There's no room for a slow start. Forget the heartbreak of last January. Forget the injuries and players missing. The Green Bay Packers need to be ready as they visit the Minnesota Vikings in Week 1.
The long wait is finally over, and we'll see the first big chapter of a fascinating NFC North battle at U.S. Bank Stadium on Sunday. All four teams can make a compelling case for why they'll end the season on top of the division. Minnesota rallied to win nine games last year despite all the quarterback drama. Now, Kyler Murray offers them hope.
The Packers have a pretty good quarterback of their own, though, and they'll need him at his best to pick up a crucial divisional victory.
Here's everything you need to know ahead of the matchup: How to watch, the latest injury updates, the top storylines, and a prediction.
- How to watch Packers vs. Vikings in Week 1
- Packers vs. Vikings injury updates in Week 1
- Storylines to watch for Packers in Week 1
- Prediction
How to watch Packers vs. Vikings in Week 1
- Date: Sunday, September 13
- Time: 3:25 p.m. CT
- TV Network: CBS
- Announcers: Jim Nantz, J.J. Watt, Tracy Wolfson
Packers vs. Vikings injury updates in Week 1
Packers
Player | Injury | Status |
|---|---|---|
Zach Bako-Bewele, OL | Knee | Questionable |
Aaron Banks, OL | Knee | Questionable |
Warren Brinson, DL | Calf | Out |
Ty'Ron Hopper, LB | Achilles | Questionable |
The Packers face big questions along the offensive line. The good news is that left tackle Jordan Morgan, who was listed on the injury report earlier this week due to a knee issue, logged two full practices and is good to go.
There's more uncertainty with star right tackle Zach Bako-Bewele and left guard Aaron Banks, who are both officially questionable for the game due to knee injuries. They both practiced all week, albeit in a limited fashion, which bodes well.
If Bako-Bewele can't play, expect Anthony Belton to step in at right tackle. If Banks is out, it'll likely be fifth-round rookie Jager Burton making his first NFL start at left guard.
Vikings
The Vikings are at 100 percent, with zero players questionable or ruled out for this game. Only safety Jacob Thomas (ankle), safety Jakobe Thomas (illness), and tackle Caleb Tiernan (ankle) were on the injury report for Week 1, and they all practiced in full on Friday and are good to go.
Storylines to watch for Packers in Week 1
Can the Packers' offensive line hold up against the Vikings' pass rush?
Green Bay could be without starting left guard Aaron Banks and right tackle Zach Bako-Bewele. Even if they play, how close to 100 percent are they? The Packers will need their starting five to navigate the various disguises and blitzes they'll contend with.
Brian Flores is one of the best defensive play-callers in the game and has given the Packers plenty of issues over the years. The pass-rushing trio of Dallas Turner, Andrew Van Ginkel, and Jalen Redmond will provide a tough matchup.
How the Packers' offensive line holds up will go a long way toward determining the winner.
Can Jonathan Gannon get one over on Kyler Murray?
Jonathan Gannon and Kyler Murray were together in Arizona last fall, but they are direct rivals in Week 1. Gannon replaces Jeff Hafley as Green Bay's new defensive coordinator, while Murray takes the QB1 reins in Minnesota.
There will be plenty of familiarity, which works both ways. Gannon knows Murray's strengths and weaknesses, but similarly, Murray will have gone against Gannon's defense in practice. Who gets the upper hand here?
Speaking of revenge narratives, Gannon reunites with defensive tackle Javon Hargrave, who will make his Packers debut on Sunday. Hargrave enjoyed the best period of his career under Gannon in Philadelphia, and he'll hope to make a fast start against his former team.
Who leads the Packers' backfield without Josh Jacobs?
Josh Jacobs won't play on Sunday. He remains on the commissioner's exempt list.
That leaves Green Bay with MarShawn Lloyd as the potential starter, who is finally healthy after two injury-hit seasons. He is joined by Kaleb Johnson, a third-round pick by the Pittsburgh Steelers only a year ago. The Steelers traded him to the Packers for a 2028 sixth-round pick on roster cutdown day.
Johnson struggled with the Steelers last season, averaging only 2.5 yards per carry, but he could be a better fit for Matt LaFleur's system.
Don't forget about veteran Chris Brooks, who could see an increase in snaps against this fierce Flores defense. Brooks is the Packers' best blocker at the position, so it would make sense to get him on the field.
How will LaFleur distribute the snaps at running back?
Can the Packers' pass rush hold up without Micah Parsons?
Micah Parsons begins the regular season on the PUP list, which means he must miss a minimum of four games. In the meantime, it'll take a collective effort from Green Bay's pass rush.
That not only requires Lukas Van Ness to lead the way and live up to his first-round expectations, Barryn Sorrell to make a second-year jump, and rookie Dani Dennis-Sutton to contribute when needed, but also the interior linemen. Javon Hargrave gets a shot at his former team, while Devonte Wyatt will look to pick up where he left off before suffering a season-ending ankle injury in 2025.
Green Bay lost every game without Parsons last year. It'll need a collective effort up front to survive without him early this season.
Prediction
Packers 20, Vikings 23
As much as I'd love to see Green Bay end a poor run of form at U.S. Bank Stadium, I'm expecting them to lose a close battle. There are real concerns with the offensive line, especially with Bako-Bewele and Banks below 100 percent. Flores' defense is a horrible matchup any time of year, but he'll have some exotic pressures ready for the Packers.
It could be tough to move the ball on the ground, especially without Josh Jacobs. Perhaps that's a good thing, as it'll force Matt LaFleur to Let Jordan Love Cook.
The Packers will need Love at his best, and that's why it should be close.
Green Bay's defense can give Minnesota its share of problems, but slowing down Justin Jefferson? That's an issue. Preventing Kyler Murray from escaping the pocket and making plays on the ground? With no Parsons, that won't be easy.
It'll be a close game, but I hope my prediction doesn't come true.
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