How to Watch Green Bay Packers vs Minnesota Vikings: NFL Week 1 2026

Watch Info

• Date: Sunday, September 13, 2026
• Time: 4:25 PM ET (3:25 PM CT)
• TV Channel: CBS
• Streaming: Paramount+, NFL+ (in-market), NFL Sunday Ticket on YouTube TV (out-of-market)
• Location: U.S. Bank Stadium, Minneapolis, Minnesota

Game Preview

The NFC North rivalry kicks off the 2026 season as the Vikings host the Packers for just the third time in franchise history in Week 1. It's a rematch of how these two teams closed out last season: Minnesota won 16-3 at U.S. Bank Stadium in Week 18, though that result came with an asterisk — Green Bay had already clinched a playoff spot and rested key players, including both Jordan Love and Malik Willis at quarterback, while an eliminated Minnesota rolled out its regulars, including Justin Jefferson, who used the game to cross 1,000 receiving yards on the season.

With the energy of a home division opener and a full-strength Vikings roster expected, Minnesota may have real advantages heading into this one — especially with news out of Green Bay's camp that could shape the game before it even kicks off.

Green Bay Packers News & Storylines

The Packers are expected to be without star edge rusher Micah Parsons for the opener as he continues recovering from a torn ACL suffered late last season. Parsons, acquired from Dallas last year, terrorized Minnesota's pocket in his first Packers-Vikings matchup, racking up two sacks and three quarterback hits in that Week 12 meeting. Without him, Green Bay's pass rush will lean on Lukas Van Ness, along with young pieces Barryn Sorrell and Dani Dennis-Sutton, and veteran addition Javon Hargrave, who could be tasked with picking up the sack production Parsons would otherwise provide.

On offense, Green Bay signed wide receivers Jayden Reed and Christian Watson to extensions this offseason, and both will pair with 2025 first-round pick Matthew Golden — who closed his rookie year strong with four catches for 84 yards and a touchdown in the Wild Card loss at Chicago — to form one of the more talented receiving trios in the conference. Tight end Tucker Kraft, who tore his ACL last November, is aiming to be ready for kickoff, which would be a significant boost for the offense if he can go.

Minnesota Vikings News & Storylines

Minnesota enters the opener with real reason for optimism at the line of scrimmage: left tackle Christian Darrisaw, who tore his ACL in October 2024 and was shut down again last December as a precaution, has looked good in organized team activities and is trending toward being ready for Week 1. With Justin Jefferson anchoring the passing game and a favorable injury report on the Packers' side, the Vikings appear well-positioned to open the season with a statement win over their biggest rival.

Key Matchup to Watch

Minnesota's offensive line, and specifically a healthy Christian Darrisaw, against a Packers pass rush trying to replace Micah Parsons' production. If Green Bay's replacements can't generate consistent pressure, Minnesota's offense could have a much easier time establishing rhythm than it did in last November's 23-6 loss at Lambeau Field.

What to Expect

With Parsons likely out and Minnesota at full strength on a charged home crowd, the Vikings look like they're catching a genuine break in a matchup that's historically been a coin flip. Expect a hard-hitting, division-rivalry atmosphere with Minnesota holding a slight edge on paper heading into kickoff.