The Minnesota Vikings enter Week 10 at 6-2, tied for second place in the NFC North. Their record keeps them in the playoff picture, but the team has lost its last two games and has not consistently reached its potential on offense. Minnesota held first place in the division through the first seven weeks, so there is still plenty to play for as it prepares to face the Green Bay Packers.
The Vikings’ offense has scored at a pace that ranks 27th in the league, prompting the team to trade for quarterback Kirk Cousins. The 38-year-old has worked with head coach Kevin O’Connell before, spending two seasons in O’Connell’s offense. That familiarity could help Cousins settle in quickly, even though he was acquired on Tuesday.
The Packers arrive with a 6-3 record and sit fourth in the division. With a rivalry game ahead and both teams looking to improve their position, here are four bold predictions for Sunday’s matchup.
## Justin Jefferson Breaks Out for 180 Receiving Yards
Cousins’ return could be welcome news for Justin Jefferson. The wide receiver’s targets have declined since Cousins left Minnesota, but the two already have experience playing together. That existing connection may give them a useful head start as they work to get back in sync.
Jefferson’s previous high point came in Week 18 of the 2024 season, when he recorded 192 receiving yards and a touchdown. A 180-yard performance would approach that mark and give the Vikings a major boost against Green Bay. If Cousins can find Jefferson consistently, the receiver could have his strongest outing since that 2024 game.
The prediction depends on the pair reconnecting quickly, but familiarity with O’Connell’s offense and each other gives them a path to a productive afternoon.
## Kirk Cousins Throws for Minnesota’s First 300-Yard Game of the Season
Minnesota has not had a quarterback throw for 300 yards this season. Carson Wentz and Kyler Murray have had stretches in which they protected the football, but the Vikings have also missed opportunities to connect with open receivers.
Cousins could change that. He has already operated O’Connell’s system, and his experience may help him process the field and locate available targets. A strong performance would give the offense a benchmark it has not reached in 2026 and help establish whether the quarterback change can raise the unit’s ceiling.
A 300-yard game would also align with the prediction for Jefferson: if the receiver benefits from renewed chemistry with Cousins, his production could account for a significant portion of the quarterback’s total.
## Jauan Jennings Posts a Season-High 80 Yards and a Touchdown
Jauan Jennings has not topped 34 receiving yards since joining the Vikings, but the matchup with Green Bay could provide an opportunity for a larger role. With Cousins taking over at quarterback, Jennings may have a better chance to receive the ball when he is open.
The prediction is for Jennings to finish with a season-high 80 yards and a touchdown. He could contribute not only as a receiver but also through key blocks as Minnesota looks to move the ball. Jennings has remained with the Vikings despite trade opportunities, and a breakout performance would be the sort of contribution the team needs from him.
## Minnesota Limits Green Bay to a Season-Low 13 Points
The teams’ first meeting featured major swings. Kyler Murray left with a concussion in the first quarter, while Jordan Love had a highly productive first half. Minnesota’s defense then slowed Love after halftime.
The Vikings will need a more consistent defensive performance in the rematch. Defensive coordinator Brian Flores will be tasked with keeping Green Bay’s offense in check for all four quarters. The prediction is that Minnesota will do enough to hold the Packers to 13 points, which would be Green Bay’s lowest total of the season.
If Cousins helps the Vikings sustain drives, the defense could also have more opportunity to stay composed and limit the Packers’ scoring chances. Together, a more productive offense and a steady defensive effort could give Minnesota a chance to turn its recent slide around in a key divisional game.
