The regular season curtain is about to fall at U.S. Bank Stadium, where the Minnesota Vikings (8-8) are set to host the Green Bay Packers (9-6-1) in a Week 18 showdown that, for once, carries no playoff stakes. Kickoff is scheduled for Sunday, January 4, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. Central Time (1:00 p.m. Eastern), and the game will air regionally on CBS, with Spero Dedes and Adam Archuleta providing commentary. If you’re outside the NFC North TV markets—Green Bay, Minneapolis, Detroit, and Chicago—streaming options like Paramount+, NFL+, and NFL Sunday Ticket on YouTube TV will be your ticket to the action.
Normally, a Packers-Vikings clash would have the NFC North buzzing, but this season’s finale has a different flavor. The playoff picture is already painted: Green Bay clinched a postseason berth thanks to the Vikings’ Christmas Day win over the Detroit Lions, and last week’s loss to the Baltimore Ravens locked them into the NFC’s No. 7 seed. As a result, both teams are expected to take a cautious approach, prioritizing health over heroics as they wrap up their 2025 campaigns.
With the outcome holding no sway over playoff destiny, the Packers will rest several starters—including quarterback Jordan Love, who is just off concussion protocol. Instead, third-stringer Clayton Tune gets the nod under center. According to multiple reports, "the Packers will start third-string quarterback Clayton Tune, even with starter Jordan Love ready to go off the concussion protocol." The Vikings, meanwhile, will roll with rookie J.J. McCarthy, who returns to the lineup after missing last week’s victory over Detroit. McCarthy’s first season has been a roller coaster, but he’ll look to end it on a high note in front of the home crowd.
Let’s dig into the stats and storylines that have shaped both teams’ seasons. Green Bay enters the finale with a 9-6-1 record, boasting the NFL’s 10th-ranked offense (345.8 yards per game) and 11th-ranked defense (308.6 yards allowed per contest). Their passing game, led by Jordan Love for much of the year, ranks 10th with 226.5 yards per game, while the rushing attack sits mid-pack at 16th (119.3 yards per game). On defense, the Packers have been stingy through the air, allowing just 192.1 passing yards per game—good for seventh in the league.
Key contributors for the Packers this season include running back Josh Jacobs, who’s racked up 929 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns, and receiver Romeo Doubs, who’s hauled in 55 catches for 724 yards and six scores. Love himself has posted 3,381 passing yards, 23 touchdowns, and just six interceptions in 15 games, completing 66.3% of his throws—a strong campaign for the young signal-caller.
On the other sideline, the Vikings have had their own ups and downs. At 8-8, Minnesota’s offense has struggled through the air, ranking second-worst in the NFL with just 163 passing yards per game. However, their defense has been a bright spot, particularly against the pass—they allow only 168.8 passing yards per contest, third-best in the league. The Vikings average 106.5 rushing yards per game (25th in the NFL) and give up 123.9 yards on the ground (22nd).
J.J. McCarthy, the rookie quarterback, has started nine games, throwing for 1,450 yards with 11 touchdowns and 12 interceptions while completing 57.3% of his passes. His favorite target, Justin Jefferson, has logged 76 receptions on 130 targets for 947 yards and two touchdowns over 16 games. On the ground, Jordan Mason leads the way with 664 rushing yards and six scores.
Turnovers have haunted Minnesota all season; with a -8 turnover margin, they’ve forced 21 but coughed it up a league-high 29 times. Green Bay, by contrast, sits even in turnover margin, with 13 forced and 13 committed—ranking them 14th in the NFL.
Betting odds reflect the expected conservative approach by the Packers. The Vikings are listed as 10.5-point favorites at home, with the over/under set around 37 points. SportsLine’s projection model gives the Packers a 53% chance to cover the spread and a 37% shot at winning outright, forecasting a final score of Vikings 23, Packers 17. Meanwhile, DraftKings and other sportsbooks have the Vikings at -10.5, with the total hovering between 36.5 and 37 points. Minnesota has covered the spread in four straight games, while Green Bay has stumbled against the number in their last three outings.
Head-to-head, the Packers lead the all-time regular season series 66-59-3, with the postseason ledger tied at one apiece. The teams last met in Week 12, when Green Bay cruised to a 23-6 victory at Lambeau Field. In the last five meetings, the Vikings have won three, and the total has gone over in three of those contests. Still, the Packers hold a 22-point scoring advantage over Minnesota in that span.
For fans looking to follow the action, CBS will carry the regional TV broadcast, while radio listeners can catch the Packers’ call on the team’s official website. Streaming is available via Paramount+ and NFL+ for in-market viewers, and NFL Sunday Ticket on YouTube TV for those out of market. Fox Sports will provide a live box score and in-depth stats for those tracking the game online.
Looking ahead, the Packers are already eyeing next weekend’s Super Wild Card matchup—either a third bout with the Chicago Bears or a trip to face the Philadelphia Eagles. For Minnesota, this finale is a chance to finish at .500 and build momentum heading into the offseason, with McCarthy’s development and Jefferson’s consistency offering hope for 2026.
So, while the stakes may be low, pride and preparation are on the line in Minneapolis. Will McCarthy and the Vikings take advantage of a shorthanded Packers squad? Or will Green Bay’s backups seize their moment and send a message ahead of the playoffs? All eyes in the NFC North will be on U.S. Bank Stadium as these rivals close out the regular season in style.
As the teams take the field, the focus shifts from playoff dreams to building for what’s next. Whether it’s a showcase for young talent or a tune-up for the postseason, Sunday’s clash promises plenty of intrigue for fans of both franchises.