Honestly, if you missed the Week 18 matchup between the Vikings and the Packers at U.S. Bank Stadium, you missed a game that was way more emotional than the 16-3 final score suggests. Most people looking for a MN Vikings game play by play just want to see the scoring drives, but this one felt like the end of an era in Minneapolis.
The vibes were heavy.
Minnesota came into this game on January 4, 2026, with a 8-8 record, knowing their playoff hopes had already evaporated. Meanwhile, Green Bay was locked into the NFC’s No. 7 seed, resting several starters like Jordan Love. It could have been a "nothing" game. Instead, it turned into a gritty, defensive slugfest that served as a massive "thank you" to veterans like Harrison Smith and C.J. Ham.
The First Half: Grinding Out the Lead
The game started with the kind of conservative play-calling you’d expect when a rookie quarterback is playing through a nagging hand injury. J.J. McCarthy looked sharp early, though. On the opening drive, he connected with Jalen Nailor for 17 yards, moving the chains and settling the nerves of a crowd that still hasn't quite decided if he's "The Guy" yet.
It wasn't flashy.
Most of the first quarter was just Jordan Mason—who has been a godsend since coming over from San Francisco—hammering the middle of the Packers' defensive front. He finished the half with 54 yards on the ground, consistently turning 2-yard losses into 4-yard gains.
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The highlight of the half? Definitely the touchdown drive in the second quarter.
The Vikings marched 72 yards, capped off by a C.J. Ham touchdown run. Kevin O'Connell had been telegraphing a big moment for Ham all week, and the veteran fullback didn't disappoint. He punched it in from the two-yard line and blew kisses to the crowd. It was one of those moments where the MN Vikings game play by play stats don't tell the whole story; the stadium was actually shaking. Will Reichard added a field goal before the break to make it 10-0.
Second Half: The McCarthy Scare and the "Hitman" Curtain Call
The third quarter started with a collective gasp from the Vikings faithful. J.J. McCarthy, who has been battling a hairline fracture in his right hand, took himself out of the game. He'd been worried about his grip since a wet game against the Giants in December, and after a few off-target throws, he made the call.
In came Michael Brosmer.
If you were watching the MN Vikings game play by play updates, things slowed down significantly here. Brosmer didn't take many risks. He basically handed the ball to Jordan Mason and threw short check-downs to T.J. Hockenson. But honestly? It worked. The defense was the real story of the second half.
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Brian Flores had the Vikings' defense playing like they were in a playoff game. They pressured Green Bay’s backup quarterback, Clayton Tune, all afternoon.
The Moment Everyone Will Remember
With 3:32 left in the fourth quarter and the Vikings leading comfortably, we saw something you almost never see in a professional football game. Kevin O’Connell called a timeout specifically to honor Harrison Smith.
- The referee announced: “Timeout Minnesota; first charged timeout, to honor Harrison Smith.”
- The 6-time Pro Bowler got a standing ovation that lasted nearly two minutes.
- Teammates swarmed him on the field.
It was a class act. Smith has been the soul of this defense for 14 seasons, and if this was his last game, he went out with a win and a near-shutout. The only blemish on the score was a last-second, 24-yard field goal by Brandon McManus that prevented the Vikings from recording their second shutout in a month.
Key Stats and Takeaways
| Metric | Minnesota Vikings | Green Bay Packers |
|---|---|---|
| Total Yards | 294 | 182 |
| Rushing Yards | 126 (Mason: 94) | 102 |
| Passing Yards | 168 | 80 |
| Turnovers | 0 | 1 |
The most important stat for many fans, though, was Justin Jefferson surpassing the 1,000-yard mark for the 2025-2026 season. It took until the 17th game, but he got there on a 15-yard crossing route in the third quarter. He finished the game with 101 yards on 7 catches, proving once again that even in a "down" year for the offense, he’s still the best in the business.
Why This Win Matters for 2026
Finishing 9-8 isn't what anyone dreamed of back in August, but the way they finished is important. The Vikings ended the season on a five-game winning streak. They found a reliable running game with Jordan Mason, and the defense under Flores looks like a top-10 unit heading into next year.
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The biggest question remains at quarterback.
J.J. McCarthy’s hand injury isn't considered serious long-term, but the fact that he had to pull himself out of a game because of grip issues is something the training staff will have to address in the offseason. He showed flashes of brilliance this year, but the consistency just isn't there yet.
What to Watch This Offseason
Now that the 2025-2026 campaign is officially over, the focus shifts to the draft and free agency. The Vikings are currently slated to pick in the middle of the first round.
- Safety Depth: If Harrison Smith actually retires, the Vikings have a massive hole to fill in the secondary.
- Quarterback Stability: Do they bring in another veteran to compete with McCarthy, or is Brosmer the designated backup for 2026?
- The Mason Factor: Jordan Mason is under contract, but after his breakout season, look for them to solidify the offensive line to keep that rushing momentum going.
If you’re tracking the MN Vikings game play by play to see how the team evolves, the next big date is the NFL Draft in April. The foundation is there, especially on defense, but the offensive identity still feels like a work in progress. For now, Vikings fans can at least take solace in a winning record and a dominant victory over their biggest rivals.
To stay ahead of the curve, keep an eye on the official injury reports regarding McCarthy's hand and any retirement announcements from the veteran core in the coming weeks.