“Call of Duty” aficionado and new Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kyler Murray is hoping to respawn his NFL career when he debuts versus the Green Bay Packers in Week 1.
Murray and the Vikings opened as big as 2.5-point home underdogs when look-ahead spreads hit the board in the spring.
But with Green Bay missing two big pieces of its cheesy puzzle – RB Josh Jacobs and edge Micah Parsons – that spread hopped the fence to Minnesota -1.5.
My Packers vs. Vikings predictions measure the markets for this NFC North matchup, giving you my best NFL picks for Sept. 13.
TOP PICK
Packers vs Vikings prediction: Minnesota outright
I’m taking the Minnesota Vikings to win outright at 53% and I’d lay anything south of 60%, as to avoid that tricky half-point hook on the spread.
The Green Bay Packers have Swiss cheese holes on offense entering Week 1. Running back Josh Jacobs is suspended and the offensive line is under construction, rating out among the worst protections to start 2026.
If the Cheeseheads can’t get going on the ground, quarterback Jordan Love finds himself in bad spots. Not only does Green Bay’s playbook get one-dimensional but long third downs play into the jaws of the Minnesota defense.
Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores and his chaos-causing pressure have kept Minnesota competitive – regardless of its QB – the past two seasons. It does it again in Week 1.
COVERS INTEL: The Vikings were No. 1 in pass rush win rate at ESPN last season and test a Packers offensive line that runs the risk of missing two starters: G Aaron Banks and T Zach Bako-Bewele. Both blockers are not 100%.
Packers vs Vikings combo
The Vikings defense goes for the throat against a Green Bay offensive line limping into Week 1. On top of that, the Cheeseheads are down their top running back and the Packers defense is a different animal when Micah Parsons is sidelined.
On the other side of the ball, Minnesota’s offense shines on the fast track inside U.S. Bank Stadium. Kyler Murray connects with Justin Jefferson for a touchdown and his ability to play outside the pocket gives Kevin O’Connell’s red-zone playbook a shot in the arm. I like Murray for 2+ touchdown passes for his debut in purple.
Packers vs Vikings combo
- Vikings outright
- Justin Jefferson – Yes 1+ touchdown
- Kyler Murray – Yes 2+ touchdown passes
Packers vs Vikings touchdown scorer: Justin Jefferson
Let’s not get fancy. I’ll trade Justin Jefferson to find the end zone up to 40% in Week 1.
Jefferson was patient with the Vikings’ QB quandary last season and this move to Murray keeps the WR1 happy.
Despite poor passing, J.J. still ranked 10th versus zone coverage in 2025 at PFF and faces plenty of zone from new Packers DC Jonathan Gannon. Murray’s mobility and arm strength is excellent against zone and he’ll look to get Jefferson going early.
Projections for Jefferson give between a 40% and 50% chance of a “griddy” on Sunday.
Packers vs Vikings odds
For help understanding probabilities, see our odds calculator.
- Spread: Packers +1.5 | Vikings -1.5
- Over/Under: Over 46.5 (49%) | Under 46.5 (52%)
- Moneyline: Packers 47% | Vikings 53%
For the full slate of NFL matchups, check out our NFL odds board!
More Covers NFL betting tools
Packers vs Vikings weather
Check out our NFL weather page for up-to-date info on every matchup.
Packers vs Vikings trend to know
Minnesota is 8-16 Over/Under inside U.S. Bank Stadium (67% Unders) since 2023. Sunday’s total sits at 46.5 O/U (Under 52%). Find more NFL betting trends for Packers vs. Vikings.
How to watch Packers vs Vikings
| Location | U.S. Bank Stadium, Minneapolis, MN |
| Date | Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026 |
| Kickoff | 4:25 p.m. ET |
| TV | CBS |
Packers vs Vikings latest injuries
Check out our NFL injuries page for updates on every team.
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
