Connect with us

Sports

Know Your Enemy: Week 1 – Green Bay Packers

Published

on

Advertisement

Syndication: The Post-Crescent
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson (18) dives for a first down on a reception against Green Bay Packers safety Evan Williams (33) during their football game Sunday, January 4, 2026, at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. © Dan Powers/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images.

The Minnesota Vikings start the 2026 season by hosting the Green Bay Packers at US Bank Stadium in Week 1. It gives the Vikings a chance to start the season by taking an advantage in the division much like they did last season when they beat the Chicago Bears in Week 1.

Know Your Enemy: Week 1 – Green Bay Packers

Head Coach: Matt LaFleur

Star Players: Jordan Love (QB), Josh Jacobs (RB), Micah Parsons (OLB), Edgerrin Cooper (LB), Xavier McKinney (S).

Advertisement

Current Record: 0-0

I have picked Green Bay to finish last in the division, but I also wouldn’t be surprised if they were playing football when January comes around. They have managed that in all but one of the seven seasons since Matt LaFleur became head coach. I don’t think this is one of the strongest Packers teams but they will still be competitive.

The Vikings and Packers have had a hard fought rival since the Vikings entered the league in 1961. There have been a total of 131 meeting between the two teams with Green Bay leading the series 67-61-3. However, it is Minnesota who has had the better of the most recent meetings, winning three of the last four.

Advertisement

Players to Watch

Vikings OLB Dallas Turner smacks Packers QB Jordan Love in 2025
Nov 23, 2025; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love (10) is sacked by Minnesota Vikings linebacker Dallas Turner (15) during the first half at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Kayla Wolf-Imagn Images

Green Bay was patient with the development of Jordan Love and have reaped the rewards. Love has become a reliable starting quarterback who has helped lead his team to the playoffs every season since becoming the starter. The question is whether he can turn the regular season success into playoff success. Since winning his first playoff game it has been three straight losses.

The Packers signed Xavier McKinney in free agency heading into the 2024 season, and it proved an inspired signing. McKinney had eight interceptions for 128 yards, 11 passes defended, 1 fumble recovery, 1 sack, and 2 tackles for loss, on his way to first team All-Pro Honours. The stat line wasn’t as impressive in Year 2 but McKinney was still excellent in the Packers’ secondary and will pose the biggest problem to the Vikings passing attack.

The Packers Have Problems Heading Into Week 1

NFL: Minnesota Vikings at Green Bay Packers
Nov 23, 2025; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Max Brosmer (12) lays on the turf after being sacked by. Green Bay Packers defensive end Micah Parsons (1) during the second half at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Kayla Wolf-Imagn Images

Preparations for the opening game of the season have been far from ideal in Green Bay. The Packers traded for a defensive superstar in Micah Parsons last year but the Vikings won’t have to worry about him this week. Parsons is still on the road to recovery from a torn ACL suffered at the back end of last season. He is still a few weeks away from returning and will be a huge loss for Green Bay.

There have been injury concerns on the offensive line with Aaron Banks and Zach Bako-Bewele both missing throughout the preseason while working back from knee injuries. Both should be in the mix on Sunday but individual sharpness and the continuity of an OL working together might not be there.

Green Bay’s offense is supposed to run through their workhorse running back Josh Jacobs. That might not be happening on Sunday after Jacobs was put on the commissioner-exempt list following an incident that saw him charged after some serious allegations. His court date has been moved forward to this week, which leaves his status uncertain.


avatar

Proud UK Viking. Family Man. Enjoy writing about my team. Away from football an advocate for autism acceptance.

Advertisement

Source link

Continue Reading
Click to comment

You must be logged in to post a comment Login

Leave a Reply

Sports

5 Things Triple H Got Right on WWE RAW This Week

Published

on

The latest episode of Monday Night RAW was a ticking time bomb that erupted in a spectacular fashion. The atmosphere was electric following the recent turmoil of Sunday Night’s Main Event. The anticipation was palpable leading up to the show, as there were rumors of a top star’s return. Triple H masterfully pulled the trigger, detonating one explosive moment after another.

Held at the Legacy Arena in Birmingham, the show saw the progression of the feuds and storylines. Moreover, the qualifying matches for Money in the Bank also kicked off this week, with fans getting to witness some jaw-dropping action. The creative team delivered an incredible episode featuring several key moments that played a major role in advancing the ongoing storylines.

Here are five things Triple H got right on WWE RAW this week:

Advertisement

#5. Sol Ruca qualifying for the ladder match

WWE held a blockbuster qualifying match for the Women’s Money in the Bank ladder match this week on RAW, where Sol Ruca battled Maxxine Dupri and Lyra Valkyria. The three women tore each other apart in an incredible showdown where fans saw several hard-hitting moves and quick action. But Ruca eventually secured a massive victory by pinning Valkyria.

Triple H made the right call by letting the 26-year-old qualify for the Money in the Bank match. Sol Ruca is one of the most tactical and agile superstars on the roster, perfectly suited for a high-stakes environment like the ladder match. Besides, Ruca is also featured in the Money in the Bank 2026 poster, making her inclusion in the premium live event indispensable.

#4. The Vision destroying Oba Femi on RAW

Oba Femi suffered a barbaric attack at the hands of Bron Breakker and Bronson Reed at Sunday Night’s Main Event. This week on RAW, The Ruler charged into The Vision with the furious intent to exact revenge. However, he suffered the same fate. Breakker and Reed once again annihilated Femi by unleashing a series of thunderous Spears and Tsunamis off the top rope.

The Vision made yet another defining statement and it was exactly what was needed from them. Ever since Bronson Reed returned to WWE, the faction has looked like a menacing unit. Therefore, laying out a humongous force like Oba Femi for the second consecutive time perfectly added the intimidation factor to The Vision that was lacking for quite some time.

Advertisement

#3. Bron Breakker qualifying for the ladder match

Monday Night RAW witnessed another big qualifying match where Bron Breakker, Ethan Page and Rey Mysterio battled in a triple threat match. All three superstars were determined to punch their tickets to the Money in the Bank ladder match. Fans witnessed an incredible match from the starting bell to the end. But Breakker eventually outlasted everyone to secure a massive victory.

Letting the 28-year-old win was the right call, as he desperately needed this victory. Bron Breakker has been riding on red-hot momentum and there was no way Triple H could have halted that. His qualification in the Money in the Bank ladder match adds more unpredictability to the bout while putting The Vision in a prominent spotlight at the annual event.

#2. Royce Keys and OTM making a big statement

Ever since arriving on Monday Night RAW, Royce Keys and OTM have been wreaking havoc. The trio put The Bloodline on notice and waged a war against them. This week on RAW, the faction known as 946 made yet another statement. During the closing moments of the show, WWE showed backstage footage where they dismantled The Usos’ car and set it on fire.

The symbolism was pretty clear: they weren’t just attacking The Bloodline physically anymore; they were destroying them mentally. Triple H masterfully orchestrated the segment, showing an angle that instantly elevated the feud between 946 and The Bloodline. Royce Keys and OTM made a statement that they could do anything and reach anywhere.

Advertisement

#1. Bayley returning for payback on RAW

The biggest highlight of WWE RAW this week was Bayley’s shocking return. There were a lot of rumors swirling on the internet for the past few weeks about her status with the company. But Triple H finally cleared the air. During the women’s Money in the Bank qualifying match, The Role Model showed up out of nowhere and cost Lyra Valkyria her big opportunity.

Bayley unleashed a brutal attack on Valkyria after the match, making it clear that she has unfinished business. The multi-time women’s champion returning to the programming this week was the best call. This is because Money in the Bank is right around the corner and WWE couldn’t have afforded to keep a veteran star like Bayley on the bench for long.