The Minnesota Vikings are on the brink of securing both the division title and the coveted top seed in the NFC playoffs after their hard-fought victory over the Green Bay Packers in Week 17. While any matchup between these two storied teams is crucial, this particular game held even greater significance for the Vikings as they inch closer to clinching a prime position heading into the postseason.

Despite a late-game rally by the Packers that made things tense, the Vikings managed to hold on and secure a 27-25 victory at U.S. Bank Stadium. This win sets up a thrilling Sunday night showdown against the Detroit Lions, where the stakes are incredibly high — not only will the division title be up for grabs, but the path to the NFC playoffs and potential home-field advantage will also be determined. But before turning our attention fully to that high-stakes encounter, it’s important to recognize the key players who played pivotal roles in the Week 17 win over the Packers.

Vikings Winner No. 1: Sam Darnold, Quarterback

When Sam Darnold set his sights on a target, his passes had a remarkable zip, demonstrating both his confidence and skill under pressure. His ability to navigate the pocket and find open receivers was instrumental in moving the ball down the field and putting points on the board. Although his performance was not flawless, with an interception marring an otherwise stellar outing, Darnold’s leadership was undeniable. He completed 33 of 43 passes for a commanding 377 yards, tossing three touchdowns along the way. Even with the pressure mounting, Darnold only took one sack, thanks to his impressive mobility and solid protection from the offensive line.

Vikings Loser No. 1: Will Reichard, Kicker

It feels somewhat unfair to label Will Reichard as a “loser” after a victory, but his performance on special teams certainly left room for improvement. In a game this close, missed field goals and penalties can be costly, and Reichard’s two missed kicks — a 57-yarder in the first quarter and a 43-yard attempt that clanged off the upright in the fourth — were glaring missteps. His struggles with accuracy were compounded by a procedural penalty on a kickoff. Thankfully, the Vikings’ offense managed to overcome these setbacks, but Reichard’s inconsistency is something that needs to be addressed moving forward.

Vikings Winner No. 2: Jalen Nailor, Wide Receiver

Jalen Nailor had a career-defining day against the Packers, showcasing his speed and potential as a valuable asset to the Vikings’ receiving corps. After struggling at times earlier in the season, Nailor came through in a big way, proving that he deserves more playing time in the future. He was targeted five times and caught every pass thrown his way, accumulating 81 yards and a touchdown. In addition to his offensive contributions, Nailor demonstrated hustle and awareness by chasing down a Packers player after an interception, preventing a potential pick-six and keeping the Vikings in control of the game.

Vikings Loser No. 2: Brandon Powell, Wide Receiver

Brandon Powell, once considered a potential third option for the Vikings at wide receiver, has seen his role diminish significantly this season. While Powell still contributes as a return specialist on special teams, his lack of involvement in the offense is becoming more evident. In this game, Powell was not targeted at all, and his special teams play was far from perfect. He mishandled a punt, allowing it to hit the turf before he managed to recover it. While he avoided disaster, the mistake was a reminder that Powell’s impact on the field has been minimal of late.

Vikings Winner No. 3: Blake Cashman, Linebacker

On a defense filled with dynamic pass rushers and playmakers, it was Blake Cashman who stood out as a consistent force throughout the game. His ability to disrupt the Packers’ offensive rhythm and frustrate quarterback Jordan Love was evident all day. Cashman led the team with 11 total tackles and contributed 1.5 sacks, showcasing his all-around skill and tenacity. With the return of interior linebacker Ivan Pace Jr., Cashman’s ability to create opportunities for the defense is only expected to grow, providing defensive coordinator Brian Flores with even more weapons to utilize in future games.

As the Vikings continue their march toward the playoffs, the performances of these players will be crucial in shaping their chances of success. While there were some moments of inconsistency, the Vikings proved resilient, and with key players stepping up, they are well-positioned to make a deep run in the postseason. As the division battle with the Detroit Lions looms large, Minnesota’s future in the playoffs will depend on maintaining this level of play and fine-tuning their strengths while addressing the areas that need improvement.