In a thrilling development, the National Football League (NFL) has decided to move the Minnesota Vikings’ Week 17 game against the Green Bay Packers from its original noon CST time slot to a 3:25 CST kickoff. The game will now be featured as America’s Game of the Week on Fox, with the legendary broadcasting duo of Kevin Burkhardt and Tom Brady calling the action.

This decision comes just a week after the NFL declined to move the game to Sunday Night Football, choosing instead to prioritize the Atlanta Falcons vs. Washington Commanders matchup for that primetime spot. Speculation had been swirling that Fox may have had the ability to protect the game, given that CBS had already aired the first edition of the historic border battle between these two rivals earlier in the season.

The Vikings’ Big Stakes

This marks the second time this season that the Vikings have been flexed into a more prominent time slot. The first instance came in Week 9, when the Vikings faced the Indianapolis Colts in a game that was moved to Sunday Night Football. They emerged victorious in that contest, winning 21-13.

Now, as the regular season nears its conclusion, this Week 17 matchup will carry even more significance. The Vikings need a win to keep their hopes of securing the NFC North title alive, with a chance to clinch the division in Week 18 if they can topple the Packers on their home turf. The implications are huge, with a potential Sunday Night Football game in Week 18 on the line, where the Vikings would face the Detroit Lions for not only the NFC North crown but also the coveted number one seed in the playoffs.

Vikings-Packers Rivalry

This will be the third consecutive season the Vikings have faced the Packers in Week 17. However, the past two meetings have ended in disappointment for Minnesota. In 2022, they were handed a 41-17 defeat at Lambeau Field, and in 2023, the Packers triumphed again, winning 33-10 at U.S. Bank Stadium.

With higher stakes on the line this year, both teams will be bringing their best to this pivotal divisional matchup. The Packers are always a tough opponent for the Vikings, and this game promises to be another hard-fought battle between two NFC North heavyweights.

A Game to Watch

With the flex, the NFL is signaling the significance of this showdown, and fans across the country will have their eyes on what promises to be a thrilling game. The Vikings will be hoping to avoid the disappointment of the last two seasons and finally come out on top against their divisional rivals. A win would not only keep their playoff hopes alive but also ensure that their Week 18 clash against the Lions will be for all the marbles.

As the Vikings gear up for this crucial contest, all eyes will be on the NFC North battle, with a playoff berth and division title hanging in the balance.