Vikings vs. Packers: How to Watch Week 12 NFL Rivalry at Lambeau Field

Posted by Finnegan Wakefield on November 24, 2025 AT 15:18 0 Comments

Vikings vs. Packers: How to Watch Week 12 NFL Rivalry at Lambeau Field

The Minnesota Vikings and Green Bay Packers will renew their bitter NFC North rivalry on Sunday, November 23, 2025, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Kickoff is set for 1:00 PM Eastern Time — a classic afternoon showdown that could reshape the division race. With the Vikings at 4-6 and the Packers at 6-3-1, this isn’t just another game. It’s a must-win for both teams trying to stay alive in the playoff hunt. And for fans? It’s the kind of matchup that turns ordinary Sundays into family gatherings, tailgate parties, and bar-top debates that last until midnight.

How to Watch: TV, Streaming, and Local Broadcasts

The game will air on FOX nationally, as confirmed by the Green Bay Packers’ official website and NFL broadcast maps. But here’s the twist: if you live in the Packers’ designated market area — which includes most of Wisconsin, parts of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, and portions of Minnesota — you’ll likely see it on your local FOX affiliate. Outside that zone? You’ll need a streaming solution.

NFL Sunday Ticket by YouTube remains the go-to for out-of-market fans. Subscribers can stream every Sunday game without blackouts, making it the most reliable option for Vikings fans in Wisconsin or Packers fans in Minnesota. The Green Bay Packers website explicitly lists this as a viewing option, alongside the 506 Sports broadcast map, which breaks down local station coverage by zip code.

What about Paramount+? Only if your local CBS station is carrying the game — which, in this case, it isn’t. Despite what some sites suggest, this matchup is a FOX broadcast, not CBS. So skip the Paramount+ hype unless you’re watching a different game that week. Confusion here is common — the NFL’s broadcast rotation changes weekly, and many fans mix up the networks.

Streaming Options and the Gray Areas

On YouTube, Alexander Basaraski — operating under Basaraski Productions — is hosting a live watch party with play-by-play commentary. His November 21 video description promises "free Packers vs. Vikings stream," but don’t be fooled: those are unofficial, fan-run streams that may violate NFL copyright rules. The NFL has cracked down hard on these in recent years, and while they’re popular, they’re not legal. Use at your own risk.

Meanwhile, the Minnesota Vikings website still incorrectly references "preseason" streaming options through NFL+ and NFL+ Premium. That’s a content error — those services only offer out-of-market regular season games for subscribers, not live local broadcasts. If you’re in the Twin Cities, you’ll need to watch on TV or via NFL Sunday Ticket. The site’s confusion doesn’t help fans navigating the maze of streaming rights.

Why This Game Matters More Than the Record Suggests

Why This Game Matters More Than the Record Suggests

At first glance, a 4-6 team visiting a 6-3-1 team looks like a mismatch. But this isn’t just about wins and losses. The Packers have lost two of their last three, including a shocking home defeat to the Detroit Lions. The Vikings, meanwhile, are playing with house money — they’ve already been written off by most analysts. That’s when teams like this play their best football.

And then there’s the history. Since 2000, this rivalry has produced 11 games decided by 3 points or fewer. Aaron Rodgers once threw a last-second TD to beat Minnesota in the snow. Justin Jefferson caught a 60-yard bomb in the rain to seal a win in 2023. The tension isn’t manufactured — it’s baked into the turf at Lambeau.

For Packers fans, this is a chance to reclaim momentum before the stretch run. For Vikings fans, it’s a shot at proving they’re not just rebuilding — they’re recharging. A win here could spark a late-season surge. A loss? It might bury their playoff hopes for good.

What’s Next? The Rematch in Week 18

This isn’t the end of the story. The two teams meet again in Week 18 — either Saturday, January 3, or Sunday, January 4, 2026 — at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis. That game could decide the NFC North title. Right now, the Packers hold a half-game edge. But if Minnesota pulls off an upset on November 23, the January showdown becomes a de facto playoff game.

The NFL typically schedules divisional rematches in Week 18 to maximize playoff implications. This year, it’s no different. The league knows what’s at stake. And so do the fans.

What to Watch For

What to Watch For

  • Justin Jefferson vs. Jaire Alexander: The NFL’s top receiver against one of its best cornerbacks. Watch how the Packers try to contain him — double teams? Safety help? Zone coverage?
  • Minnesota’s run game: The Vikings have struggled to establish the ground attack. If they can get Dalvin Cook or Jordan Addison moving, it opens up the passing game.
  • Green Bay’s offensive line: They’ve been battered the last two weeks. Can they protect Jordan Love long enough to make big plays?
  • Weather: Green Bay in late November? Expect wind, possibly snow. That favors defense and ball control. Don’t expect a 40-point shootout.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I watch Vikings vs. Packers for free?

There’s no legal, free way to stream the full game. Some YouTube channels claim to offer free streams, but those are unofficial and often pulled down by the NFL. Your best legal free option is over-the-air TV if you live in the broadcast zone and have an antenna. Otherwise, NFL Sunday Ticket or a cable subscription with FOX is required.

Why is there confusion between CBS and FOX for this game?

The NFL rotates weekly broadcasts between CBS and FOX based on team matchups and market rules. Packers games are split between the two networks. This Week 12 game is assigned to FOX because of the NFC North scheduling rotation and the fact that the Vikings are the visiting team. Some sites mistakenly reference CBS because they’re using generic Packers broadcast info from other weeks.

Does NFL+ give me access to this game?

No — NFL+ and NFL+ Premium only stream out-of-market regular season games on mobile and tablet devices, and they don’t include live local broadcasts. If you’re in Minnesota or Wisconsin, you can’t watch this game live on NFL+. You’ll need a TV provider or NFL Sunday Ticket. The Vikings’ website mistakenly references preseason streaming rules, which is a content error.

What’s the significance of the Week 18 rematch?

The Week 18 game in Minneapolis could decide the NFC North champion. With only a half-game separating the two teams, the winner of this Week 12 matchup gains a major psychological edge. If the Packers win, they’ll be in the driver’s seat. If the Vikings win, the January game becomes a winner-takes-all showdown for the division title and a playoff berth.

Is Lambeau Field expected to be cold on game day?

Absolutely. Historical data shows Green Bay averages 28°F (-2°C) on November 23, with a 60% chance of snow. Wind chill can drop below 15°F. The Packers thrive in these conditions — their home record in sub-30°F games since 2010 is 17-3. Expect a slow start, muddy field, and a game decided by defense and special teams.

Who’s calling the game on TV?

FOX’s lead NFL crew — play-by-play announcer Kevin Burkhardt and analyst Greg Olsen — will handle the broadcast. They’ve called several high-stakes games this season, including the Packers’ Week 9 loss to the Lions. Look for Olsen to focus on Jordan Love’s decision-making under pressure and how the Vikings’ defense adjusts to Green Bay’s short-passing game.