If you’re frantically refreshing your feed to find out what’s the score on the Minnesota Vikings game, there is a bit of a "good news, bad news" situation to catch up on. The Vikings aren't on the field today, January 16, 2026. Their season actually wrapped up about twelve days ago in a freezing finale at U.S. Bank Stadium.
Honestly, the score was exactly what a lot of fans needed to see, even if it was too little, too late for a playoff run. The Vikings took down the Green Bay Packers with a final score of 16-3.
It wasn't a high-flying offensive explosion. It was a gritty, defensive-heavy win that felt like a proper "skol" send-off to a rollercoaster of a year. But while the scoreline looks simple, what happened during those 60 minutes says a lot about where this team is heading next.
Breaking Down the Last Score: Vikings 16, Packers 3
The game on January 4th was a weird one. The Packers were already locked into the No. 7 seed in the NFC playoffs. Because of that, they played it safe. They sat their stars, including Jordan Love, which basically turned the "Border Battle" into a showcase for depth charts.
Minnesota didn't care. They came to play.
The Vikings finished their season 9-8, securing a winning record after a mid-season slump that almost sank the ship. Watching them grind out those 16 points was a lesson in resilience. J.J. McCarthy looked sharp early on, connecting with Justin Jefferson for some vintage highlight-reel plays before a hand injury sidelined him in the third quarter.
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Here is how those 16 points actually hit the board:
- First Quarter: Will Reichard nailed a 43-yard field goal. (3-0)
- Second Quarter: Reichard added a 25-yard chip shot. (6-0)
- Late Second Quarter: C.J. Ham punched it in from the 1-yard line. (13-0)
- Fourth Quarter: Reichard capped it off with a 37-yarder. (16-0)
The Packers finally scratched a field goal as time expired to avoid the shutout, but the game was never really in doubt. It was the Vikings' fifth straight win to close the season. Talk about finishing strong.
What's the Score on the Minnesota Vikings Game and Why the Postseason is Quiet
Even with that five-game heater, the Vikings are watching the playoffs from the couch. They were eliminated from contention three weeks before the finale. It’s a bitter pill. You win your last five games, you beat your biggest rival, and you still end up third in the NFC North.
The division was just too top-heavy this year. The Chicago Bears (11-6) and the Packers (9-7-1) both squeezed into the postseason, while the Lions surprisingly fell off late.
Today, as the NFL prepares for the Divisional Round starting tomorrow (Jan 17), the Vikings are already in "evaluation mode." They aren't part of the Wild Card survivors like the Rams or the 49ers. Instead, the focus has shifted entirely to the training room and the front office.
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The J.J. McCarthy Health Factor
You can’t talk about the Vikings score without talking about J.J. McCarthy. He went 14 for 23 for 182 yards against Green Bay before leaving with soreness in his throwing hand. After missing his entire rookie year due to knee surgery and chunks of this season with various ailments, his durability is the biggest "score" fans are tracking right now.
Max Brosmer filled in capably, but everyone knows the future of this franchise lives and dies with McCarthy’s right arm. Coach Kevin O'Connell has been pretty vocal about the team's "aim and focus" through the injuries, but 2026 needs to be the year they actually stay healthy.
Justin Jefferson’s Historic Milestone
While the 16-3 score might not seem legendary, what happened for Justin Jefferson certainly was. By hauling in 8 catches for 101 yards in the finale, he secured his sixth straight 1,000-yard season.
Only three receivers in NFL history have ever done that to start a career.
Think about that for a second. Through quarterback changes, offensive coordinator shifts, and his own injury battles, "Jet" remains the most consistent thing in Minneapolis. He’s the engine. When the Vikings score, it’s usually because he’s drawing three defenders or making a catch that shouldn't be humanly possible.
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The Defensive Turnaround Under Brian Flores
Earlier in the season, if you asked about the score, it was usually something ugly—like the 26-0 shutout loss to the Seahawks in late November. But the way this defense closed out the year was remarkable.
In the final win over Green Bay, Dallas Turner recorded two sacks. The unit held the Packers to minus-7 net passing yards. Yes, you read that right. Minus-7. Granted, the Packers were playing backups, but the Vikings' defense has found an identity. They ended the year fast, aggressive, and confusing for opposing quarterbacks.
What Happens Next for the Vikings?
Since the season is over, the "score" people are looking for now involves the salary cap and the draft board. The Vikings are expected to be aggressive in free agency to bolster the offensive line. Protecting McCarthy has to be priority number one, two, and three.
If you’re looking for live football action today, you’re out of luck on the Vikings front, but the NFL Divisional Round kicks off tomorrow. You'll see the 49ers taking on the Seahawks and the Bills hosting the Broncos.
For the Vikings, the real game starts in the offseason. Fans should keep a close eye on the scouting reports for interior defensive linemen and depth at cornerback. The 16-3 win over Green Bay proved they have the talent to compete, but the 9-8 record proves they don't have the depth to survive a 17-game grind without more help.
Actionable Next Steps for Fans
- Watch the Injury Reports: Keep tabs on J.J. McCarthy's hand recovery through the early spring.
- Monitor the Draft Order: The Vikings will likely pick in the middle of the first round, a prime spot for a defensive playmaker.
- Check Playoff Scores: Even if Minnesota isn't in it, the results of the Rams-Bears and 49ers-Seahawks games will dictate the power balance in the NFC for next year.
- Review Season Tape: Re-watching the five-game win streak provides a much better picture of this team's potential than the early-season struggles.
The season ended on a high note, and while the scoreboard says 16-3, the real victory was proving that this locker room hasn't quit on the vision.