The Green Bay Packers (9-6-1) and Minnesota Vikings (8-8) will meet in Week 18 of the NFL season on Sunday afternoon. Kickoff from U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis is set for 1:00 p.m. ET. The game will broadcast live on CBS.
The Vikings are 12.5-point favorites over the Packers on the spread (Vikings -12.5), with the over/under set at 37 total points. Minnesota is a -575 favorite to win outright on the moneyline, while Green Bay is +425 to pull off the upset.
Let's get into my preview and Packers vs Vikings predictions and NFL picks for Sunday, January 4.
Packers vs Vikings Prediction, Picks
- Packers vs Vikings pick: Vikings -12.5 (-110)
My Vikings vs. Packers best bet is on Minnesota to cover the spread, with the best price currently available at bet365. However, make sure to find the best odds by checking our live NFL odds page.
Packers vs Vikings Odds for NFL Week 18
| Packers Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+12.5 -110 | 37 -110o / -110u | +425 |
| Vikings Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-12.5 -110 | 37 -110o / -110u | -575 |
Green Bay Packers vs Minnesota Vikings Preview
The Packers are already locked into the 7-seed for the playoffs, so there’s no incentive to risk their starters in a meaningless regular-season finale.
Last year in an identical spot, the Packers rested everyone of consequence. Expect a similar approach this year, with anyone of value kept on the sideline.
Look no further at quarterback with Jordan Love and Malik Willis sidelined while Clayton Tune gets the start. The Packers’ plan will be simple: hand the ball off, avoid injuries, and get out of this game healthy. No game plan, no creativity, just a glorified walkthrough.
Green Bay’s likely offensive lineup will be missing all key weapons—no Josh Jacobs, Christian Watson, Romeo Doubs, Luke Musgrave, or Zach Tom.
Willis has posted ridiculous numbers in limited action (nearly 11 yards per attempt, almost 80% completions), but that was with real receivers on the field. Today, it’ll be practice squad options in the mix — with Tune at QB, Green Bay's ceiling is even lower.
On the other side, the Vikings are motivated to finish strong. Brian Flores’ defense has been one of the league’s best over the last six weeks, and this could be a chance for them to dominate a skeleton crew Packers offense.
Minnesota won’t need to do anything fancy on offense — if the Vikings can score 13 points, that may be enough to cover this number, and there’s a real chance the defense gets on the scoreboard themselves.
The Packers’ defensive injuries are just as concerning.
Since losing Devonte Wyatt and Micah Parsons, Green Bay ranks 26th in both EPA per play and success rate. With even more key defenders likely sitting out to avoid injuries, the Vikings should be able to run the ball and control the line of scrimmage.
Packers head coach Matt LaFleur is a great schemer, but he’s not spending any time crafting a plan for this game — his focus is on next week. This is a true practice squad game for the Packers on both sides of the ball.
Packers vs Vikings Betting Predictions, Analysis
With motivation, health, and matchup all on their side, the Vikings should cruise in this game.
The Packers have nothing to play for and will do everything possible to avoid injury.
Clayton Tune will be working with a depleted roster and a vanilla playbook.
Minnesota’s defense should dominate, and the offense only needs a competent showing to cover this number.
Packers vs Vikings Best Bet
- Vikings -12.5 (-110)
Packers vs Vikings Betting Trends
For the latest on NFL injuries, be sure to check out our NFL Injury Report page.
