The Minnesota Vikings are going to try to resuscitate their season in their Week 17 game against the Green Bay Packers, and they are going to do it with yet another new quarterback.
The Vikings have had a revolving door at the position ever since Kirk Cousins went down with a torn Achilles in Week 8. After that injury, head coach Kevin O'Connell turned to rookie Jaren Hall, but his stay at QB1 was short-lived because he suffered a concussion against the Atlanta Falcons in Week 9.
Josh Dobbs, who had been acquired in a trade at the deadline with the Arizona Cardinals, stepped in at that point and played 3-plus games. He played a key role in victories over the Falcons and New Orleans Saints, but struggled against the Denver Broncos and Las Vegas Raiders.
Nick Mullens came in to relieve Dobbs against the Raiders and led the Vikings to a field goal — the only points in the game. Mullens also played competitively against the Cincinnati Bengals and Detroit Lions, but interceptions cost the team dearly in both games, and Minnesota suffered back-to-back losses.
The Vikings host the Packers Sunday night, and Hall will get another chance to line up under center. The Vikings have almost no wiggle room and need to beat the Packers in Week 17 and the Lions in Week 18 while hoping the Rams or Seahawks lose 1 of their final 2 games if they are going to make the playoffs.
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The Vikings were in the playoffs structure for most of the second half of the season, but that is no longer the case. They need to win and they also need help.
Justin Jefferson must lead the way against the Packers with 2 TD receptions
While the Vikings lost to the Lions in Week 16, the game marked the return of Justin Jefferson to prominence. The superstar receiver tried to carry the Vikings on his back with several remarkable receptions, and he also appeared to be open on a pass play near the goal line with less than a minute left in the 4th quarter. If the pass from Mullens had not been a wounded duck out of Jefferson's catch radius, he might have turned it into the go-ahead touchdown.
Even without that catch, Jefferson had a standout game against Detroit. He caught 6 passes for 141 yards and a touchdown, and it was clear he could get open against the Lions secondary. He showed no ill effects from the hamstring injury suffered earlier in the season or the big hit he had taken shortly after his return.
With Hall under center, the Vikings are going to need another huge performance from Jefferson if they are going to beat the Packers. In addition to suffering 4 losses in their last 5 games, the Vikings have been hurt badly by injuries.
Tight end T.J. Hockenson is out for the year with ACL and MCL tears, and he led the Vikings with 95 catches prior to his injury. Rookie speedster Jordan Addison suffered an ankle injury against the Lions, but the Vikings are hoping he can play against Green Bay.
Since the defense has slowed down and been hurt by injuries — D.J. Wonnum (quad) is out for the season — the best chance the Vikings have is to make a series of big plays on offense and outscore the Packers.
While the changes may not be great with the untested Hall at quarterback, the Packers have defensive issues and the Vikings could take advantage.
Danielle Hunter must bounce back with at least 2.0 sacks
The Vikings needed a huge game from Hunter against the Lions, but Detroit did an outstanding job of protecting quarterback Jared Goff and Hunter was not able to impact the game. He was credited with 7 tackles, but just 1 quarterback hit.
Hunter has 15.5 sacks this season, and the Vikings need him to bounce back in this game and harass Green Bay quarterback Jordan Love on a consistent basis. He must record at least 2.0 sacks, and defensive coordinator Brian Flores needs him to force a fumble and bat at least one pass down.
The Vikings pass rush depth has been hurt badly due to the injury to Wonnum (8.0 sacks). Hunter can get the job done if he gets off to a good start and does not get fatigued as the game progresses.
Due to the injuries at quarterback and other key positions, it may be a longshot for the Vikings to win this game. However, if Jefferson and Hunter have huge performances, they will at least have a chance.
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