The Minnesota Vikings(3-0) travel to Lambeau Field on Sunday to face the Green Bay Packers(2-1) at 12 PM CT. Coming into the season, this early season tilt between division rivals favored the Packers. That has now shifted with the way both teams have looked to begin the season. The Vikings and quarterback Sam Darnold have been the shock of the season so far. Darnold and the Vikings’ defense have both played exceptionally.
Conversely, the Packers have looked good despite losing Jordan Lovr to an MCL sprain in Week 1. Head Coach Matt LaFleur has been able to put together game plans to maximize backup quarterback Malik Willis in Loves’ Absence. Love, however, is on track to play against the Vikings on Sunday. With this in mind, here are some key matchups to watch in Vikings @ Packers.
Three key Matchups to Watch in Vikings @ Packers
1. Justin Jefferson Vs. Jaire Alexander
The Justin Jefferson Vs. Jaire Alexander matchup is always a fun one to watch. In Jefferson’s seven games against the Packers, the Vikings are 3-4. While Jefferson certainly isn’t the only reason for a Vikings’ win or loss against the Packers, a good day from him increases the chances of victory.
Jefferson has gained over 100 receiving yards against the Packers twice in his career, and both times ended in Vikings wins. The first time was in Week 11 of the 2021 season when he had eight cathes for ten targets for 169 yards and two touchdowns. That game Alexander missed due to injury. Jefferson’s next big game against the Packers will be with Alexander being fully healthy. In Week 1 of the 2022 season, Jefferson had nine catches on 11 targets for 184 yards and two touchdowns against Alexander and the Packers defense.
It is important to note that the Packers were playing zone defense during that game, meaning that Jefferson wasn’t always Alexander’s responsibility. After that performance, though, the Packers have maned up Alexander to Jefferson with a safety over the top the past two times he’s played against them. In Week 17 of the 20222 season, Jefferson had one catch on five targets for 15 yards. Then, in Week 17 of the 2023 season, Jefferson had five catches on ten targets for 59 yards. The result of Jesfferon being shut down in those two games was the Packer’s victory.
It will be interesting to see how the new Packers defensive coordinator, Jeff Hafley, deploys this Packers defense against Jefferson. If Hafley continues to cover Jefferson in man-to-man with Alexander and a safety, the Packers might just shut him down again on Sunday.
2. Jayden Reed vs Vikings defense
The Packers don’t necessarily have a No. 1 receiver that demands targets. But second-year receiver Jayden Reed seems to be the player the Packers like the most right now. Throughout the first three weeks, Reed has been the player who plays are being designed for. Entering this week, Reed has ten catches on 14 targets for 197 receiving yards and a touchdown. He also has five rushes for 89 yards and a touchdown.
In Reed’s touches this season, he has continued to show his speed and reliable hands. These aspects of Reed’s game make him an important piece for the Packers to get going against the Vikings.
Last season, in two games against the Vikings, Reed had ten catches on 14 targets for 172 yards and two touchdowns. Although those aren’t earth-shattering stats, the Vikings cornerbacks are significantly older than they were last season, which will impact how Reed is defended.
Another aspect that will affect Reed’s production in this game is who the Packers decide to start at quarterback. As mentioned above, Love is on track to start, which would give Reed a better day through the air than If Malik Willis starts. However, there is always a chance that Love isn’t good to go, and Willis starts. If that happens, the Vikings’ defensive chances of slowing down Reed increase because he won’t see as many downfield passes.
3. Aaron Jones vs Packers rush defense
While the other two matchups mentioned will be fun to watch, this one is probably the most personal. Jones, the former Packer, was drafted by the team in 2017 and played seven seasons for them. In those seven years, Jones accumulated 5,490 rushing yards, 45 rushing touchdowns, 2,076 receiving yards, and 18 receiving touchdowns for the Packers.
This past offseason, though, the team decided to cut Jones because they feared a decline in production this year due to his age. That feared decline hadn’t happened, though. Through his three games with the Vikings, Jones has 42 carries for 228 rushing yards and one rushing touchdown. As well as 12 catches for 97 yards and one touchdown.
While Jones doesn’t hold any ill will towards the city of Green Bay after his departure, he will be motivated to play well against the Packers in Lambeau. Jones will be going up against a decent Packers run defense, though. Through the first three games, the Packers have allowed 317 rushing yards, making them the 10th-best run defense.
While allowing 317 yards in three games isn’t great for the Packers’ defense, it’s better than they have been in recent years. In 2022 and 2023, the Packers had a bottom-ten running defense, so anything is an improvement. With that being said, the Indianapolis Colts and Philadelphia Eagles both rushed for over 100 yards on the Packers’ defense.
Although Jones is older, he is a similar caliber of running back to Johnathan Taylor and Saqoun Barkley. That could spell disaster for the Packers’ run defense on Sunday, which is exactly what Jones and the Vikings want.
Main Image: Brad Rempel – USA Today Sports
