GREEN BAY, Wis. — The Packers will spend New Year’s Eve playing an important game against the Vikings in Minnesota.

Both teams are 7-8. The winner may or may not make the playoffs, but the loser almost certainly won’t. This is the Packers’ first prime time game on New Year’s Eve since 2006 in Chicago.

Here are three things to watch:

Season series

The Vikings won the first meeting this season, 24-10 at Lambeau Field on October 29th. Minnesota quarterback Kirk Cousins had to leave that game with an injury and hasn’t played since. The Vikings have had a hard time replacing Cousins, starting three different quarterbacks since then.

The teams have split the season series each of the last three years.

Packers defense in the spotlight

Packers defensive coordinator Joe Barry has been under fire from some of the Packers fan base and the 33-30 victory at Carolina didn’t do much to change that.

The suspension of Jaire Alexander complicates the challenge of facing Justin Jefferson and the Vikings.

Panthers rookie quarterback Bryce Young had his best day against the Packers and had Carolina driving for a tying field goal until the clock expired. The Panthers were out of time outs.

Vikings will blitz Love

Minnesota defensive coordinator Brian Flores has vastly improved the Vikings defense. He loves to blitz. Packers quarterback Jordan Love has done well against blitzes, so the Vikings will be taking a risk of leaving receivers open if they come after the quarterback.

Vikings assistant head coach Mike Pettine was the Packers defensive coordinator from 2018-‘20.