It’s finally time for Vikings football.
The rival Packers are in town for a huge NFC North showdown to kick off the 2022 season at U.S. Bank Stadium. The two teams have split the series in each of the past two seasons, and the Vikings have actually won two in a row against Green Bay with Kirk Cousins at quarterback. That includes a 34-31 victory last Week 11 in Minneapolis.
Aaron Rodgers is the two-time defending NFL MVP, but he’ll be without his top two wide receivers from last season in Davante Adams (traded this offseason) and Allen Lazard (injured). He’ll also be playing behind an offensive line missing both of its starting tackles. The full inactive lists can be found here.
This is the first game as a head coach for Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell, who replaced Mike Zimmer this offseason. After Minnesota held out most of its starters during the preseason, we should learn a lot about O’Connell’s team this afternoon.
It’s a revenge game for Vikings defensive starters Za’Darius Smith and Chandon Sullivan, both of whom signed with the Vikings in free agency after playing for the Packers. Smith and Danielle Hunter will be looking to get after Rodgers in their matchups against backup tackles.
Here’s some preview content to get you ready for the game:
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Follow along below with live updates from the stadium, and follow me on Twitter for additional updates, analysis, and highlights.
Live Updates
Second Quarter
Vikings 10, Packers 0
3:54 — The Vikings add a field goal to extend their lead. Cousins hit Justin Jefferson for 64 yards earlier in the drive, but Jefferson couldn’t quite get his second foot down in the end zone on third down. He has 4 catches for 111 yards and a touchdown already.
7:58 — A long Packers drive ends at the goal line with A.J. Dillon getting stuffed on fourth and goal. The Vikings get the ball back and keep the Packers off the scoreboard.
First Quarter
1:52 — Za’Darius Smith gets his revenge. He just sacked Aaron Rodgers on third down for his first sack as a Viking.
5:27 — After the Vikings’ opening drive touchdown, each team has punted. Packers rookie WR Christian Watson dropped a would-be 75-yard touchdown on Green Bay’s first offensive play. Kirk Cousins was sacked by Rashan Gary to end the Vikings’ second possession.
Vikings 7, Packers 0
9:17 — The first offensive possession of the Kevin O’Connell era couldn’t have gone much better. Kirk Cousins went 7/8 for 73 yards and a TD, with three of those completions — including the touchdown — going to Justin Jefferson. The TD came on 4th and 1 from the 5.