🚨 GAME CHANGER: Minnesota Vikings vs Green Bay Packers at U.S. Bank Stadium – The New Kickoff Time Is Turning Heads! What’s Behind This Shocking Shift and How Will It Affect the Intensity of This Legendary Rivalry?👇

🚨GAME CHANGER: Minnesota Vikings vs Green Bay Packers at U.S. Bank Stadium – You Won’t Believe the New Kickoff Time!

The stage is set for an epic NFC North showdown as the Minnesota Vikings prepare to host the Green Bay Packers at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. This rivalry is always intense, with both teams battling for supremacy in one of the toughest divisions in football. What makes this game even more exciting is the recently announced new kickoff time, which has fans across the country eagerly adjusting their schedules to catch the action. Here’s everything you need to know about the Vikings vs Packers game, including the kickoff time, weather conditions, and broadcast details for this must-watch Week 18 matchup.

Game Overview: A Classic NFC North Rivalry

The Minnesota Vikings and Green Bay Packers share one of the fiercest rivalries in the NFL. Over the years, their matchups have been filled with hard-hitting football, passionate fanbases, and memorable moments. This year, the stakes are even higher as both teams look to finish the regular season strong.

For the Vikings, this game offers an opportunity to solidify their playoff positioning and potentially improve their seed as they prepare for the postseason. With Kirk Cousins leading the offense and playmakers like Justin Jefferson and Dalvin Cook, the Vikings are a formidable team looking to make a deep playoff run.

On the other hand, the Green Bay Packers are fighting to end the season on a high note. Despite some ups and downs throughout the year, Aaron Rodgers and the Packers are always dangerous, and a strong performance in this game could set them up for future success, either in playoff contention or as a springboard for next season.

New Kickoff Time: A Late Surprise

In a surprising move, the NFL has adjusted the kickoff time for this highly anticipated game. Originally slated for an earlier time, the game will now kick off at 4:25 p.m. Eastern Time (1:25 p.m. Pacific Time) on Sunday, January 4, 2026. This late-afternoon start provides fans with the perfect opportunity to settle in for an exciting NFC North rivalry game after the early matchups have concluded.

Whether you’re in the Midwest or on the East Coast, this new kickoff time gives everyone ample time to tune in and watch the action unfold. Fans across the world will be able to catch this thrilling contest and enjoy what is sure to be an unforgettable game.

Broadcast and How to Watch

For those looking to watch the Vikings vs Packers game live, the action will be broadcast nationally on CBS. The network will provide full coverage, including expert commentary, play-by-play action, and analysis from top broadcasters. Whether you’re watching from home or at a local sports bar, CBS will bring all the excitement of this NFC North rivalry directly to your screen.

For those on the go or looking for streaming options, the game will also be available on NFL Game Pass, CBS All Access, and other streaming platforms. These services will allow fans to watch the game live on mobile devices, tablets, or smart TVs. Additionally, for those who prefer the radio experience, the Vikings Radio Network and Packers Radio will provide live audio coverage.

Weather Forecast at U.S. Bank Stadium

One of the advantages of U.S. Bank Stadium is its state-of-the-art indoor facility, which means fans attending the game will enjoy a climate-controlled environment, ensuring comfort regardless of the outside weather conditions. However, if you’re watching from home or a bar, here’s the forecast:

The weather outside of the stadium is expected to be cold with temperatures in the low 30s Fahrenheit (around 0°C) and possible snow flurries in the Minneapolis area. Fortunately, the indoor stadium will keep fans comfortable as they cheer on their team in what’s sure to be an electric atmosphere.

Key Storylines to Watch

This game has plenty of intriguing storylines that will keep fans on the edge of their seats. Here are some key things to watch for:

1. Vikings Playoff Push: The Vikings have had a solid season, and this game will be crucial as they aim to secure a favorable playoff spot. The offense, led by Kirk Cousins and Justin Jefferson, has been one of the league’s best, and a strong performance against the Packers will ensure they enter the postseason with momentum.

2. Aaron Rodgers’ Last Stand?: While the Packers have had an up-and-down season, Aaron Rodgers is always a threat. Will this be his last regular-season game for the Packers, or is there more to come? Rodgers’ leadership and ability to perform in clutch moments make him one of the most dangerous quarterbacks in the NFL.

3. NFC North Pride: This game is about more than just playoff positioning. The Vikings and Packers are two proud franchises with passionate fanbases. Both teams will want to prove their dominance in this rivalry, making for a hard-fought, physical game that fans won’t want to miss.

Steelers Fans: What This Game Means for You

For Pittsburgh Steelers fans, this game provides a useful look at potential playoff opponents. The NFC North teams often play a different style of football, and understanding how these two teams fare could give the Steelers valuable insights into future playoff matchups. Whether you’re watching to see how the Vikings perform or simply keeping tabs on divisional rivals, this game could have future implications for the Steelers’ playoff positioning.

How to Watch Globally

International fans can also catch the action through NFL Game Pass International, ensuring that Vikings vs Packers is accessible to fans all over the world. Make sure to check your local time zone conversion for accurate viewing times, as the game’s kickoff time may vary depending on your location.

Here’s the international viewing breakdown:

Mexico and Latin America: NFL Game Pass International, 3:25 p.m. CST
Australia: NFL Game Pass International, Monday morning
United Kingdom: NFL Game Pass International, 9:25 p.m. GMT

Be sure to check your local listings for the exact viewing options available in your region.

Final Thoughts and Anticipation

As January 4, 2026 approaches, the Vikings vs Packers game is shaping up to be one of the most exciting and unpredictable matchups of Week 18. With playoff implications, divisional pride, and intense competition on the line, this NFC North rivalry promises to deliver a thrilling conclusion to the regular season.

Make sure to adjust your schedules for the new 4:25 p.m. Eastern Time kickoff, and get ready for a must-watch game that will have fans on the edge of their seats until the very end. Whether you’re cheering for the Vikings, the Packers, or simply enjoying the fierce rivalry, this game is not to be missed.