Rick from Queen Creek, AZ

Mike, that was pure II comedy genius where you put Aaron from Madison, WI's submission and answer at in yesterday's Inbox. Nicely done!

We like to keep it light around here…usually.

Kathryn from Greenville, WI

As of Nov. 21, 2025, the Green Bay Packers lead the all-time series against the Minnesota Vikings with a record of 66 wins, 60 losses, and 3 ties, including playoffs. What is the key to the Packers taking advantage of a struggling Vikings offense and protecting their home turf at Lambeau Field against their division rival?

I thought Spoff banged this one out of the park on "Final Thoughts." The biggest key to this game is tying up the loose ends from last week. Green Bay's pass-catchers need to bring down Jordan Love's passes and the defense must capitalize on any mistakes J.J. McCarthy makes with the football. The Packers are favored for a reason in this one. They gotta play like it Sunday.

George from North Mankato, MN

Which player, if available, could tilt the field in the Packers' favor?

Jayden Reed. You want to talk about a pleasant surprise on Friday. The Packers' third-year receiver is now on the clock for a return from injured reserve after practicing on Friday. The Packers have what they need and room for more activations from the reserve lists. With Reed's return to practice, the Packers still have five IR activations at their disposal for the rest of the season. MarShawn Lloyd and Jacob Monk were placed on IR during final cuts, requiring Green Bay to designate them to return at that time.

James from Appleton, WI

I'm rooting for Sean Rhyan to grab the center spot and not let go. Do you think he might have some of the ol' Frankie "Bag O' Donuts" Winters, um, determination in him?

I also like that nothing has been given to Rhyan, either. Every snap he's taken for Green Bay has been hard-earned. Whatever Rhyan's future holds, he has half a season to show the Packers and the rest of the NFL what he's all about.

Doug from Woodington, OH

Good morning, Wes. With a rivalry game on deck and both teams fighting for position, what's the one matchup in Sunday's Packers-Vikings showdown that isn't getting enough attention but could swing the whole afternoon?

Rhyan and Javon Hargrave. The Packers' new center has been thrown into the proverbial fire when it comes to premier nose tackles in this league after having to fend off Dexter Lawrence last Sunday.

Al from Green Bay, WI

The Packers have been through a lot this season with injuries, heartbreaking losses, and inspiring wins. They are hardened for the stretch run and will beat the Vikings. Reasons to believe: 1) Our QB is better than theirs. J.J. McCarthy will improve, but he's not there yet. 2) Lambeau Field in November hosting a dome team? Advantage GB. 3) The Packers D has allowed an average of 16 points/game at Lambeau, with a high of 20. 4) Crowd noise will aid this stout Packers D causing penalties. GPG!

I feel like it's gonna set the tone for this barrage of NFC North games over the next seven weeks. The Packers also want to wash the bad taste from their mouth of losing to Minnesota twice last year. Lastly, it's a chance to stay near the top of the division while pushing the Vikings further out of contention. This is a big one.

Bob from Rome, NY

Wes: I loved the formation with Josh Jacobs and Josh Whyle as the FB-HB. I would like to see more of it either running the football or play-action. Your expertise thoughts await! Thank you.

That position has been an emphasis in Matt LaFleur's offense whether it was Josiah Deguara, Dominique Dafney or Danny Vitale. What excites me most about Whyle's utilization is the size/speed component. Once Whyle picks up the system, there's a lot Green Bay can do with him. It's not like this is a random guy the Packers signed to their practice squad at the beginning of the year. Green Bay brought him in for a top 30 visit before Tennessee drafted Whyle. There's a skill set there the Packers really like.

John from Stevens Point, WI

Is the fact the NFL flexed the Bears vs. Packers game on Dec. 7 to 3:25 p.m. CT telling us what we already know? That the game could well decide the NFC North champ this year?

There are 14 games left to be played in the NFC North this season and each one of them will have a massive impact on not only who wins the division but also advances to the playoffs.

Dave from Edina, MN

Weston, living in enemy territory, I can tell you people around here do not have a lot of faith in their team this weekend. I'm hoping that translates to fewer people willing to spend their time and money traveling to the game. What's the fan vibe in the promised land and the Inbox? Thanks for all your hard work.

I think vibes are high, but Packers fans still need to bring it regardless of whether there's 35,000 Vikings at Lambeau Sunday or 35.

Noel from Norwalk, CA

Greetings II! It appears that some team's season ticket holders hold onto their tickets rather than putting them for sale, which means less tickets for visiting fans. I suspect there will be a large contingent of Viking fans Sunday as season ticket holders will put profit over team support. Is there any correlation or causation between small- and large-market teams? As always, appreciate all your hard work. GO PACK GO!

I think the biggest correlation is good football teams, specifically in the case of Detroit. Not everyone is like Packers fans, Noel. The NFC North travels well when its teams are playing well. At least, that's been my experience.

Dennis from Parrish, FL

Fourteen false starts in two games HAS to be a misprint. Did Mike not have enough coffee when doing his research?

The 14 false starts are jarring, but information is interesting, and data is mere detail. It's up to the Packers to make something of it.

Jennifer from Middleton, WI

Hey Wes, I told a friend how I hate reality shows ("The Bachelor," et.al.), but then realized, football is my reality show. Team rivalries, trades, injuries, contracts, matchups where guys have beef/history, coaches on short leashes, bad ref calls, upsets, Jerry Jones' quotes, player and coach interviews, podcast content… the drama never stops. Here comes another weekend. After living in the MN for 15 years, the Vikings are the conniving, backstabbing girl I loathe. Let's go guys! Rip out some hair.

Sports are the greatest reality show there's ever been for all the reasons you mention. This upcoming stretch was tailormade for November sweeps.

Bill from Clive, IA

Do you expect to see a healthy increase in snaps for Chris Brooks in the backfield this week given Minnesota's blitz-happy D?

Not to give anything away, but Brooks is actually my guy to watch in this one regardless of whether Josh Jacobs plays Sunday. With Brian Flores' penchant for pressure, Brooks is a good option to pick up blitzing linebackers and safeties on passing downs. He keeps defenses honest, too, as both a runner and pass-catcher out of the backfield.

Craig from Brookfield, WI

Yikes…Thursday's injury report listed 18 Packers and five Vikings (three of the Vikings were full participation). I know there are NFL rules for reporting injuries. But how much of this might be gamesmanship in how the two organizations submit their report? I'm hoping it's not as lopsided as the report shows!

I don't know how other NFL teams handle their injury report, but I can tell you the Packers play it straight. If a player is being treated for an injury, the team is reporting it. Just look at how Green Bay handled Christian Watson last week.

Jon from Willmar, MN

What will be our biggest challenges against the Vikings?

Protecting the football and making the Vikings earn every yard and every point. Green Bay's defense has done an excellent job of eliminating explosive plays, but Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison are going to do whatever they can to blow the top of this secondary. Xavier McKinney, Evan Williams and the Packers' cornerbacks must push back against that while bringing down a McCarthy pass or two of their own, as well.

Mike from Bristol, IN

My son bought tickets for the game as a present, which was very nice. What time do the teams normally hit the field for pregame warmups, drills, practice, etc.? We may want to get inside somewhat early to watch some of these activities.

Stadium doors open two hours before kickoff and there's usually somebody out on the field.

Donna from Donna, TX

If Aaron Rodgers gets a win in Chicago, I will have a beer, no old fashioned! GO PACK GO, and A-ROD!

If Rodgers goes – he's listed as questionable, the Packers need one more big W over the Bears from the ol' general.

Joe from Bozeman, MT

A favorite to go to this year's Super Bowl with the current NFL MVP at QB loses to a .500 team playing a backup QB? Anything can happen and it usually does.

…especially on Thursday nights.

Alan from Saugerties, NY

For Packers fans who want to see what creativity on offense resembles, look no further than the Bills-Texans game where Buffalo, facing a fourth-and-27 from deep in their own territory and under two minutes left in the game, has Josh Allen throw a 15-yard pass to one receiver, who then laterals back to Khalil Shakir, who takes it another 25 yards to pick up the first down. One of the coolest plays that I have ever seen.

It was cool…but a couple Texans defenders playing with absolutely zero leverage aided that effort.

Tony from Titusville, FL

Please help me settle a debate: My wife thinks the Texans' color rush uniforms look like candy wrappers, I think they look like Imperial guards from "Star Wars." What do you guys think?

I'm sorry, Mrs. Tony from Titusville. Gotta go with your hubs on this one.

Tim from Fayetteville, NC

Which Packers team had the most sacks in a single game?

The single-game team record is nine, which officially has happened twice – a 36-22 win over San Francisco on Nov. 1, 1998, and a 31-14 victory over Chicago on Jan. 2, 2005.

Charlie from Cross Plains, WI

Responding to TK from Grafton, I get a chuckle very time a see old games and the size of the pads compared to today's pads. Any thoughts on the NFL requiring larger pads to prevent injuries?

The old Chuck Cecil clips get me every time, but bigger pads don't necessarily mean safer. No different than computers getting smaller over the years, technological advancements allow for increased range of motion with pads while still preserving, and even improving, the protection they provide.

Dan from Minneapolis, MN

In trying to come up with a name to match "Spoffocles" for Wes, Gemini AI tells us this: "The surname Hodkiewicz does not sound like a widely known, major historical philosopher. It is a Polish name and is likely unfamiliar in the context of major Western or Eastern philosophical canons. The name 'Hodkiewicz' is occasionally found in modern contexts, such as belonging to individuals in sports journalism or academia." So, there's that.

What I wanna know is who's the academic in the family? But you should try searching "Chodkiewicz." Based on my research, my great-great grandfather had the "C" cut off our last name at Ellis Island because of its silent pronunciation in "HOD-KAY-VICH."

Dan from Waupun, WI

Are my questions more awkward than the ads?

I can answer in the affirmative there, Dan, but we still love ya.

Rick from San Diego, CA

When you've exhausted the things to complain about the Packers, complain about ad placement. At least we are a consistent bunch.

Those in search of fodder will stop at nothing to find fodder.

Dale from Palmyra, NE

It's time to be winsome...and win some.

Giddy up.

Mark from Shoreview, MN

If it works for you guys, no last-minute heroics this weekend, just a nice 18-point victory! Much appreciated.

If only this game were that easy. Enjoy every second of it, folks.

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