The Green Bay Packers host their NFC North rival, the Minnesota Vikings, this Sunday at the storied Lambeau Field. It’s an early-season clash that has both fan bases buzzing, as the top spot in the division is up for grabs.
These two teams split their games last year, and with the stakes high, anything could happen. Lucky for you, we’re dusting off the crystal ball to make four bold predictions for the Packers’ Week 4 showdown against the Vikings.
1. Packers Intercept Two Passes
After only notching seven interceptions last season, tying the franchise record for fewest picks, the Packers have already matched that total through three games this year, thanks in large part to Xavier McKinney’s ball-hawking brilliance. McKinney has racked up three interceptions so far, and Green Bay’s secondary is thriving under new defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley.
That momentum will carry into Week 4 against the Vikings, where the Packers’ defense will feast on Sam Darnold’s inevitable mistakes.
Sure, Darnold has played above expectations through the first three weeks, leading the NFL in touchdown passes with eight. But his two interceptions and career pick rate of 3.1 percent are red flags. Darnold has always had a knack for throwing the ball to the wrong team, and Green Bay’s opportunistic defense will capitalize on that.
In a classic Cinderella moment, the clock will strike midnight for Darnold, turning his early-season hot streak into a pumpkin (or two) of interceptions. The Packers’ secondary will remind everyone why the real Sam Darnold is never too far from a turnover-prone performance.
2. Jordan Love Throws for 250+ Yards
When the Packers take the field on Sunday, Jordan Love will remind everyone why the Packers made him tied for the highest-paid player in NFL history with that massive contract extension. He’s missed the last two games after a scary MCL injury at the end of Green Bay’s Week 1 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, but now, Love is set to return—and he’s primed to make a statement.
Green Bay bought him an extra week to recover by holding him out against the Tennessee Titans in Week 3. That cautious decision will pay dividends in Week 4, as Love will show that his injury is behind him. While Malik Willis did an admirable job filling in, the Packers’ offense has always belonged to Love, and it’s his time to shine against a vulnerable Vikings defense.
The Vikings, ranked 26th in the NFL in passing yards allowed, have struggled in coverage through their first three games. Despite defensive coordinator Brian Flores’ best efforts to disguise coverages and throw confusing looks at opposing quarterbacks, Love should have no trouble picking apart a secondary that has outperformed expectations so far this season. He’ll benefit from having a full complement of receivers like Christian Watson, Romeo Doubs, and Jayden Reed, all ready to exploit the Vikings’ defensive backfield.
Love will spread the ball around and put up big numbers, throwing for over 250 yards and reminding Packers fans why he’s the present and future of this franchise. It’s a perfect opportunity for Love to assert himself and take charge of the offense, as Green Bay eyes a crucial division win over their NFC North rivals.
3. Aaron Jones Runs Wild
It’s going to be a strange sight for Packers fans to watch Aaron Jones donning the purple and gold of the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday. For years, Jones was a beloved figure in Green Bay—a former fifth-round pick who defied the odds and turned himself into a star. Fans adored watching his rise from an under-the-radar prospect to one of the NFL’s most dynamic runners.
Now, that same fan base will have to watch him tear up the field—for a division rival.
Jones has hit the ground running in Minnesota, racking up 228 yards on 42 carries (an impressive 5.4 yards per carry) and one touchdown in the early part of the season. He’s also contributed 12 receptions for 93 yards and a receiving touchdown. His ability to hurt defenses both on the ground and through the air remains a nightmare for any opposing team, and the Packers are next in his crosshairs.
Sunday’s game at Lambeau will be especially personal for Jones, who has extra motivation after being cut by Green Bay this offseason. The Packers, feeling they couldn’t justify his salary, made the tough decision to move on. That decision seems even tougher now as Jones has proven he’s still got plenty left in the tank, and you can bet he’ll be fired up to show his former team exactly what they’re missing.
Green Bay’s run defense, which has already been gashed by Jonathan Taylor and Saquon Barkley this season, ranks ninth-worst in rushing yards per attempt allowed. Jones will be licking his chops, ready to continue his early-season success. Don’t be surprised if he goes off, reminding Packers fans of what they lost.