It could've been a foreboding sign for the visiting Green Bay Packers, who would soon fall into a deep hole against their rivals for the second time of the 2024 NFL season. It just as well may have been a symbol for how a certain NFC powerhouse has gone largely undetected by the rest of the league.

Sam Darnold completed 33 of 43 passes for a career-best 377 yards to go with three touchdowns and one interception, and the Minnesota Vikings escaped with a 27-25 win over the Green Bay Packers on Sunday afternoon in Minneapolis.

With the playoff field nearly set ahead of a colossal Vikings-Lions finale, three execs see the top of the NFC three different ways.

The Minnesota Vikings got a big lead on the rival Green Bay Packers back in September, going up 28-0 before nearly coughing up the advantage entirely. Three months later, they offered up a sequel for the U.

The Minnesota Vikings (13-2) will aim to continue an eight-game winning streak when they host the Green Bay Packers (11-4) on Sunday, December 29, 2024 at U.S. Bank Stadium. Date: Dec. 29