Darnold gets to add to his new legacy this week as he prepares for the 129th meeting between the Vikings and Packers. It won’t be just another chapter in the storied rivalry. This is one of the more consequential late-season meetings in Vikings-Packers history. There have been a few in past seasons.
On Jan. 2, 2022, the Vikings needed a victory to make the playoffs but had to start Sean Mannion at QB and were trounced 37-10.
On Dec. 23, 2019, the Vikings were looking to improve their postseason seeding but lost at home 23-10. They ended up the sixth seed in the NFC playoffs while the Packers entered as the second seed then reached the conference championship game.
On Dec. 24, 2016, the Vikings lost 38-25 with Sam Bradford at quarterback, dashing their postseason hopes. It was one of the more bizarre weekends in the rivalry, as the team charter jet got stuck in the snow after landing in Appleton, Wis. Then, on gameday, Vikings defensive backs decided to ignore Mike Zimmer’s game plan, which led to Jordy Nelson torching them in the first half.
Another clutch performance by Darnold will set up a showdown against Detroit in Week 18 that could land them the No. 1 seed in the NFC. Meanwhile, a Green Bay loss could lead to them dropping to the seventh seed and a possible trip to friendly and inviting Philadelphia in the opening round of the playoffs.
It has been quite a journey for Darnold, with checkpoints at the Jets and Panthers that were clunkers. It has been a much more pleasant trip with the Vikings, as he gets to do something he was unable to do during his previous six seasons: Take part in big games while playing the best football of his career with 32 touchdown passes.