Week 12 brings us a pivotal NFC North matchup between the (4-6)Minnesota Vikings and (6-3-1)Green Bay Packers. The Minnesota Vikings have been struggling under Quarterback J.J. McCarthy. The Packers have been struggling against lesser opponents. Which team will struggle less this week? Minnesota should be the more desperate team based on where they currently sit in the standings, and the Packers need this win for their playoff aspirations. Today we will dive into the key matchups in Minnesota vs Green Bay.
Jordan Love vs Vikings Pass Defense
The first of our key matchups in Minnesota vs Green Bay is Jordan Love vs the Vikings pass defense. Despite all of the drops last week Jordan Love may have played his best game as Quarterback of the Green Bay Packers. For weeks fans and media have been clamoring to let coach Matt LaFleur allow the quarterback to air it out. Love is enjoying his best season as a starting quarterback posting a career high 103.2 passer rating. The Packers have hopes of playoffs and beyond, with that being the case they should rely heavily on Love. The Vikings defense is 7th in the NFL allowing only 190.5 yards per game. Will Jordan Love be able to carry the offense vs the Vikings? He will need to as this is the start of their NFC North tour facing all 3 divisional opponents over the next 3 weeks.
Packers Defense vs J.J. McCarthy
Second of our key matchups in Minnesota vs Green Bay is the Packers defense vs J.J. McCarthy. McCarthy has had a rough go of it as starting quarterback of the Minnesota Vikings thus far. Making things worse is the success of TWO quarterbacks that were on their roster in 2024 – Sam Darnold and Daniel Jones. The sense of frustration from Vikings fans was visible last week, with many calling for McCarthy to be benched. He has compiled 6 Touchdowns and 8 interceptions in only 5 games. It does not get any easier this week for J.J., as he is heading to a tough environment facing a tough defense. The Packers defense is the 6th ranked defense in the NFL by yards allowed, and 5th in total points per game. If McCarthy does not start clicking this week it may be another long week for him and Minnesota fans.
Aaron Jones vs Packers Defense
Last of our key matchups in Minnesota vs Green Bay is former Packers running back Aaron Jones vs the Packers defense. The biggest key to the Packers coming away with a win on Sunday starts with shutting down old friend Aaron Jones. Jones is still a dynamic running back averaging 4.9 yards per carry. If Green Bay can stop Jones, it will force struggling quarterback J.J. McCarthy to throw the ball. Something he has struggled at so far in his career. The Packers rush defense ranks 7th in the NFL with 96.8 rushing yards allowed per game. Priority number 1 should be to attack this Minnesota offense, and that all begins with #33.
Don’t forget to check out last weeks article: Key Matchups in Green Bay @ New York –https://packerstalk.com/2025/11/14/key-matchups-in-green-bay-new-york/
——————Joseph is an avid Packers fan since the age of five who enjoys giving his opinions on his favorite team! The only time success comes before work is in the dictionary - Vince Lombardi. Go Pack Go!
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