Packers vs. Vikings Final Score Predictions: J.J. McCarthy’s final opportunity to impress while Green Bay prepares for playoffs

This rendition of Vikings vs. Packers doesn’t have any stakes other than pride, and that might be all J.J. McCarthy needs.

Kole Noble, Mike Payton, Tyler Forness, Wendell Ferreira
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Nov 23, 2025; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) throws the ball against the Green Bay Packers during the second half at Lambeau Field.
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Sunday’s matchup between the Green Bay Packers and Minnesota Vikings won’t have anything of consequence to play for other than pride, but that might be all they need.

A win will give the Vikings a winning season for the third time in four seasons, with their only losing season being in 2023 when head coach Kevin O’Connell had to start four quarterbacks during the season. On the other sideline, the Packers are locked into the seventh seed, and Jordan Love just cleared concussion protocol. Even so, they will be starting Clayton Tune over Love and Malik Willis, along with resting multiple players.

Who do our NFC North writers believe will get the win? The answers may surprise you.

Vikings 31, Packers 13

We always want this classic rivalry game to mean something when they meet. This is the first time they are meeting in the final game of the regular season since 2015, when the Vikings won the NFC North 20-13 at Lambeau Field. This Sunday’s game doesn’t have any stakes, but the Vikings are going to play as they do.

J.J. McCarthy is likely to get the start after practicing in full on Thursday with a broken throwing hand. The Vikings need more information with McCarthy having just nine starts in two seasons, and it won’t be a great team he faces, as the Packers’ defense without Micah Parsons ranks as poor as the Washington Commanders and Dallas Cowboys. This could get ugly quickly with how efficient and explosive the offense has been with McCarthy recently against those poor defenses.

– Tyler Forness, A to Z Minnesota

Vikings 21, Packers 17

Both teams have nothing to play for, but the Vikings at least will play all their healthy guys. The Packers are expected to sit key players — even if some end up active for gameday just because of a numbers consideration.

Even after clearing concussion protocol, Jordan Love will most likely rest, and the quarterback question will still be on the table. If Malik Willis plays, the Packers have a more realistic shot at winning, but with practice-squad player Clayton Tune under center, things have the potential to get ugly against a Brian Flores defense. Overall, the Packers are clearly a better team — even without players like Micah Parsons and Tucker Kraft. But with impactful starters out, and without motivation for this specific game, it’s hard to expect much.

– Wendell Ferreira, A to Z Green Bay

Vikings 17, Packers 13

This is quite possibly the worst game of the Week 18 slate with the Packers sitting the majority of their starters and giving the start to Clayton Tune at quarterback against either J.J. McCarthy or Max Brosmer. That being said, I see this being a very low-scoring affair with multiple takeaways on both sides.

I’ll give Minnesota the edge due to having a stronger defense and the fact that this team cares more about winning this one to end the season on a high note.

– Kole Noble, A to Z Chicago

Vikings 16, Packers 13

It would appear that the Packers’ plan is to just throw this one and get as healthy as possible for the playoffs. Clayton Tune is not going to come in and have a Matt Flynn moment. Not on this Vikings defense that is still very good. It’s as ugly as the Christmas Day game, but the results are the same.

– Mike Payton, A to Z Detroit

Final Prediction for Packers vs. Vikings

Our entire NFC North crew has the Vikings getting the win, with three of the four believing the game stays close. If there was something to play for, the edge would probably go to the Packers 4-0.

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