Vikings game: Kirk Cousins returns to Lambeau Field as Vikings face Packers in NFC North clash

The Minnesota Vikings visit Lambeau Field to face the Green Bay Packers in a Week 10 NFC North game, the second Border Battle of 2026 between the two teams. Quarterback Kirk Cousins, recently reacquired by Minnesota, returns to the stadium where he played his last game for the Vikings before tearing his Achilles in Week 8 of the 2023 season. The game is scheduled for Sunday, with Green Bay (6-3) and Minnesota looking to strengthen their positions in one of the league's most competitive divisions.

Cousins back in a familiar setting

Cousins took snaps with the first-team offense on Thursday, and head coach Kevin O'Connell confirmed him as the starter on Friday. Expectations have been tempered, but the Vikings hope his presence will lift an offense that has struggled in recent weeks with Kyler Murray and Carson Wentz at quarterback.

Fan analysis from the Daily Norseman stressed getting Cousins comfortable early, particularly with a couple of key offensive weapons out. The same piece pointed to the Vikings' failure to establish the run in their most recent game against Buffalo as an area to fix.

Packers' protection and the run game

Green Bay enters with five wins in its last six games behind quarterback Jordan Love, whose play has drawn praise. The Packers' pass protection has improved considerably since a difficult Week 1 loss to Minnesota, when Love was hit 15 times and the Vikings scored 29 straight points in a 39-22 win. According to TruMedia figures cited by The New York Times, Green Bay ranked 31st in pressure rate allowed over the first three weeks and 13th from Weeks 4 through 9.

The run game is a different story. Fan commentary described it as the league's weakest, and running back Josh Jacobs is out again. Green Bay's deep passing to Christian Watson and Matthew Golden is expected to be a central focus for the Vikings' defense.

Special teams could tip the scale

Special teams have emerged as a possible deciding factor. Several analysts have highlighted Minnesota's kicking and return units, including kicker Will Reichard and returner Myles Price, while Green Bay's special teams have been described as a weakness. Fan analysis ranked the Vikings' unit first and the Packers' 27th by DVOA, a statistical measure, though those rankings are one outside view and not an official assessment.

Green Bay's Week 1 result against the Vikings remains a reference point, but both teams have changed considerably since then, and the NFC North standings are tight. Every team in the division entered Week 10 with at least six wins.

What we know so far

Kickoff is set for Lambeau Field, with the forecast calling for mid-40s temperatures and no chance of precipitation. Television coverage is on FOX nationally, with KMSP-9 carrying the game in the Twin Cities, while the Packers Radio Network and Vikings Radio Network will carry the audio. Both teams are now focused on a result that could shape the division race heading into the following week.

Chopal Unfiltered will update this story as the game develops.