GREEN BAY, Wis. — Even with the Minnesota Vikings starting a rookie quarterback, I didn’t see this coming.

Not in Minnesota.

The Green Bay Packers’ 33-10 victory on Sunday night in Minneapolis puts them a home victory over the Chicago Bears away from making the playoffs.

The Packers are now 8-8. A season that started with most people having modest expectations of a rebuild could end with a winning record and a playoff berth.

At worst, the Packers will have the same record they had last season, with Aaron Rodgers and a cast of veterans.

The Packers were outstanding on Sunday night. Jordan Love carved up the Vikings.

Much-maligned defensive coordinator Joe Barry even got a reprieve with a spirited defensive performance. If the Packers make the playoffs and play like this, they’ll be loose and dangerous.

It will be noted that the Packers were in the same situation last season: Beat a division rival at home and make the playoffs.

The Detroit Lions spoiled those plans.

You know the Bears would love to do the same Sunday at 3:25 p.m. at Lambeau Field.

That’s what is going to make next Sunday so fascinating: A lot of storylines.

A Packers team that was expected to struggle could make the playoffs. What a season finale!