OUR PREDICTIONS

TOM SILVERSTEIN

This is a must-win game for the Packers because they can’t afford to let other teams dictate whether they make the playoffs. The chances are too slim. Unless Aaron Rodgers plays at an MVP level, the Packers are doomed for another close loss on the road. The season is on the line Sunday night. Vikings 24, Packers 23 PETE DOUGHERTY

The Packers have a little extra rest coming off their mini-bye, but the “questionable” status of cornerbacks Kevin King (hamstring) and Bashaud Breeland (groin) doesn’t bode well for slowing Vikings receivers Stefon Diggs and Adam Thielen. The guess here is that with a playoff tiebreaker on the line Minnesota’s defense (No. 6 in defensive passer rating) gets enough stops to win a tight one at home. Vikings 31, Packers 27 RYAN WOOD

The Packers have been knocking, knocking, knocking on the door all month. They could’ve beaten the Rams in Los Angeles, but didn’t. They could’ve beaten the Patriots in New England, but didn’t. They should have beaten the Seahawks in Seattle, but didn’t. You notice a theme here? The Packers certainly can beat the Vikings in Minnesota. Here’s guessing they won’t. At some point, a team is what it is: close but not quite. Vikings 23, Packers 19 JIM OWCZARSKI

Even though the Packers are in desperation mode, anything that can go wrong has gone wrong on the road. And, the offense can’t seem to score 30 points when needed. Vikings 28, Packers 21 STU COURTNEY

Just like at Seattle, there’s no reason to think Green Bay can win at Minnesota, especially if cornerback Kevin King isn’t available to help against Vikings receivers Adam Thielen and Stefon Diggs. But the Packers played well enough to beat the Seahawks (should’ve beaten the Seahawks), so here’s a hunch that they will have a “galvanizing moment” Sunday night in Minneapolis. Packers 28, Vikings 27