The Green Bay Packers’ attempt to come back against the Minnesota Vikings fell short on Sunday. The Packers lost 27-25, setting up the Vikings for an NFC North title showdown with the Detroit Lions in Week 18. Green Bay’s record dropped to 11-5, and they will settle for a Wild Card spot.

The Vikings went to the air against the Packers as Sam Darnold threw 43 passes in Week 17. The seventh-year quarterback threw for 377 yards and three touchdowns against Green Bay. Head coach Matt LaFleur acknowledged the need for improved defense against elite passing offenses. “You’ve got to get pressure on these guys if they’re going to drop back this many times. If you don’t, it’s going to be a long day,” LaFleur said, as reported by USA Today’s Ryan Wood on X.

LaFleur also criticized the Packers’ slow start. By the middle of the third quarter, Green Bay was trailing the Vikings 20-3. “You just can’t do that against good teams,” LaFleur admitted, via ESPN’s Rob Demovsky.

Despite a strong season, the Packers have struggled against top-tier competition. They have been swept by both the Vikings and Lions and lost to the Philadelphia Eagles this year. According to LaFleur, there’s “absolutely a belief we can win one of these games, but we’ve got to do it.”

LaFleur and the Packers will need to regroup.

With a 6-5 conference record, Green Bay is at risk of being overtaken by the Washington Commanders. Whether they finish with the sixth or seventh seed, the Packers may face a tough playoff scenario against the Lions, Vikings, or Eagles. If that happens, Green Bay will need to win their first postseason game against one of these teams under high-pressure conditions.

The Packers’ best-case scenario would be a Wild Card match against the Los Angeles Rams. Green Bay won 24-19 in Week 5.

The Week 17 loss damaged some of the Packers’ confidence, with Jordan Love completing 19 of 30 passes for 185 yards and one touchdown, while running back Josh Jacobs gained 69 yards on 17 carries. Meanwhile, Darnold continued his MVP-caliber play. The Vikings have the fourth-best passing offense in the NFL and can secure the division with a win over the Lions in Week 18.