What happened: Minnesota's defense added another turnover against Green Bay in the Week 1 Border Battle, with James Pierre credited for an interception. The play came in Pierre's first Vikings-Packers rivalry game after he joined Minnesota in free agency.
Why it matters: A takeaway from a new cornerback matters immediately for a defense trying to tilt a division opener. Pierre arrived as a veteran addition to Brian Flores' secondary, giving Minnesota another usable piece in a matchup that often turns on short fields.
By the numbers: Pierre entered 2026 with 95 NFL games and 13 starts across six seasons. Minnesota began the day 61-67-3 all time against Green Bay, including 33-31-0 at home.
What to watch: Watch whether Pierre keeps a regular defensive role as Minnesota moves from the opener into another NFC North game. Any turnover-driven field position could shape the closing stretch against Green Bay.