The NFL has many historic rivalries between its franchises that bring a little extra motivation during the week to each side's locker room.
Very few, however, can be considered a "Border Battle." The rivalry between the Vikings and the Green Bay Packers falls under that category, and it's a little closer than you might think.
While both teams have had their share of hot stretches, in 125 total meetings, 56 games have been decided by a one-score margin, including three ties. Green Bay has a slight lead (65-57-3) in the all-time series, which has evened off over the past few years.
Minnesota has won three of the past five matchups, including Head Coach Kevin O'Connell's first game at the helm to open the 2022 season.
The Vikings will also be entering a new era within the rivalry, as Jordan Love took over the starting duties at quarterback for the Packers this season. Minnesota has only faced two starting Packers QBs not named Aaron Rodgers or Brett Favre since Dec. 27, 1992, when Rodgers dealt with injuries for a game in 2013 and 2017.
Minnesota (3-4) has won three of its past four games, including a 22-17 upset against San Francisco on Monday Night Football last week. Green Bay (2-4) has dropped three consecutive games and four of its past five.
Let's see who the experts are picking to win the game:
Vikings 24, Packers 19 — Ali Bhanpuri, NFL.com
Despite both teams owning a losing record, this NFC North battle has plenty of juice. A Vikings victory could mean the team remains intact for the stretch run, while a Packers win would keep Jordan Love from piloting the first four-game skid of his young career — a dubious streak his predecessor endured just three times over 223 starts for Green Bay. These two defenses should keep this one relatively tight. (The Vikings in a one-score game? Get outta here.) Ultimately, I think it comes down to which quarterback makes the fewest mistakes, so I'll take the veteran passer playing at a "higher" level over the youngster still trying to find his way.
Packers 24, Vikings 21 – Pete Prisco, CBS Sports
The Vikings have won two straight to right things and impressed in beating the 49ers Monday night. But this is a division game on the road on a short week, which is always a challenge. The Packers haven't played well at all in a few weeks, but this is the game to get it turned around. The Packers slow down Kirk Cousins and take it.
Vikings 26, Packers 17 – Staff, Bleacher Report
The Vikings have bounced back from an 0-3 start to win three of their last four outings. Without star wideout Justin Jefferson, they knocked off the San Francisco 49ers on Monday night thanks to impressive performances from quarterback Kirk Cousins, rookie wideout Jordan Addison and their much-maligned defense.
But the Vikings have to put a signature win behind them and go on the road to play a struggling division rival that hopes to snap a three-game losing streak.
Our panel simply picked the better team in a tossup game, though [Bleacher Report editor Wes] O'Donnell has the Packers pulling out a much-needed win against a familiar opponent on their turf.
"Last week, the deciding factor in picking against the Packers was an extra, very late review of Jordan Love. He almost burned me with a perfectly drawn-up play. I'm still not a fan and usually ride strongly with the Vikes, who are coming off back-to-back wins including a surprisingly solid upset of the 49ers.
"But the Packers haven't played at Lambeau Field since Sept. 28, are on a three-game losing streak, and I just don't buy the Vikes being good enough to upend a division rival on the road or win three in a row. Love loathing aside, I'll take the Packers to break their losing streak and stay relevant even if I don't believe in them overall."
Packers 23, Vikings 20 – Vinnie Iyer, Sporting News
The Vikings will be operating their pass-heavy offense on a short week without Justin Jefferson. The Packers will enjoy that break with their combination of pressure on Kirk Cousins and tricky coverage at home. On the other side, Jordan Love will settle more with his weapons and lean on his 1-2 punch in the backfield to end Green Bay's sudden skid. Getting back to Lambeau really helps, too.
Vikings 23, Packers 20 – Bill Bender, Sporting News
_The Packers are favored, but that's a suspicious line considering a three-game losing streak where they have averaged 16.7 points per game. Green Bay has scored just six points in the first half of their last four games. Minnesota is coming off a short week, but they have won their last two road games. _
5 of 7 experts pick the Vikings, The MMQB
5 of 6 experts (4 of 10 total had not submitted) pick the Vikings, ESPN
"Straight-up consensus" from seven experts: Vikings, Bleacher Report
10 of 11 experts pick the Vikings, The Athletic
