Predicting Packers’ final five games of regular season 2021

Week 17: Minnesota Vikings

The Minnesota Vikings have fallen apart since their walk-off victory over the Packers a few weeks ago. That was their second consecutive win after defeating the Los Angeles Chargers the week prior. It was a chance for Minnesota to build some momentum and make a strong playoff push.

However, since then, Mike Zimmer’s team lost 34-26 to the San Francisco 49ers then followed it with an unforgivable last-second, 29-27 defeat to the then-winless Detroit Lions. Now sitting at 5-7, the NFC North race is effectively over and the Vikings are staring at a potential playoff-less January.

The Packers weren’t good enough in the previous meeting of these two teams. While they fought back to make it close, they were second best.

The Packers can’t allow Vikings star wide receiver Justin Jefferson to dominate the game like he did in Week 11. It’s possible Packers cornerback Jaire Alexander could return by Week 17. That would certainly make for an interesting matchup.

Matt LaFleur’s only two divisional defeats have come against Minnesota. Home or away, it’s always a tough game against the Vikings. But the Packers are tough to beat at Lambeau Field, especially late in the season. They continue their excellent run with another win in Week 17.

Prediction: Green Bay 27, Minnesota 21 (13-3)