Green Bay Packers 2020 opponent preview: Minnesota Vikings
Despite sweeping the Vikings a year ago, both games will be among the toughest challenges on the Packers’ 2020 schedule.
The Green Bay Packers swept the Minnesota Vikings last season, clinching the NFC North title at U.S. Bank Stadium just before Christmas.
The Vikings would still advance to the playoffs, and both teams fell to the San Francisco 49ers in January.
What can we expect from the Vikings in 2020?
Last season
At times, the Vikings looked like Super Bowl contenders. At others, they didn’t look like a playoff team. But it was a successful season for Mike Zimmer’s team who, despite falling just short of winning the NFC North, made an impact as a wild-card team.
Considered huge underdogs against the New Orleans Saints in the wild-card round, the Vikings pulled off a stunning overtime victory, punching their ticket to Levi’s Stadium.
But, like the Packers a week later, the Vikings had no answer for the dominant 49ers, being eliminated in the divisional round.
When are the games?
The Packers will visit U.S. Bank Stadium in Week 1, kicking off at 12:00 p.m. CT on Sunday, Sept. 13. The second game, this one at Lambeau Field, takes place in Week 8. That game is on Sunday, Nov. 1 at 12:00 p.m. CT.
Offseason additions
Packers fans won’t be too thrilled about it, but the Vikings have put together a strong offseason. While they did lose Stefon Diggs, Everson Griffen, and Linval Joseph, they made a number of smart additions.
Minnesota had the luxury of making 15 selections in the draft, including two in the first round. Wide receiver Justin Jefferson could be a star in the NFL, while selecting cornerback Jeff Gladney and tackle Ezra Cleveland were also smart moves. Later on, linebacker Troy Dye could prove to be a great value pick in the fourth round.
Last meeting with Packers
December 23, 2019: Packers won 23-10 at U.S. Bank Stadium
Player to watch
Justin Jefferson: A player many Packers fans were hoping to see be their first choice in the draft, the talented wide receiver out of LSU now replaces Stefon Diggs in Minnesota. Jefferson has star potential and could make an immediate impact.
With both games being played in the first half of the season, it’ll be interesting to see how fast of a start he makes, and also the improvement he makes between the two games.