Stark Contrasts in Vikings-Packers Ground Game…

EAGAN, Minn. — The Vikings were unable to upset the Packers and suffered a 37-10 loss Sunday that eliminated Minnesota from playoff contention.

The offense failed to sustain drives and control the clock, suffering four consecutive three-and-punt possessions.

Although the defense limited Green Bay to six points on its first three trips to the red zone, the Packers capped six consecutive possessions with a score (three field goals and three touchdowns) from the second quarter into the fourth.

Here’s a deeper dive at some “next-day stats” with an eye on the ever-increasing number of Next Gen Stats. References to rankings across the league include all Week 17 games except for tonight’s game between the Browns and Steelers.

Aaron Rodgers rarely felt any heat on pass plays, but he showed utter brilliance on one throw with Anthony Barr approaching.

Rodgers lofted a 20-yard touchdown that Allen Lazard secured over Kris Boyd. Running back Aaron Jones pestered Barr to buy Rodgers enough time to deliver the ball.

According to Next Gen Stats, the pass had a completion probability of 25.5 percent, which was the fifth-lowest in terms of likelihood in Week 17.

Vikings backup Sean Mannion, who started in place of Kirk Cousins (Reserve/COVID-19 list), also made the list of this week’s “improbable completions.” His 30-yard pass with about a minute remaining ranked ninth with a completion probability of 27.7 percent.