The Green Bay Packers were unable to overcome a 28-0 deficit in the first half and lost to the Minnesota Vikings by a 31-29 final at Lambeau Field on Sunday.
Matt LaFleur’s team gave up three first-half touchdown passes to Sam Darnold and turned the ball over four times in total.
The Packers are now 2-2, including 0-2 in starts by Jordan Love, while the Vikings improved to 4-0 — providing Kevin O’Connell’s team with an early lead in the NFC North race.
Here is an instant analysis of the Packers loss to the Vikings in Week 4:
Final score: Vikings 31, Packers 29
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | F | |
| MIN (4-0) | 14 | 14 | 0 | 3 | 0 |
| GB (3-1) | 0 | 7 | 0 | 22 | 0 |
Live scoring
First quarter
MIN 7, GB 0: Jordan Addison 29-yard catch (11:53)
MIN 14, GB 0: Josh Oliver 2-yard catch (1:37)
Second quarter
MIN 21, GB 0: Jordan Addison 8-yard rush (11:50)
MIN 28, GB 0: Justin Jefferson 14-yard catch (5:28)
MIN 28, GB 7: Jayden Reed 15-yard catch (0:15)
Fourth quarter
MIN 28, GB 14: Dontayvion Wicks 6-yard catch (11:58)
MIN 28, GB 22: Tucker Kraft 13-yard catch, Kraft conversion (10:16)
MIN 31, GB 22: Will Reichard 33-yard FG (6:50)
MIN 31, GB 29: Dontayvion Wicks 17-yard catch (0:56)
It was over when…
… Vikings tight end Josh Oliver recovered a declared onside kick attempt with just under a minute to go and Minnesota leading by two points.
Game balls
Offense — WR Jayden Reed: He caught seven passes for 139 yards and a score. He had three more explosive plays over 20 yards.
Defense — S Xavier McKinney: Another interception for X. He has four in four games. This one came in the red zone and prevented points in the second half.
Special teams — P Daniel Whelan: His towering punt late in the first half was muffed, setting up the Packers’ first score.
Key stat
Four: The number of turnovers by the Packers. A pair of Jordan Love interceptions in the first half turned into 14 points for the Vikings, while an interception thrown into the end zone and a fumble from Tucker Kraft halted momentum during the comeback bid.
Deciding factor
The first half. The Packers fell behind 28-0 in the first half and didn’t have enough in the second half to overcome the deficit. Jeff Hafley’s defense allowed four touchdowns on the Vikings’ first five possessions, and Jordan Love and the Packers passing game needed time to settle in. Brayden Narveson missed two field goals, costing the Packers six points. By the time the Packers offense found traction, the Vikings held a four-score lead. The first-half mistakes dug the Packers too deep a hole.
Jordan Love watch
Love’s return to the field from a left knee injury was a mixed bag. He ended up completing a career-high 32 passes, but he also threw three picks and had issues early on with accuracy and ball placement. As the game went on, he settled in. Love found Jayden Reed for a score on a well-placed throw before the half, and he tossed three more scores in the fourth quarter. He took only one sack. Love’s passer rating finished at 83.0. The Packers passing game was a few misplaced throws and a few dropped passes away from a big afternoon. Love looked so much more comfortable and in control during the final 30 minutes, so it’s possible he just needed to shake off some rust early.
Play of the game
Coop with the scoop! #MINvsGB pic.twitter.com/5Qp6SVosPL
— Green Bay Packers (@packers) September 29, 2024
The Packers gave themselves a chance late when Keisean Nixon strip-sacked Sam Darnold just two plays after Green Bay cut the lead to 28-14. The takeaway set up another quick score — a Jordan Love touchdown pass to Tucker Kraft.
Injury updates
Receiver Christian Watson left with an ankle injury and didn’t return. Defensive lineman Devonte Wyatt left with an ankle injury and didn’t return.
What’s next
The Packers are headed to Los Angeles to play the 1-3 Rams next Sunday. Sean McVay’s team lost 24-18 to the Chicago Bears in Week 4. Kickoff is set for 3:25 p.m. CT.
