The Green Bay Packers travel to Minneapolis for one of the NFC's premiere rivalry games to open the 2026 season. Jordan Love has developed into one of the more capable starters in the NFC, and the Packers have surrounded him with a strong cast of young receivers who continue to improve. Green Bay's offensive line remains a strength, and the defense is built to create turnovers.
| Player | Team | Why They Matter |
|---|---|---|
| Brett Favre | Packers | One of Packers's top players heading into Packers's Week 1 matchup |
| Jordan Love | Packers | One of Packers's top players heading into Packers's Week 1 matchup |
| Aaron Rodgers | Packers | One of Packers's top players heading into Packers's Week 1 matchup |
| Justin Jefferson | Vikings | Key player for Vikings that the Packers defense will need to contain |
| Randy Moss | Vikings | Key player for Vikings that the Packers defense will need to contain |
This is a division rivalry game, and those are always played with extra edge regardless of preseason records. The Packers need to win divisional games to stay atop the NFC North standings, and opening on the road against the Vikings is exactly the kind of challenge that defines a team's season. For Packers fans, a road win at U.S. Bank Stadium is always one of the more satisfying results on the schedule.
| Storyline | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Packers offense, Week 1 debut | First look at how the unit performs under 2026 roster and coaching changes |
| Vikings defense | The first test for Packers skill players coming out of the preseason |
| Turnover margin | Week 1 games are often decided by turnovers before teams find their rhythm |
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