Green Bay Packers 2022 opponent preview: Minnesota Vikings

The Minnesota Vikings have given the Green Bay Packers their toughest challenge in the NFC North in recent years.

Green Bay gets its season underway with a difficult road game at Minnesota.

A new-look Vikings team will be desperate to begin a new era with victory over the Packers.

Last season

It was another disappointing season for the Vikings, who were one of the most inconsistent teams in the NFL. They never won more than two games in a row, but also never lost more than two straight.

Minnesota finished 8-9 and decided to move on from head coach Mike Zimmer and general manager Rick Spielman at the end of the year.

The Vikings had plenty of star power on offense, but their No. 30-ranked defense let them down too often.

When are the games?

Green Bay plays at Minnesota in Week 1 at U.S. Bank Stadium. It will be a 3:25 p.m. CT kickoff on Sunday, Sept. 11.

The Packers host the Vikings at Lambeau Field in Week 17. That game kicks off at 3:25 p.m. CT on Sunday, Jan. 1.

Offseason additions/departures

The Vikings added two former Packers in free agency: edge rusher Za’Darius Smith and cornerback Chandon Sullivan. Minnesota also signed defensive tackle Harrison Phillips and linebacker Jordan Hicks.

They continued to strengthen the defense in the 2022 NFL Draft, selecting safety Lewis Cine in the first round, cornerback Andrew Booth in the second round, and linebacker Brian Asamoah in the third round.

Minnesota will be hoping these additions can help improve its No. 30-ranked defense.

Last meeting with Packers

January 3, 2022: Packers won 37-10 at Lambeau Field

Player to watch

Justin Jefferson: With Davante Adams gone, Jefferson is now the best wide receiver in the NFC North. He gave Green Bay’s defense all sorts of problems last season, particularly in the game at Minnesota, when he caught eight passes for 169 yards and two touchdowns.