Sam Darnold Guided the Vikings to their Ninth Consecutive Victory Over the Packers

The Minnesota Vikings defeated the Green Bay Packers 27–25 on Sunday afternoon in Minneapolis thanks to a career-high 377 yards from 33 of 43 passes, three touchdowns, and one interception by quarterback Sam Darnold. Justin Jefferson helped Minnesota (14-2) win its eighth straight game with eight receptions for 92 yards. For the Vikings, Cam Akers, Jordan Addison, and Jalen Nailor each had one touchdown reception.

For Green Bay (11–5), Jordan Love completed 19 of 30 throws for 185 yards and one score. The Packers, who suffered their second loss to the Vikings this season, scored a touchdown catch from Malik Heath and rushed for touchdowns from Josh Jacobs and Emanuel Wilson.

The nine-game winning streak is the third-longest in Minnesota’s history. The Vikings are having their most successful run since they won ten games in a row in 1975. In the fourth quarter, Green Bay pulled within two after scoring two consecutive touchdowns. With 6:12 remaining, Wilson scored a 5-yard run to reduce the Packers’ deficit to 27-18. With 2:18 remaining, Love got Green Bay within 27–25.

When Darnold set up the victory formation by throwing a ball to Akers on a first down, he sealed the victory. Brandon McManus’ 22-yard field goal late in the first quarter gave the Packers the lead. In response, Minnesota had a 13-3 lead at the half.

Nailor made a basket catch close to the back of the end zone as he was wide open. Reichard’s field goals from 25 and 50 yards completed the first half’s scoring. On the first drive of the second half, the Vikings extended their lead to 20-3.

Addison scored an 18-yard touchdown after making a diving grab. With 5:07 remaining in the third quarter, Green Bay closed the gap to 20–10 points. Jacobs ran two yards and scored. With 51 seconds left in the third quarter, Darnold’s third touchdown pass—to Akers this time—put the Vikings ahead 27–10.