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Minnesota Vikings 2021 NFL schedule: 5 must-win games

By Mike Phillips

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - DECEMBER 20: Dalvin Cook #33 of the Minnesota Vikings runs with the ball in the second quarter of the game against the Chicago Bears at U.S. Bank Stadium on December 20, 2020 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - DECEMBER 20: Dalvin Cook #33 of the Minnesota Vikings runs with the ball in the second quarter of the game against the Chicago Bears at U.S. Bank Stadium on December 20, 2020 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images) /
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GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN – NOVEMBER 01: Marquez Valdes-Scantling #83 of the Green Bay Packers makes a catch while being guarded by Jeff Gladney #20 of the Minnesota Vikings in the third quarter at Lambeau Field on November 01, 2020, in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN – NOVEMBER 01: Marquez Valdes-Scantling #83 of the Green Bay Packers makes a catch while being guarded by Jeff Gladney #20 of the Minnesota Vikings in the third quarter at Lambeau Field on November 01, 2020, in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) /

1. Vs. Green Bay Packers

Finishing in second place is nice but the best way to ensure a return to the playoffs is for Minnesota to win its division. The path to the NFC North crown goes through Green Bay, where the Packers have dominated this division for the past two seasons.

The Packers swept the Vikings in 2019 but Minnesota salvaged a season split in 2020, scoring a key 28-22 win at Lambeau Field in November. Dalvin Cook tortured the Green Bay defense in that game, producing over 220 yards from scrimmage and racking up four touchdowns in the win.

While a road win at Green Bay is nice, it would be far easier for the Vikings to find a way to beat their bitter rivals at home. Minnesota had established a solid home-field advantage against Green Bay in recent years, winning three straight home games between 2016 and 2018, but the Packers have found a way to win at U.S. Bank Stadium in each of the past two seasons.

It is critical for Minnesota’s chances in the division to find a way to get their home mojo back against Green Bay. Winning this game would guarantee at least a split of the season series for the Vikings and significantly increase their odds of winning the division, making it the most important game that Minnesota has to win in 2021.

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