goal and attempt a fourth-down QB sneak, which quarterback Jordan Love failed to convert.
The Vikings capitalized on a series of penalties against Green Bay, including illegal contact, roughing the passer, and defensive holding, which extended their drives and set up scores. Aaron Jones ran a 3-yard touchdown for Minnesota, followed by a Jordan Mason 1-yard rush on the next possession. Later, a tipped pass intended for Love was intercepted by James Pierre, leading to a Justin Jefferson touchdown that gave Minnesota a 17-point lead.
Green Bay’s quarterback Carson Wentz, who entered after Kyler Murray left with a concussion, completed 12 of 19 passes for 133 yards and three touchdowns without an interception. Jefferson finished with eight receptions for 92 yards and two touchdowns, his first home scores since 2024. Love threw for 387 yards, two touchdowns and one interception, while Christian Watson recorded six catches for 147 yards and two touchdowns, most of his production coming in the first half.
The victory puts Minnesota at 1-0 heading to an away game against the Chicago Bears, while the Packers, now 0-1, will travel to face the New York Jets.