Vikings Face Elimination After Loss to Packers

The Vikings are on the brink of elimination after losing 33-10 to the Packers on Sunday night at U.S. Bank Stadium. Aided earlier in the day by a Seahawks loss, the Vikings could again, improbably, control their own destiny in the playoff race by winning out. But the Packers, 7-8 just like the Vikings, were similarly given life in the wild-card race and seized the opportunity from the start. The Vikings started rookie Jaren Hall at quarterback after Nick Mullens threw four interceptions against the Lions last week. Hall didn't have a completion or a first down until the second quarter, by which time he'd already thrown an interception that led to a Packers touchdown. A Hall fumble on a strip sack late in the first half led to another Packers touchdown and a 23-3 lead at the break. And that was it for Hall. Mullens took over in the second half, but the Vikings' hole was too big. Hall was 5 for 10 for 67 yards. He was sacked three times in addition to his interception and fumble. Injuries decimated both defenses, but only the Vikings' looked like it. Jordan Love's receivers were wide open all night, and after a shaky start, Love didn't miss them. With D.J. Wonnum injured, the Vikings struggled to get any pressure on Love, leaving their depleted secondary vulnerable. Love finished 24 of 33 for 256 yards, three passing touchdowns and one rushing TD. The Packers outgained the Vikings 472-211. The Packers moved into seventh place in the NFC and can clinch a playoff berth with a win next week. The Vikings were not eliminated with the loss, but need to be NFC North champion Detroit, which will be playing for seeding, and get a lot of help.