The Green Bay Packers led 22-10 in the third quarter of Sunday's season opener in Minneapolis, but Matt LaFleur's team gave up 29 unanswered points during another second half meltdown and lost 39-22 at U.S. Bank Stadium in Week 1 of the 2026 season. Green Bay has now lost six straight games and hasn't won since early December of last year.
Instant analysis of the Packers' meltdown loss to the Vikings to open 2026:
Final score: Vikings 39, Packers 22
It was over when...
Jordan Love was intercepted on a pressured, deflected ball after the Packers fell behind 32-22, and the Vikings extended the lead to three scores just three plays later.
Game balls
- WR Christian Watson: He caught five passes for 131 yards and two scores in the first half and finished with six for 147. His 81-yard touchdown gave the Packers a 9-0 lead early, and his second score put the Packers up 19-10 late in the first half.
- CB Keisean Nixon: The embattled corner had two tackles for loss, an interception on the game's second play and a half sack.
- WR Bo Melton: He set up a score with a 59-yard kickoff return, and he downed a punt inside the 10-yard line in the first half.
Key stat
Take your pick: Somehow, the Vikings scored 39 points despite gaining only 3.9 yards per play. The Packers outgained the Vikings 419 to 239. LaFleur's team had 12 penalties
to Minnesota's three. The Vikings were 4-for-4 in the red zone while the Packers finished 1-for-4. Minnesota converted two takeaways into 14 points, Green Bay got three points off one. The Packers were 3-for-14 on third or fourth down. Jordan Love was pressured on 25 of 46 dropbacks (per PFF) and took 15 hits.
Highlight
Christian Watson 81-yard catch-and-run!
— NFL (@NFL) September 13, 2026
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A dazzling start for Christian Watson, who raced 81 yards for a touchdown. It was the longest play of Watson's career and the longest completion of Jordan Love's career.
Jordan Love watch
Love was often excellent against the blitz, especially in the first half, and on numerous occasions he hung in the pocket under pressure and delivered throws downfield while being hit. But Brian Flores eventually overwhelmed the offensive line and took control. Under constant duress, Love ended up taking four sacks and turning the ball over twice in the second half. He finished with 21 completions for 387 yards, highlighting the explosive nature of the passing game, but the big moments dried up once the momentum turned. His failed quarterback sneak was a turning point moment. And his turnovers late resulted in 14 points. In many ways, this was somewhat of a heroic performance by the quarterback given the performance of his blockers. But it wasn't enough.
Injury updates
Tight end Josh Whyle left with a stinger but eventually returned. Receiver Bo Melton and cornerback Brandon Cisse both exited with cramping issues.
What's next
The Packers will need to lick their festering wounds and get ready to go back on the road to play the 1-0 New York Jets, who mostly dominated the Tennessee Titans on the road to open the season. It's a noon kickoff from MetLife Stadium next Sunday.
This article originally appeared on Packers Wire: Instant analysis of Packers' meltdown Week 1 loss to Vikings
