Packers vs. Vikings: 5 things to watch and a prediction for Week 1

The Green Bay Packers and Minnesota Vikings are set to begin their 2026 NFL season on Sunday at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis. The two teams finished the 2025 season with nine wins each, but took vastly different paths to get there. The Packers, who were 9-3-1, suffered a playoff loss in Chicago, while the Vikings, who were 4-8, ended the regular season on a high note.

Momentum, or lack thereof, will likely be hard to carry over from one year to the next. In this highly competitive and talented NFC North division, every matchup is significant, and both teams will aim to start the season on a high note with a win against their division rivals.

Here are five key things to watch and a prediction for the Week 1 game:

1. The rebuilt offensive line for the Packers vs. the blitz-happy defensive coordinator, Brian Flores. The Packers will rely on new starters Jordan Morgan, Sean Rhyan, and Jacob Monk, as well as returning players Aaron Banks and Zach Bako-Bewele. With Flores' aggressive style, the Packers need to handle blitzes and stunts, keep their quarterback protected, and ensure good communication among the blockers.

2. The Vikings' pass rush will be missing Micah Parsons, and they will have a dual-threat quarterback in Kyler Murray. Jonathan Gannon's defense will need to keep Murray in the pocket and prevent him from scrambling. Edgerrin Cooper could be a game-changer, and the Packers will need to blitz from multiple alignments to counter Murray's dual-threat capabilities.

3. The Packers may opt for a more pass-heavy offense in their Week 1 opener, despite not having Josh Jacobs. The starting quarterbacks Jordan Love and Kyler Murray, along with their top four weapons - Christian Watson, Jayden Reed, Matthew Golden, and Tucker Kraft - can create explosive plays and potentially open up a more pass-heavy attack.

4. The Packers' defense will face a new challenge with several debuts on Sunday, including Zaire Franklin, Javon Hargrave, Brandon Cisse, Chris McClellan, Benjamin St-Juste, and Dani Dennis-Sutton. The Packers will need these rookies to contribute immediately, as the opening game could be a crucial opportunity for them to make their mark.

5. Both teams will have a rookie specialist to watch: Trey Smack for the Packers (kickoff) and Brett Thorson for the Vikings (punting). These rookies will be crucial in deciding the game's outcome, as every point will matter in this highly competitive early-season matchup.

Prediction: In a tough opening game, I predict a close 24-20 victory for the Minnesota Vikings (0-0). The absence of key players like Josh Jacobs and Micah Parsons, along with the new offensive line challenges, make it difficult for the Packers to secure an easy win. However, the Packers' strong running game, capable quarterback, and efficient running game could give them the edge they need to pull off a close victory.