Vikings Flashback: Opening U.S. Bank Stadium by beating the Packers

During their first regular season game inside U.S. Bank Stadium in 2016, the Minnesota Vikings came out with a win over the Green Bay Packers.

The Minnesota Vikings and Green Bay Packers will continue their big NFC North rivalry on Sunday night inside U.S. Bank Stadium.

“The Border Battle”, as it is known to many in the Twin Cities area, is regarded by some as one of the biggest rivalries in all of sports.

Both teams met earlier this season in a Week 2 matchup at Lambeau Field and ended up with a 29-29 tie after neither the Vikings or Packers could score in overtime.

Sunday night’s showdown is a very big game for both teams. Minnesota and Green Bay both need a win this week to keep their playoff hopes alive. A loss would be brutal for either team.

One of the Vikings’ most memorable wins against the Packers came in 2016 on a historical night.

After playing the previous two seasons outdoors at TCF Bank Stadium, Minnesota moved into a new into their new home at the beautiful U.S. Bank Stadium.

The long wait for a new stadium was finally over. The entire Vikings organization and the team’s fan base were very pumped up about the new venue.

Minnesota’s first regular season game inside the stadium came in Week 2 against Green Bay. It was also the debut of new Vikings quarterback Sam Bradford, who was acquired just two weeks prior in a trade with the Philadelphia Eagles after starter Teddy Bridgewater went down with a very serious knee injury.

The Vikings and Bradford were able to beat the rival Packers by a final score of 17-14 and Minnesota improved their record to 2-0.

The new Vikings quarterback completed 22 of his 31 passes for 286 yards and two touchdowns against Green Bay that night. Minnesota wide receiver Stefon Diggs also pitched in with nine catches for 182 yards and a touchdown.

After the win, Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer commented on Bradford’s first in-game action with the team.

"“He can throw the ball. He’s got some toughness about him, and this isn’t his first rodeo.”"

Minnesota’s defense also performed well against the Packers as they finished with five sacks and forced Green Bay to commit two turnovers, including an interception by cornerback Trae Waynes that sealed the victory in the fourth quarter.

While the Packers do lead the all-time series 60-53-3, the Vikings are 4-1-1 in the past six meetings between the two teams.

Prediction for Sunday: Vikings win 27-20