3 winners (and 2 losers) from the Vikings in Week 4 win over the Packers

The Minnesota Vikings took their 3-0 record on the road to Green Bay to face the Green Bay Packers in Week 4. In a highly-contested game, the purple and gold held on to an early lead to narrowly defeat their neighbors to the east.

Next, the Vikings will take the long trip to the U.K. to take on the New York Jets in Week 5. But before looking too far ahead at their matchup against Aaron Rodgers and company, let's see who the winners and losers were against the Packers on Sunday.

3 winners (and 2 losers) from the Vikings in Week 4 win over the Packers

Which Minnesota Vikings players shined and which struggled against the Green Bay Packers in Week 4?

Vikings winner No. 1: Jordan Addison, wide receiver

Returning from an injury, Jordan Addison looked like he hadn't missed a step. Targeted four times and catching three passes, Minnesota's second-year pass catcher ended the game with 72 receiving yards and one touchdown.

Addison wasn't done there though. He also did some damage on the ground. He got one carry in this game, but took it seven yards, breaking tackles and taking a great angle to the end zone for his second score of the day.

Vikings loser No. 1: Blake Brandel, guard

A couple of miscues and penalties drew attention to Blake Brandel, but as a whole, the Vikings' left guard had a decent day. Still, in a game as close as this one ended up to be, those little mistakes can greatly impact the outcome.

Quarterback Sam Darnold was only sacked twice and Minnesota outrushed Green Bay in Week 4, so the offensive line deserves credit for their work against one of the tougher young defenses in the NFL.

Vikings winner No. 2: Harrison Phillips, defensive tackle

Coming into the game, the Packers were a team that found success by running all over their opposition. Green Bay running back Josh Jacobs is known for his ability to generate yardage, creating a huge challenge for Minnesota's defensive front.

Defensive tackle Harrison Phillips was an anchor in the middle for the Vikings. He was fourth on the team with six tackles (two solo) and even got a hit on Packers quarterback Jordan Love to keep the pressure on him.

Vikings loser No. 2: Jalen Nailor, wide receiver

This is no disrespect to Jalen Nailor as a receiver, but a muffed punt return was a key turning point in this game. he had one great catch for 31 yards on two targets, but was otherwise quiet offensively in Week 4.

It was likely the glaring sun shining down on Lambeau Field that caused Nailor to lose track of the ball in the air, but he was pulled from punt returns after this incident in favor of fellow receiver Brandon Powell following the incident.

Vikings winner No. 3: Sam Darnold, quarterback

As I say every week in these posts, you have to take the good with the bad when it comes to Sam Darnold. One interception, an ugly fumble, and a couple of questionable passes were the bad things, but he did plenty to help the Vikings as well.

Darnold completed 20 of his 28 passes for 275 yards and a touchdown with one interception against the Packers, good for a rating of 123.4. He also ran the ball pretty well, gaining 15 yards on seven runs with one scamper going for 12 yards.

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