The Green Bay Packers have owned the NFC North for more than half a decade, winning the division title each of the past five seasons. During that time, they have faced challenges from the Detroit Lions, Chicago Bears and Minnesota Vikings, but none have managed to knock them off their perch. That could easily change this year, however, as Green Bay has endured its longest period of struggle with Aaron Rodgers under center.
Vikings vs. Packers 2016 live stream: Start time, TV schedule and how to watch online
The NFC North title comes down to the season’s final game.
The NFC North crown will be decided in the final regular season game of the year when the Packers host the Vikings on Sunday Night Football, which can be streamed live on NBC Sports.
After starting the season with six consecutive wins, Green Bay has dropped five of its last nine. The worst loss came a week ago, when the Arizona Cardinals carved up the Packers’ defense for 38 points while holding the offense to just a touchdown.
That game exemplified the team’s struggles during the second half of the season. Rodgers and his receivers remain out of sync, especially on deep passes. Meanwhile, the running game has sputtered out due to poor ball security and a battered offensive line. Every member of the line has appeared on the injury report for stretches this season, and only Josh Sitton has managed to suit up for every game. Even if the five preferred starters can play Sunday night, both tackles must battle through significant lower body injuries, as will center Corey Linsley.
The Vikings have dealt with significant injuries as well. Superstar running back Adrian Peterson left the game early two weeks ago against the Bears, but bounced back in Week 16 for one of his best performances with 104 yards and a touchdown. On the other side of the ball, field-tilting linebacker Anthony Barr and rangy safety Harrison Smith have missed time, though both also returned last week. Regardless of which players have sat out, the Vikings have only lost three times since their Week 5 bye, each of which came against a playoff-bound team.
For Minnesota to end the Packers’ run of NFC North titles, they need to get constant pressure on Rodgers. Even if Green Bay plays without its full starting offensive line, Rodgers can use his legs to escape the pass rush and make plays outside the pocket. Defensive end Everson Griffen has enjoyed plenty of success in these matchups, but may need to play without a completely healthy Linval Joseph to take pressure off him. Joseph missed three consecutive games before returning last week against the New York Giants, though he doesn’t appear to have fully recovered from his foot injury.
On offense, the Vikings need a turnover-free game from Teddy Bridgewater. The second-year quarterback has avoided interceptions over his last three games, and the team has gone 2-1 during that span as a result.
Both the Vikings and Packers enter the week with a 10-5 record. Green Bay won the first showdown between the teams, but Minnesota owns the better division record.
How to watch
When: 8:30 p.m. ET
Where: Lambeau Field, Green Bay
TV: NBC
Commentators: Al Michaels, Cris Collinsworth, Michele Tafoya
Online: NBC Sports Live
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