packers vs vikings

Packers vs. Vikings Week 18: Weather, Inactives, and Radio Coverage for the Season Finale

By CA News Sports Desk
Last Updated: January 3, 2026

As the 2025 NFL regular season draws to a close, all eyes turn to U.S. Bank Stadium for a classic NFC North showdown. While the Minnesota Vikings and Green Bay Packers have faced each other twice annually for decades, this Week 18 matchup carries a unique narrative. The Vikings are fighting for a winning record and postseason positioning, while the Packers are looking to fine-tune their offense before heading into the playoffs.

For fans in Canada and across North America, the game represents a final Sunday of high-stakes football before the Wild Card round. Here is everything you need to know about the Packers vs. Vikings showdown, including verified injury reports, radio coverage options, and the strategic implications of the season finale.

The Stakes: A Season on the Line for Minnesota

While the Green Bay Packers have already secured a playoff berth, entering this contest with a 9-6-1 record, the Minnesota Vikings (8-8) face a do-or-die scenario. A victory would push the Vikings over .500 for the first time this season, a significant milestone for Head Coach Kevin O'Connell and his squad.

The narrative heading into Sunday is one of opportunity. The Packers, despite locking up the No. 7 seed in the NFC, view this game as a vital tuning exercise. As noted in the official Packers "Inbox" feature on packers.com, "Sunday’s game is what the NFL is all about: Opportunity."

For Green Bay, the opportunity lies in maintaining offensive rhythm without risking key starters. For Minnesota, it is about pride, momentum, and finishing the season strong.

Injury Report: Packers Rest Starters, Vikings Get Key Return

The official injury reports released by both franchises paint a clear picture of the teams' contrasting priorities. The Packers have opted for a conservative approach, resting several key veterans to ensure they are fresh for the Wild Card round.

Green Bay Packers Inactives

According to the official Packers injury report, several significant starters will not suit up: * Josh Jacobs: The star running back is inactive, giving the backfield reps to younger players. * Malik Willis: The backup quarterback is inactive, leaving Jordan Love as the emergency active quarterback behind starter Clayton Tune. This confirms that Love is healthy enough to play if necessary, but Tune is expected to handle the bulk of the snaps. * Defensive Starters: Several defensive linemen and secondary players have been rested.

Minnesota Vikings Inactives

The Vikings, conversely, are at near-full strength. The most significant update is the status of quarterback J.J. McCarthy. After missing time earlier in the season, McCarthy has been cleared to play and is expected to start.

This is a massive boost for a Vikings offense that has been searching for consistency. McCarthy will look to exploit a depleted Packers secondary and continue Minnesota’s recent surge, which includes a four-game winning streak.

How to Watch and Listen: Broadcast and Streaming Guide

With the game kicking off at 1:00 PM CT / 2:00 PM ET, fans have several ways to catch the action. The game is broadcast regionally on CBS, with coverage varying depending on your location.

TV and Streaming

For viewers in the Twin Cities and parts of the Midwest, the game will be broadcast on WCCO-4. For those utilizing YouTube TV NFL Sunday Ticket or similar out-of-market streaming services, the game is available via standard CBS affiliates.

Radio Coverage and Live Streaming

For fans who prefer the radio call or are following the game remotely, there are specific channels dedicated to the broadcast.

Minnesota Vikings Radio Network: * Channel: Check local listings for the Vikings Radio Network affiliates. * Streaming: Fans can listen live via the Vikings Official App or subscription services like SiriusXM NFL Radio.

Green Bay Packers Radio Network: * Station: The game is broadcast on the Packers Radio Network, which spans multiple states. * SiriusXM: Satellite radio listeners can find the Packers feed on SiriusXM channel 382 (Internet 821) or the Vikings feed on channel 381 (Internet 820).

According to verified reports from Yahoo Sports Canada, fans looking to listen live should check local sports radio stations or utilize the official team apps for streaming links that may be subject to geo-restrictions.

The Strategic Implications

For the Packers: Playoff Prep

Head Coach Matt LaFleur faces a dilemma common to playoff-bound teams: How much do you play your starters? * The Clayton Tune Experiment: With Jordan Love active but serving as the emergency backup, Clayton Tune gets the start. This is a "live audition" for Tune to prove he can be a reliable QB2 in the playoffs. * Resting Key Players: Sitting Josh Jacobs is a smart move to prevent wear and tear before the postseason grind.

For the Vikings: Momentum and Positioning

• McCarthy’s Development: Starting J.J. McCarthy in a must-win game is a huge test. If he performs well against a division rival, it solidifies his status as the franchise quarterback heading into the offseason.
• Finishing at 9-8: A winning record changes the perception of the team’s trajectory. It signals that the Vikings are a team on the rise, not one just treading water.

Historical Context: A Rivalry for the Ages

The Packers and Vikings share one of the fiercest rivalries in professional sports. While recent history has seen the Packers hold an edge, games in Minnesota have historically been tough battles.

The "Border War" is defined by physical defense and explosive plays. In this specific 2025 matchup, the absence of key Packers defenders (due to rest) might open the door for the Vikings' offense to find success on the ground and through the air.

However, one must never count out the "Next Man Up" mentality of the Packers organization. Even with backups in, Green Bay’s system often produces solid results.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next?

Regardless of the outcome on Sunday, both teams have clear paths forward:

1. Green Bay Packers: They will travel to face the No. 2 seed in the NFC next week. The health of their defense and the rhythm of Jordan Love will be the primary talking points.
2. Minnesota Vikings: If they win, they could potentially move up in seedings depending on other Week 18 results across the league. If they lose, the focus immediately shifts to the 2026 NFL Draft and offseason roster moves.

Conclusion: The Final Whistle

The Packers vs. Vikings Week 18 game is more than just a season finale; it is a clash of philosophies. The Packers are playing for the future (the playoffs), while the Vikings are playing for the present (a winning record).

With J.J. McCarthy cleared to play and the Packers resting top talent, the stage is set for a potentially unpredictable contest. Whether you are tuning in via CBS, listening on the radio, or following along on live blogs, this matchup promises to be a compelling end to the regular season.

For the most up-to-date injury news and broadcast information, always refer to the official team websites at packers.com and vikings.com.