The Green Bay Packers’ 2024 NFL season ended earlier than they had hoped. Despite making the playoffs as the seventh seed for the second consecutive year, they fell to the Philadelphia Eagles in the Wild Card round, losing 22-10. Costly mistakes and mental errors ultimately sealed their fate.
Naturally, rival fans were quick to celebrate Green Bay’s defeat. The Packers, who managed just a 1-5 record in the NFC North, were the first of the division’s three playoff teams to be eliminated. However, they wouldn’t be the last.
The Minnesota Vikings’ Playoff Collapse
A day after the Packers’ loss, another NFC North team, the Minnesota Vikings, suffered an even worse defeat. Despite finishing the regular season with an impressive 14-3 record, the Vikings were dominated by the Los Angeles Rams in a 27-9 blowout.
Minnesota’s offense was stagnant, managing only nine points, while their defense allowed quarterback Sam Darnold—who will soon enter free agency—to be sacked nine times.
Star wide receiver Justin Jefferson, who recently signed a record-setting four-year, $140 million extension ($35 million per year), had an underwhelming performance. Jefferson was limited to just five receptions for 58 yards, bringing his playoff career totals to 12 catches for 105 yards across two games.
Jeff Janis vs. Justin Jefferson: A Surprising Comparison
Former Packers wide receiver Jeff Janis couldn’t resist taking a shot at Jefferson and the Vikings. Janis, whose four-year NFL career included some standout moments, pointed out that his playoff stats outshine Jefferson’s.
Janis recorded seven receptions for 145 yards and two touchdowns in the postseason, most of which came in one game: the memorable 2016 Divisional Round against the Arizona Cardinals.
In that game, Janis delivered one of the most iconic performances in recent Packers history. With the Packers pinned at their own four-yard line and less than a minute remaining, Janis hauled in a 60-yard pass. Moments later, he caught a 41-yard Hail Mary to send the game into overtime.
The play was unforgettable, even though Janis broke some ribs in the process. It remains one of the clutchest displays by a Packers wide receiver in recent memory.
Janis Trolls Jefferson on Instagram
The day after Minnesota’s loss, Janis shared a graphic on his Instagram story comparing his playoff stats to Jefferson’s. The jab quickly gained attention, with fans of both teams weighing in.
While Janis’ career may have been brief, his playoff heroics continue to resonate with Packers fans. And for now, it seems he’s enjoying the opportunity to remind the Vikings of their postseason struggles.
