Prior to the Snap: Packers welcome back Aaron Jones as Vikings head to Lambeau for divisional bout

GREEN BAY, Wis. (WFRV) - The Green Bay Packers (2-1) will welcome back a familiar and beloved face on Sunday as the rival Minnesota Vikings (3-0) visit Lambeau Field at noon on Sunday.

Former Packers running back Aaron Jones, released by the team in March earlier this year, returns to Lambeau Field, wearing purple and yellow as a member of the Vikings.

Jones spent seven years in northeast Wisconsin, racking up 8,016 yards from scrimmage and 63 touchdowns with the Green and Gold as one of the most efficient runners in league history. On Wednesday, Jones penned an article for 'The Players' Tribune' entitled, A Message for Green Bay.

While Jones' return is a major headline for the game, it may not be the biggest, as signs continue to point in favor of Packers QB Jordan Love returning to the active gameday roster soon, even though the team is keeping those updates quiet.

The Vikings have come as a bit of a shock to some, as QB Sam Darnold has dazzled in his first three games with the team, leading the NFL in touchdown passes (8), second in passer rating (117.3) and fifth in yards per attempt (8.4)

The main questions will be: How will the Packers respond in their first divisional game of the season? What will the reception be like for Aaron Jones' return to Lambeau? Will Jordan Love start?

Game Information

Matchup: Minnesota Vikings (3-0) @ Green Bay Packers (2-1)
Location: Lambeau Field, Green Bay, Wisconsin
Time: Sunday, September 29, Noon CST (CBS)
Spread, ML & O/U: GB -3, GB -145, 43.5
Projected Weather: 70°F, Clear, Winds 9MPH NE

Statistics

All-Time against Minnesota: 66-58-3
Last game against Minnesota: 33-10 GB (12/31/23)
Last Ten games against Minnesota: 6-4

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Players to Watch: LB Quay Walker

Walker and the Packers' defense will have their hands full, especially going up against arguably the best wideout in the NFL, Justin Jefferson. The Darnold-to-Jefferson connection has proved a threat, as the two connected on a 97-yard touchdown pass two weeks ago.

Aaron Jones has provided stability and efficiency for the Vikings rushing attack as well, as he's No. 7 in the league in yards per carry at 5.4.

Jones is also No. 5 in the league for yards from scrimmage (325), and he's found the endzone twice, once on the ground and once in the air.

PREDICTION: Walker leads the Packers with 7 tackles and one for loss.

RB Aaron Jones

The obvious choice to watch, especially in what should be an emotional and special moment for the 29-year-old runner.

While the Packers are No. 10 in rushing yards allowed, with 317, they have only faced 67 rushing attempts in 2024, with only five defenses going against fewer. While the yardage is low, the efficiency against them is high, as they give up about 4.7 yards per carry, with only five other teams giving up more, according to Statmuse (as of Thursday at 3 p.m.)

Jones, who has been efficient on the ground his entire career without exception, could feast if the Vikings commit to the ground game, and if they succeed, it will only open the door for the passing game, which is always a threat with Jefferson.

PREDICTION: Jones gets a little bit of 'revenge' against his former team, finding the end zone twice via the ground, with 100 rushing yards on 18 carries.

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