The Green Bay Packers are getting ready to take on the Minnesota Vikings in what is sure to be an excellent matchup on Sunday afternoon. At 11-4, Green Bay has already clinched a spot in the NFL Playoffs, but can no longer contend for the NFC North Division Championship. Minnesota, on the other hand, is 13-2 and is only trailing the 13-2 Detroit Lions in the division due to losing their lone matchup against them so far this season.
The Vikings will play the Lions in Week 18 in what could determine the winner of the NFC North.
In other words, Minnesota has a great deal more riding on the outcome of their Week 17 game than the Packers do. Still, this is the NFL and teams are going to try to win no matter what their postseason seeding is or who is available.
Green Bay Packers Head Coach Matt LaFleur Makes a Bold Proclamation About Christian Watson Ahead of Minnesota Vikings Matchup
One of the players whose status for Sunday against the Vikings is uncertain is wide receiver Christian Watson. The 2022 second round pick suffered a bruised knee in the Packers’ most recent game, a 34-0 victory over the New Orleans Saints.
At the time of the injury, many feared that he had torn a ligament in his knee. Fortunately, it is not nearly that serious.
On Thursday, Watson did not practice with the rest of the team for the second day in a row. Head coach Matt LaFleur cautioned the media and fans, though, that the wide receiver not practicing should not be taken as an indication that he will not play.
LIVE: Head Coach Matt LaFleur meets with the media 🎙️ https://t.co/xcj3HZoeVK
— Green Bay Packers (@packers) December 26, 2024
LaFleur told reporters that he feels that Watson has played enough football in his life to be able to play on Sunday even if he does not practice at all during the week. “If he’s feeling up to it on Sunday, then I’m going to let him go. If he’s not, then we won’t let him go,” LaFleur said.
Christian Watson Is an Underrated Weapon for the Green Bay Packers
As mentioned, Watson was originally selected by the Packers in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft. What many do not remember is that Green Bay traded up to get him with the first pick in that second round. The team that sent the pick, the Vikings, also held the final pick in the first round that year.
Green Bay wanted to take Watson with that final first round pick, but Minnesota did not want to give them that pick because it would have allowed the Packers to give the wide receiver a fifth-year option.
While it is true that Watson battled injuries during his first two seasons, it cannot be denied that he is a crucial part of Green Bay’s offense. Of all of the wide receivers taken in that draft, a group that includes Chris Olave, George Pickens, Garrett Wilson, and Drake London, Watson has the second-most touchdown receptions (14).
The only one with more is Romeo Doubs (15).
So far this season, Watson has already set a career-high in receiving yards with 620. He also has a miniscule 1.9% drop percentage, having dropped just one pass all year.
His speed makes him a deep threat on every play, forcing opposing defenses to double team him or devote a safety to helping out over the top. This opens windows for other pass catchers to make plays, which makes the offense that much more dangerous.
Many fans question whether it will be Watson or Doubs who gets a second contract with the Packers, but based on the production of both, it should not be a surprised if each of them gets one. If Green Bay limits themselves to just one, well, remember that Watson was not the one who complained how his role earlier this season.
Additionally, he is arguably the best blocking wide receiver on the team, which is valuable in both the passing and running games.
Simply put, he does a lot of the little things that oftentimes go unnoticed by fans, and he does them extremely well.
More Green Bay Packers News from Wisconsin Sports Heroics
- “I Wish They Would Wait;” Packers HC Matt LaFleur Tells Fans to Change 1 Major Thing in the Stands
- Green Bay Packers: David Bakhtiari Social Media Post Indicates Playing Career May Be Over
- “Wow;” Packers Fans Erupt as Aaron Rodgers Casually Namedrops New Girlfriend
- Green Bay Packers: Good News, Bad News on 1st Injury Report Ahead of Matchup with Vikings
- Green Bay Packers Kicker Brandon McManus Makes Cryptic Statement, May not Return in 2025
For More Great Wisconsin Sports Content
Follow me on Twitter at @theotherRobin19 and follow us @WiSportsHeroics for more great content. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in Wisconsin sports, click here!
