Week 1 delivers an immediate NFC North test as the Green Bay Packers travel to Minnesota for a matchup that could set the tone for the division race.
The Vikings are turning the page at quarterback, with Kyler Murray taking over as the starter in Kevin O'Connell's offense. After an uneven 2025 campaign, O'Connell is hoping Murray's mobility, arm talent and playmaking can inject new life into a unit that struggled to find consistency following Sam Darnold's departure. Murray will have one of the NFL's ultimate difference-makers at his disposal in Justin Jefferson.
The All-Pro receiver paired with Murray's ability to extend plays could create plenty of problems for Green Bay's defense. The Vikings believe that combination can help push an offense
that needs to rediscover its identity.
The Packers enter with their own questions.
Starting running back Josh Jacobs will miss the opener, putting additional pressure on Jordan Love and a talented receiving corps to carry the offense. Christian Watson, Jayden Reed, Matthew Golden and tight end Tucker Kraft give Love plenty of options in the passing game, even without Jacobs in the backfield. Both teams are looking to establish themselves in a crowded NFC North.
For Minnesota, it is a chance to unveil a new-look offense. For Green Bay, it is an opportunity for Love and his playmakers.
Packers at Vikings live odds
Opening Lines
- Spread: Packers -2.5
- Moneyline: Packers -142; Vikings +120
- Over/Under: 46.5
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Packers at Vikings picks against the spread
Adam Kaufman: Vikings -1.5
This play is less about my confidence in Kyler Murray's Vikings debut and more of a fade of the Packers.
Green Bay absolutely fell apart late last season, failing to win even a single game after Micah Parsons went down, and he still isn't back from his knee injury. Couple that with a talented Packers offense that has a completely inexperienced backfield with Josh Jacobs out, and both sides of the football face legitimate questions for the Packers.
Tom Viera: Vikings -1.5
The Packers face significant questions about their running game and pass rush, including Micah Parsons' absence. Minnesota's defense will blitz Jordan Love into mistakes as Green Bay relies heavily on the pass without Josh Jacobs. Kyler Murray gets his first win in his Vikings debut.
Richard Morin: Packers +1.5
No Micah Parsons, no problem for Green Bay in Week 1. I don't foresee a fairy tale Vikings debut for Kyler Murray.
Where to watch Packers at Vikings
- Matchup: Vikings vs. Packers
- Date: Sept. 13
- Time: 4:25 p.m. ET
- Venue: U.S. Bank Stadium
- Location: Minneapolis, Minnesota
- TV: CBS
NFL Week 1 picks, predictions, odds
- Seahawks vs Patriots
- Rams vs 49ers
- Lions vs Saints
- Bengals vs Buccaneers
- Titans vs Jets
- Colts vs Ravens
- Jaguars vs Browns
- Texans vs Bills
- Steelers vs Falcons
- Panthers vs Bears
- Raiders vs Dolphins
- Vikings vs Packers
- Eagles vs Commanders
- Chargers vs Cardinals
- Giants vs Cowboys
- Chiefs vs Broncos
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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Vikings vs Packers predictions, picks, odds for NFL Week 1 game
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