It’s no secret that every game played in the NFC North is a rivalry game. But over the last couple of decades, the rivalry between the Green Bay Packers and Minnesota Vikings has been the most important in the division. More times than not, there is a lot on the line when these two teams meet, which has led to some compelling and memorable games. In turn, that has cranked up the intensity in the rivalry even more, which made it a challenge picking out the greatest moments in the history of the rivalry between the Vikings and Packers.
Vikings 31, Packers 17 (2004 Wild Card Round)
It took until the 2004 season for the Vikings and Packers to meet in the playoffs, but when they did, it was a memorable occasion. Brett Favre threw four interceptions in the game while Daunte Culpepper threw four touchdowns for the Vikings.
However, the Packers only trailed by a touchdown in the fourth quarter until Randy Moss scored a touchdown to put the game out of reach. He then proceeded to fake a mooning action toward the Lambeau Field crowd. It wasn’t exactly classy, but it’s a moment that fans from both teams will never forget.
Vikings 20, Packers 13 (2015)
In Week 17 of the 2015 season, the Vikings and Packers met at Lambeau Field with the NFC North title on the line. It was a close 6-3 game at halftime.
But an Adrian Peterson touchdown and a fumble returned to the end zone by Captain Munnerlyn gave Minnesota a 20-3 lead. Aaron Rodgers led a comeback effort in the fourth quarter, but it fell short, allowing the Vikings to capture the division crown in Green Bay.
Packers 26, Vikings 20 (2000)
This is one Monday night game that anybody watching will never forget. All game, Minnesota would take a lead, only for the Packers to answer. Green Bay never led during regulation but pushed the game into overtime after a scoreless fourth quarter.
In overtime, Antonio Freeman made a juggling catch before running into the end zone while the Minnesota cornerback celebrated what he thought was an incomplete pass. It was an improbable ending but gave the Packers one of the most memorable wins in the history of this rivalry.
Vikings 30, Packers 23 (2009)
This was another Monday night affair that earned huge ratings with Brett Favre’s facing the Packers as a member of the Vikings for the first time. While Favre’s successor Aaron Rodgers threw for more yards, it was Favre’s Vikings who had the last laugh with the veteran throwing three touchdown passes.
After getting sacked in the end zone for a safety, Rodgers rallied Green Bay late, only for the comeback to be too little and too late with Minnesota holding serve at home.
Vikings 37, Packers 34 (2012)
The most memorable game in this rivalry is actually two games. The Vikings and Packers met in Week 17 of the 2012 season with Green Bay needing a win to secure a bye. But the Vikings jumped out to a 13-0 lead at home, forcing the Packers to play catch-up all game. Ultimately, Green Bay tied the game 34-34 late in the fourth quarter with Aaron Rodgers throwing four touchdown passes.
But there was enough time left on the clock for the Vikings to drive down the field and get a game-winning field goal on the final play. With the win, the Vikings sneaked into the playoffs while dropping Green Bay to the no. 3 seed. Of course, that set up a rematch in the Wild Card Round the following week. The Packers turned the table and won 24-10 in the second-ever playoff meeting in this rivalry.