Sam Darnold hits Jordan Addison, Jalen Nailor with TD passes, extends Vikes’ lead

MINNEAPOLIS — After opening a key NFC North matchup in fits and starts, the Minnesota Vikings finally hit paydirt with a 31-yard touchdown pass from Sam Darnold to receiver Jalen Nailor.

Jalen Nailor WIDE OPEN in the end zone! TD @Vikings!

📺: #GBvsMIN on FOX
📱: https://t.co/waVpO909ge pic.twitter.com/IPs7fhOyWx

— NFL (@NFL) December 29, 2024

Nailor got behind the Green Bay Packers defense in part because the Vikings’ top two receivers, Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison, ran intermediate routes. It was Nailor’s sixth touchdown reception of the season on a total of 36 receptions.

The play gave the Vikings a 7-3 lead, an advantage they built without targeting Jefferson once. Of Darnold’s first 12 passes, three went toward Nailor, two to Addison and one apiece to T.J. Hockenson, Johnny Mundt, Aaron Jones and C.J. Ham.

It was Darnold’s fifth TD pass of at least 30 air yards this season, and the first allowed by the Packers.