MINNEAPOLIS -- After early season struggles, the Green Bay Packers are now fighting for their chance to make the "big dance," also known as the playoffs.
On New Year's Day, it was apparent which team wanted the win more. The Packers dominated the Vikings from the start, capitalizing on mistakes and injuries on Minnesota's side.
Vikings lost 17-41.
CBS SPORTS: Green Bay defense stomps all over Kirk Cousins in blowout revenge game
Next up, Vikings travel to Chicago on Sunday to take on the Bears.
RECAP: Vikings dominated by Packers
Vikings lose 17-41 to Packers
The Vikings put up a couple touchdowns to make the score look a little less worse, but still lose badly to Packers 17-41.
Vikings score touchdown to ease the sting ... just a bit
Aaron Rodgers throws another Packers touchdown
Cousins throws third interception
The Minnesota Vikings are in rough shape after quarterback Kirk Cousins threw his third interception of the night.
Packers lead 34-3 with 14 minutes left in the fourth quarter.
Packers score another, up 34-3
It's getting uglier, with the Packers scoring another.
Vikings trail by over 30 points in the fourth quarter.
Halftime show:
Packers get another turnover
The Minnesota Vikings were in scoring position, but the Packers' defensive line dominated, stripping the ball from quarterback Kirk Cousins. It's Packers' ball again.
Vikings stop the Packers first drive after half
Minnesota's defense showed up after halftime, stopping the Packers' first drive. It's Minnesota's ball at the 20.
Packers 27-3 after field goal
The Vikings trail by a lot after the Packers put up another 3 points due to a Mason Crosby field goal.
Minnesota has a lot of work to do to get back into this game.
Packers score another, 24-3
It's starting to get away from the Vikings a bit, with Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers throwing a touchdown pass.
It's getting worse: Another interception
The Vikings got the ball deeper into Packers' territory due to an unnecessary roughness call against the Packers. But due to a deflected ball, the Packers came up with an interception soon after.
Minnesota trails 17-3 with 5:52 left in the half.
Remember to watch WCCO's halftime show on CBS News Minnesota.
Packers kick field goal, up 17-3
Vikings miss field goal, score remains 14-3 Packers
Vikings kicker Greg Joseph missed a field goal, so score remains 14-3 Packers.
More bad news: Right tackle Brian O'Neill is injured
Packers intercept Kirk Cousins, return it for touchdown
The Vikings aren't off to a great start. After going for it on fourth down, Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins threw an interception and Packers returned it for a touchdown. 14-3 Wisconsin.
Vikings stop Packers on fourth down
The Vikings' defensive line put up a great stop, and defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson got to Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers, sacking him for a turnover. Minnesota gets the ball back.
Vikings playing with third string center
The Minnesota Vikings' offense is now utilizing a third string center, Chris Reed, after backup center Austin Schlottmann was injured on the Vikings second drive. The team later updated that Schlottmann will be out the rest of the game.
Packers return kickoff for touchdown, Vikings down 3-7
The Minnesota Vikings kicked off after a field goal, and it didn't go quite well for Minnesota's special teams. The Packers returned the kick for a touchdown.
Vikings score first points with field goal, 3-0
The blocked punt put the Vikings close to the end zone, but Minnesota couldn't capitalize with a touchdown, settling for a field goal.
Vikings block punt on Packers' first drive
Happy new year from Vikings & Packers fans
Checking in with Vikings fans at Lambeau
Packers fans know a lot's on the line today
There are, of course, two sides to every game. And WCCO's Ren Clayton and Mike Max are in Wisconsin this weekend getting the full scoop ahead of Sunday afternoon's border battle between the Packers and Vikings.
Here's a peek at how Packers' fans are anticipating a game that could help slip them into the postseason.
Chris Shaffer makes his Vikings-Packers prediction
Vikings-Packers clash: Key matchups and storylines
When the Minnesota Vikings meet the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field on Sunday, there's a lot on the line.
It's also not out the realm of possibilities that the Vikings could get the No. 1 seed if they win out. However, the Philadelphia Eagles, the current No. 1 seed, would need to lose the last two regular season games, too.
If both teams end the season with the same record, the Eagles will get the No. 1 seed since they beat the Vikings in Week 2.
So, with so much at stake, expect an exciting game. Here are some key matchups and storylines for the border battle matchup.
