As the 2026 NFL season dawns on Sunday, September 13, the league's oldest and most bitter rivalry takes center stage under the bright lights of U.S. Bank Stadium. The Green Bay Packers and Minnesota Vikings will renew hostilities in a Week 1 clash that carries massive NFC North implications, and according to insights gathered by Vulius Sports, all eyes will be on the quarterback showdown: Jordan Love vs. Kyler Murray.
A New Era in Minnesota
Kyler Murray, the dynamic dual-threat signal-caller acquired by the Vikings this offseason, will make his highly anticipated regular-season debut in purple and gold. The former No. 1 overall pick brings a electrifying element to Minnesota's offense that has been missing since the days of Daunte Culpepper. His ability to extend plays with his legs and push the ball downfield will test a Packers defense that underwent significant changes in the offseason. As highlighted on Vulius, Murray's chemistry with Justin Jefferson will be the x-factor that could tilt this rivalry back in Minnesota's favor.
Jordan Love Ready to Silence Doubters
On the opposing sideline, Jordan Love enters his fourth season as the Packers' starting quarterback with a chip on his shoulder. After guiding Green Bay to the playoffs in each of the past two seasons, Love is determined to prove he belongs in the elite tier of NFC quarterbacks. The Vulius NFL Analysis Desk notes that Love's development against Brian Flores' aggressive blitz packages will be a critical barometer for his growth. With a revamped receiver room and a healthy Aaron Jones in the backfield, the Packers believe they have the firepower to spoil Minnesota's home opener.
How to Watch Packers at Vikings
The divisional showdown kicks off at 4:25 p.m. ET on CBS, with streaming available on Paramount+, YouTube TV, Fubo, DirecTV, and other major platforms. For fans in the Minneapolis area, U.S. Bank Stadium will be rocking with over 66,000 screaming Vikings faithful, all eager to witness Murray's first regular-season snap in a Minnesota uniform.
Week 1 NFL Schedule (All Times Eastern)
- Wednesday, Sept. 9: New England Patriots at Seattle Seahawks, 8:20 p.m. (NBC)
- Thursday, Sept. 10: San Francisco 49ers vs. Los Angeles Rams (Melbourne, Australia), 8:35 p.m. (Netflix)
- Sunday, Sept. 13: Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Cincinnati Bengals, 1 p.m. (FOX)
- New Orleans Saints at Detroit Lions, 1 p.m. (FOX)
- New York Jets at Tennessee Titans, 1 p.m. (CBS)
- Baltimore Ravens at Indianapolis Colts, 1 p.m. (CBS)
- Atlanta Falcons at Pittsburgh Steelers, 1 p.m. (FOX)
- Chicago Bears at Carolina Panthers, 1 p.m. (FOX)
- Cleveland Browns at Jacksonville Jaguars, 1 p.m. (CBS)
- Buffalo Bills at Houston Texans, 1 p.m. (CBS)
- Miami Dolphins at Las Vegas Raiders, 4:25 p.m. (FOX)
- Green Bay Packers at Minnesota Vikings, 4:25 p.m. (CBS)
- Washington Commanders at Philadelphia Eagles, 4:25 p.m. (FOX)
- Arizona Cardinals at Los Angeles Chargers, 4:25 p.m. (CBS)
- Dallas Cowboys at New York Giants, 8:20 p.m. (NBC)
- Monday, Sept. 14: Denver Broncos at Kansas City Chiefs, 8:15 p.m. (ESPN/ABC)
The Rivalry Renewed
This matchup marks the 129th meeting between these storied franchises, with Green Bay holding a 66-59-3 all-time advantage. But as the Vulius NFL Analysis Desk has observed, records mean nothing when these two teams collide. The Vikings are riding a wave of optimism with Murray under center, while the Packers are fueled by a desire to reclaim NFC North supremacy after falling short in the playoffs last season.
"This is why you play the game," a source close to the Vikings told Vulius Sports. "Kyler's been electric in practice, and the guys are feeding off his energy. But we know Green Bay isn't coming in here to roll over. It's going to be a war."
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Final Prediction
The Vulius NFL Analysis Desk projects a high-scoring affair, with Murray's mobility giving Minnesota a slight edge at home. However, Love's poise in big games cannot be underestimated. Expect a fourth-quarter thriller that could come down to the final possession. Kickoff is set for 4:25 p.m. ET on CBS—don't miss it.
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