The Green Bay Packers kick off the season in Minnesota, a matchup that promises plenty of intensity. Although the Packers went 4-2 in NFC North games last season, they have not consistently handled divisional business in recent years. The Vikings will likely trot out a new starting quarterback in Kyler Murray. Green Bay is favored by just 1.5 points. It should be a close one.
Taking down a divisional opponent to start the season 1-0 is a statement opportunity for the Packers. It's also a revenge spot for defensive tackle Javon Hargrave, whom the Vikings released in March. Green Bay scooped him up on a team-friendly two-year deal.
Visiting his old team, at U.S. Bank Stadium no less, is a chance for Hargrave to show Minnesotans he still has plenty in the tank.
Minnesota matchup could grant Javon Hargrave immediate revenge
Hargrave, a.k.a. the Gravedigger, will begin his 11th season at 33 years of age, coming off a down year in 2025 and an injury-derailed 2024 season. Despite his seeming decline, he was linked to the Packers almost immediately upon his release. Back in Philadelphia, Hargrave enjoyed career years under defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon. Now Hargrave and Gannon are reunited in Green Bay.
Financial concerns supplied a substantial move in Minnesota's decision to cut Hargrave with a year remaining on his contract. It was a Vikings offseason dictated by cap considerations. The team also cut defensive tackle Jonathan Allen and restructured the contract of ex-Packers running back Aaron Jones, preventing his own release.
For Hargrave, Week 1 is an opportunity to prove he is worth every penny of his Packers contract. He should have his chances. If Micah Parsons indeed misses the first four games, Green Bay's pass rush will rely on interior pressure from Hargrave and Devonte Wyatt. He should start rehearsing his sack dance now.
Gannon and the Packers will look for Hargrave to return closer to his Philadelphia form, extending to his healthy 49ers season in 2023. Hargrave racked up 25.5 sacks from 2021-23, accounting for his two career Pro Bowl berths. In 2025 with the Vikings, his statistical production dropped markedly: 3.5 sacks and, in a healthy season, a career-low in pressures tied with his rookie year, per Pro Football Reference.
Green Bay believes Gannon and his staff can get more out of him. Hargrave will be eager to show Minnesota as much. Every Packers player will want to start the season strong, and perhaps none more so than Hargrave. He's still got a lot of quarterback graves to dig, starting with Murray's Week 1 versus the Vikings.
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