Quarterback J.J. McCarthy delivered an efficient first half before exiting with another injury, and the Minnesota Vikings closed a frustrating season with a 16–3 victory over a short-handed Green Bay Packers team on Sunday.
With Green Bay locked into the No. 7 seed in the NFC playoffs, the Packers rested nearly all of their regular starters, including quarterback Jordan Love, and treated the finale as an opportunity to evaluate depth players. Minnesota (9–8), eliminated from postseason contention three weeks earlier, took advantage and secured its fifth consecutive win.
McCarthy completed 14 of 23 passes for 182 yards before leaving early in the third quarter because of soreness in his throwing hand. The rookie quarterback missed significant time throughout the season due to multiple injuries after knee surgery wiped out his rookie year. Backup Max Brosmer finished the game and helped guide an offense that leaned on ball control and field position.
The Vikings scored the game’s only touchdown early in the second quarter when fullback C.J. Ham plunged in from short range, a moment that drew loud applause from the home crowd amid speculation it could be his final game with the franchise. Minnesota added three field goals to build a comfortable lead while its defense smothered a Green Bay offense that struggled to generate anything through the air.
Justin Jefferson eclipsed the 100-yard mark for the first time in 12 games and secured his sixth consecutive 1,000-yard season, becoming just the third receiver in NFL history to achieve that feat. Minnesota’s defense dominated up front, with Dallas Turner recording two of the Vikings’ four sacks as Green Bay finished with minus-7 net passing yards.
Green Bay (9–7–1) started Clayton Tune at quarterback for just the second time in his career. Tune completed 6 of 11 passes for 34 yards as the Packers punted on eight of their first nine possessions. The lone scoring drive came in the final seconds of the first half, when Green Bay used a timeout to set up Brandon McManus’ short field goal, spoiling Minnesota’s shutout bid.
The afternoon also featured possible farewells for longtime Vikings leaders. Ham, a two-time Pro Bowler who has spent all 10 of his NFL seasons with Minnesota, received multiple ovations and is set to become a free agent. Veteran safety Harrison Smith was also honored repeatedly as he weighs his future despite being under contract through 2026.
Injuries
Packers: WR Bo Melton (knee) exited in the second quarter after covering a punt. Nickel back Javon Bullard limped off in the fourth quarter with a knee injury but is expected to be fine.
Vikings: TE Josh Oliver (ankle) left in the second quarter and did not return. RB Aaron Jones (hip) and TE T.J. Hockenson (shoulder) were among several starters inactive.
Up next
Packers: Travel to face the No. 2 seed — either Chicago or Philadelphia — in the wild-card round.
Vikings: Enter the offseason with roster and salary-cap decisions ahead and a first-round draft pick projected at either No. 17 or 18.
