Packers schedule: 3 games that will define Jordan Love’s first season as starter

Packers schedule: Jordan Love needs to beat the Vikings

Minnesota may have shed a number of veterans from their NFC North-winning roster, but even without Za’Darius Smith and likely Dalvin Cook, the Vikings are a divisional force.

If the Love era is going to look anything like what Packers fans are accustomed to with Rodgers, then the young quarterback must be able to win late-season games against divisional rivals, especially when the North is on the line.

Of course, we don’t know what the standings will look like come Dec. 31, but the Pack will be playing on the road at U.S. Bank Stadium. That’s a very tough environment even when the Vikes are struggling. Assuming they have a healthy Kirk Cousins, Justin Jefferson and more, Minnesota is likely to be in the mix for at least a Wild Card spot. Ideally, Green Bay will as well.

Winning tight games on the road is often what set Rodgers apart. When the game was literally in his hands, he delivered, especially in the fourth quarter and against these Vikings. Love must do the same and prove his detractors wrong.

Aaron Rodgers has a passer rating of 108.4 with 7,157 yards, 57 touchdowns and 8 interceptions in 29 games against the Vikings in his career.