Hey there, football fans! If you’re anything like me, there’s nothing quite like the electric buzz of an NFC North showdown. The Minnesota Vikings versus the Green Bay Packers isn’t just a game—it’s a full-blown event packed with history, trash talk, and enough drama to keep you on the edge of your seat. As we gear up for their next clash on November 23, 2025, at Lambeau Field, let’s break down the player stats that make this rivalry so legendary. Whether you’re a die-hard Vikings “Skol” chanter or a Packers fan dreaming of cheese curds after a win, this guide will walk you through key performances, head-to-head numbers, and why these matchups always deliver.
I’ve kept things straightforward—no jargon overload here. We’ll use simple tables to spotlight the stats, share some fun stories from the gridiron, and highlight the stars who shine brightest when these two teams collide. Grab a snack, settle in, and let’s talk Vikings vs. Packers player stats like we’re chatting at a tailgate.
The Timeless Rivalry: Why Minnesota Vikings vs Green Bay Packers Match Player Stats Feels Like Family Feud on Steroids
Picture this: It’s 1961, and the Vikings are the new kids on the block, an expansion team facing off against the established Packers. Green Bay wins that first meeting 33-7, setting the tone for a rivalry that’s now spanned over 120 games. Fast forward to today, and the all-time series sits at 66 wins for the Packers, 60 for the Vikings, and 3 ties. That’s razor-close, folks—unlike the Packers’ dominance over other divisional foes.
What makes it special? It’s the proximity—just a short drive across state lines—and the stakes. Both teams are perennial contenders, with the Packers holding a slight edge in playoffs (7-1 in postseason meetings). But the Vikings have pulled off sweeps and upsets that still haunt Cheesehead nightmares. In the last 10 years alone, Minnesota holds an 11-8-1 edge, flipping the script on Green Bay’s historical bully status.
Player stats in these games? They’re gold. Quarterbacks like Aaron Rodgers have feasted on Vikings defenses, while running backs like Adrian Peterson have bulldozed through Lambeau. And don’t get me started on the defensive battles—sacks, interceptions, and forced fumbles that swing games by inches. As we head into 2025, with both teams eyeing playoff glory, these individual numbers will decide if the Vikings can repeat their 2024 sweep or if the Packers reclaim divisional bragging rights.
2024 Flashback: The Year the Vikings Owned the Rivalry (And the Stats Back It Up)
Last season was a thriller. The Vikings, led by surprise starter Sam Darnold, swept the Packers for the first time since 2017. They edged out a 31-29 nail-biter in Week 4 at Lambeau and followed with a 27-25 heart-stopper in Week 17 at U.S. Bank Stadium. Minnesota finished 14-2, clinching a playoff spot, while Green Bay limped to the postseason as the No. 6 or 7 seed.
Darnold was the story—a journeyman QB who suddenly looked like an MVP candidate. In those two games, he racked up 754 passing yards, 6 touchdowns, and just 1 interception, completing nearly 70% of his throws. Jordan Love, on the other hand, struggled with injuries and protection breakdowns, managing only 10 points in the finale before a late rally fell short.
Let’s break it down with some easy-to-scan tables from those 2024 matchups. These highlight the top performers and show how individual efforts tilted the scales.
Passing Stats: Who Slingin’ It Best?
Quarterbacks define these games, and 2024 was no exception. Darnold’s poise under pressure shredded Green Bay’s secondary, while Love’s deep shots kept hope alive.
| Player (Team) | Game | Completions/Attempts | Yards | TDs | INTs | Passer Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sam Darnold (MIN) | Week 4 | 20/28 | 377 | 3 | 1 | 126.2 |
| Sam Darnold (MIN) | Week 17 | 33/43 | 377 | 3 | 0 | 135.9 |
| Jordan Love (GB) | Week 4 | 22/34 | 285 | 2 | 1 | 98.5 |
| Jordan Love (GB) | Week 17 | 18/32 | 224 | 1 | 2 | 72.4 |
Darnold’s dual 377-yard games? Career highs that proved he’s no fluke. Love’s inefficiency—thanks to a battered O-line—highlighted Green Bay’s vulnerabilities.
Rushing Stats: Ground and Pound in the North
Running the ball is king in cold-weather battles, and Aaron Jones (now with the Vikings after leaving Green Bay) made his ex-team pay. Josh Jacobs brought power for the Packers, but fumbles hurt.
| Player (Team) | Game | Carries | Yards | Yards/Carry | TDs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aaron Jones (MIN) | Week 4 | 22 | 93 | 4.2 | 0 |
| Aaron Jones (MIN) | Week 17 | 15 | 78 | 5.2 | 1 |
| Josh Jacobs (GB) | Week 4 | 14 | 65 | 4.6 | 1 |
| Josh Jacobs (GB) | Week 17 | 12 | 52 | 4.3 | 0 |
Jones’ revenge tour was sweet—139 total rushing yards across the sweep, plus 4 catches for 46 more. The Packers’ ground game sputtered, averaging under 5 yards per carry combined.
Receiving Stats: Big Plays from the Air Raid
Wideouts feasted, but drops and coverage lapses decided outcomes. Justin Jefferson torched Green Bay for the third straight year, while Christian Watson flashed for the Pack.
| Player (Team) | Game | Receptions | Yards | Yards/Rec | TDs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Justin Jefferson (MIN) | Week 4 | 7 | 132 | 18.9 | 1 |
| Justin Jefferson (MIN) | Week 17 | 9 | 145 | 16.1 | 1 |
| Jordan Addison (MIN) | Week 4 | 5 | 85 | 17.0 | 1 |
| Christian Watson (GB) | Week 4 | 4 | 98 | 24.5 | 1 |
| Jayden Reed (GB) | Week 17 | 6 | 72 | 12.0 | 0 |
Jefferson’s 40 career catches against Green Bay might be his “worst” divisional mark, but 277 yards and 2 TDs in 2024? Elite. Addison’s touchdowns were daggers, scoring twice in Week 4 alone.
Defensive Stats: The Unsung Heroes Who Seal Wins
Defense wins championships, and in these close calls, turnovers were key. The Vikings’ D forced 3 INTs and held Green Bay to 119 total yards in one half of Week 17.
| Player (Team) | Game | Tackles | Sacks | INTs | FF (Forced Fumbles) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jonathan Greenard (MIN) | Week 4 | 8 | 1.5 | 0 | 1 |
| Harrison Smith (MIN) | Week 17 | 7 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Rashan Gary (GB) | Week 4 | 6 | 2.0 | 0 | 0 |
| Quay Walker (GB) | Week 17 | 9 | 1.0 | 0 | 1 |
Greenard’s pressure on Love was relentless, while Gary’s sacks in Week 4 kept it competitive. These numbers show how trench warfare flips scripts.
All-Time Greats: Legendary Player Stats That Defined the Rivalry
This isn’t just about 2024—it’s about legends. From Fran Tarkenton’s scrambles to Brett Favre’s gunslinging (he went 16-6 vs. Minnesota after joining them, but his Packer days were 11-17), stats tell epic tales.
Top Quarterback Performances Head-to-Head
Favre and Rodgers own this category for Green Bay, but Tarkenton and Peterson-era Cousins shine for Minnesota.
| Quarterback | Team (Years Active in Rivalry) | Games | Passing Yards | TDs | INTs | Notable Game |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brett Favre | GB (1992-2007) | 28 | 6,282 | 44 | 28 | 2009 MNF: 5 TDs, 316 yds (as MIN) |
| Aaron Rodgers | GB (2005-2022) | 22 | 5,143 | 35 | 12 | 2018: 425 yds, 3 TDs in OT win |
| Fran Tarkenton | MIN (1961-1978) | 25 | 4,856 | 31 | 25 | 1975: 318 yds, 3 TDs in playoff W |
| Sam Darnold | MIN (2024-) | 2 | 754 | 6 | 1 | 2024 Sweep: 754 yds, 126+ rating |
Favre’s 2009 Monday Night massacre—499 yards and 4 TDs as a Viking—ranks as the highest-rated cable game ever. Rodgers? His 135.9 rating vs. MIN in one season is untouchable.
Rushing Royalty: Backs Who Owned Lambeau and Beyond
Adrian Peterson’s 2012 “one-point wonder” (28-27 Vikings win) is iconic, but Walter Payton wannabes like Ahman Green dominated too.
| Running Back | Team (Years) | Carries | Yards | YPC | TDs | Highlight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adrian Peterson | MIN (2007-2016) | 285 | 1,348 | 4.7 | 12 | 2012: 102 yds, game-winning TD |
| Ahman Green | GB (1998-2006) | 312 | 1,591 | 5.1 | 11 | 2003: 218 yds in blowout |
| Aaron Jones | GB/MIN (2017-) | 156 | 728 | 4.7 | 5 | 2024 Revenge: 171 yds as Viking |
Green’s 5.1 YPC edges out Peterson, but AP’s explosiveness (multiple 100+ yard games) made him a Packer-killer.
Receiving Records: Catches That Broke Hearts
Randy Moss and Sterling Sharpe lit up scoreboards, but modern stars like Davante Adams (now Raiders) feasted on this matchup.
| Receiver | Team (Years) | Receptions | Yards | YPR | TDs | Memorable Moment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Randy Moss | MIN (1998-2004) | 89 | 1,642 | 18.4 | 15 | 1998: 190 yds, 2 TDs as rookie |
| Donald Driver | GB (1999-2012) | 78 | 1,100 | 14.1 | 8 | 2007: 10 catches, 106 yds in playoff |
| Justin Jefferson | MIN (2020-) | 40 | 712 | 17.8 | 6 | 2024: 277 yds, 2 TDs |
Moss’s deep-threat terror (15 TDs!) turned heads, while Jefferson’s rising star status has him on pace to shatter records.
Defensive Dominance: Sacks and Picks That Swung Eras
Jared Allen’s safety-forcing sacks in 2009 are legendary, but Reggie White’s Packer prime was sack city.
| Defender | Team (Years) | Sacks | INTs | FF | Tackles | Key Stat |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jared Allen | MIN (2008-2013) | 22 | 2 | 5 | 245 | 2 safeties in one game (2009) |
| Reggie White | GB (1993-1998) | 28 | 3 | 4 | 180 | Led ’96 Super Bowl run |
| Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila | GB (2000-2008) | 18 | 1 | 3 | 210 | 2001: 3 sacks in rivalry win |
Allen’s intentional grounding safety in the end zone? A rivalry-defining play that still gets replayed at bars.
Looking Ahead to 2025: Players to Watch and Stat Predictions
As we hit September 25, 2025, the season’s in full swing, and the November 23 rematch looms large. With J.J. McCarthy potentially taking over at QB for Minnesota (after a solid rookie preseason) and Jordan Love healthy for Green Bay, expect fireworks.
Key eyes: Jefferson could hit 1,000 yards vs. GB lifetime this year. Jacobs might grind out 100+ if the O-line gels. Defensively, watch Vikings’ Isaiah Rodgers for more pick-sixes—he’s already got two in 2025 early action.
Predictions? Vikings by 3, with Darnold/McCarthy at 300 yards and Love answering with 2 TDs. But hey, that’s why we play the games.
Wrapping It Up: Why These Stats Make the Minnesota Vikings vs Green Bay Packers Match Player Stats Rivalry Eternal
From Tarkenton’s heroics to Darnold’s breakout, player stats in Vikings-Packers matchups aren’t just numbers—they’re chapters in a never-ending story of grit, glory, and just a touch of spite. Whether it’s a 377-yard barrage or a game-sealing sack, these moments remind us why we love football: the human element, the what-ifs, and the pure joy of competition.