Vikings' defense gets major bump for Week 17 vs. Packers

Ivan Pace will return to the lineup for the Vikings and defensive coordinator Brian FloresThe Minnesota Vikings are in a position to push for the top seed in the NFC playoffs and the NFC North title. If they can beat the Green Bay Packers in Week 17 and the Detroit Lions in Week 18, they will reach that goal. The Vikings received good news ahead of the Packers game, as linebacker Ivan Pace will return from a hamstring injury and will be in the lineup.

Pace was injured in Week 12 in a game against the Chicago Bears. While the Vikings have not lost since Pace was out, he is a vital player for head coach Kevin O'Connell and defensive coordinator Brian Flores. Pace regularly wears the green dot…