Packers fall apart after late gamble backfires as Vikings rally to stun rivals without Kyler Murray

The Green Bay Packers held a 12-point second-half lead Sunday against a Minnesota Vikings team playing without its starting quarterback.

But a late gamble backfired, and a series of questionable calls in Minnesota's favor allowed the Vikings to rally for a stunning 39-22 win. By the end of the game, Minnesota's defense had taken over, and the Vikings piled on with 22 fourth-quarter points.

They secured the win despite playing most of the game without injured starting quarterback Kyler Murray, who left in the first quarter with a concussion following a reckless hit to his head by Packers safety Javon Bullard .

With backup Carson Wentz in at quarterback for the Vikings, Green Bay largely bottled up Minnesota in the first half with the exception of a 39-yard touchdown pass to Justin Jefferson .

The Packers held a 22-10 lead late in third quarter, then faced a pivotal decision early in the fourth.

Green Bay kicked a field goal to extend its lead to 25-17 with 13:21 remaining in regulation. But a Vikings penalty on the kick presented head coach Matt LaFleur with a decision: keep the field goal or take the points off the board for a shot to keep the drive alive.

LaFleur took the points off the board, and the Packers went for it on fourth and a long 1. They didn't get it. Vikings defenders stuffed Jordan Love 's sneak, and the Vikings took over on downs.

The Packers then appeared to stop the the ensuing Vikings drive short of midfield. But a questionable roughing the passer penalty on a third-down hit of Wentz extended the drive.

Vikings capitalize after getting bailed out again

Green Bay's defense then appeared to come up with another play, this time in the end zone with an interception of Wentz. But another borderline penalty — this time holding on Xavier McKinney — bailed Wentz out and gave the Vikings life once again.

The Vikings capitalized on their good fortune. Aaron Jones ran for a touchdown on the next play, and a 2-point conversion gave Minnesota a 25-22 lead.

Then the Vikings piled on. On the ensuing Green Bay possession, the Vikings forced a fumble on a third-down sack of Jordan Love.

They recovered the ball in the red zone, and converted the turnover into a Jordan Mason touchdown for a 32-22 lead.

Two Packers plays later, James Pierre intercepted Love, and the Vikings converted that turnover into Jefferson's second touchdown catch of the day and a 39-22 lead. What not long before was a game that Green Bay controlled had turned into a Vikings blowout and "Skol" chants throughout U.S. Bank Stadium.

Big early win in one of NFL's toughest divisions

The rally for the Vikings acts a a tone-setter in what projects to be a very competitive NFC North and a reprieve after they lost Murray early. It's unclear when Murray will play again, but the Vikings got enough big plays out of Wentz on Sunday to pull out the win.

Wentz finished the day completing 12 of 19 passes for 133 yards with 3 touchdowns and 0 turnovers. Jefferson did the bulk of the damage on the receiving end as he tallied 8 catches for 92 yards, 2 touchdowns and the 2-point conversion.

Justin Jefferson , Vikings defense step up

Jefferson's touchdown tally matched his total from his entire season in 2025, a down year in which he didn't catch a touchdown at home. His effort Sunday signaled his return to All-Pro form, even while playing with a backup quarterback.

And an aggressive defense helmed by coordinator Brian Flores got the job done late against a dangerous Packers offense. The Vikings sacked Love four times and forced two late turnovers to seal the win.

Love was productive until his late mistakes, completing 21 of 42 passes for 387 yards with 2 touchdowns. But his fourth-quarter interception and fumble accounted for both of Green Bays's turnovers and allowed Minnesota to seal the win.

The late breakdown spoiled a breakout effort from Christian Watson , who tallied 6 catches for 147 yards and 2 touchdowns in his first career game as Green Bay's clear No. 1 receiving option, coming off an offseason in which he signed a four-year, $92 million contract extension.

The Packers will seek to exact their revenge on Nov. 11 when they host the Vikings in matchup that could carry playoff implications.