MINNEAPOLIS -- A few thoughts on the Minnesota Vikings' 24-21 loss to the Green Bay Packers on Sunday at TCF Bank Stadium:

What it means: The Vikings can effectively put away any flickering hopes of a late hot streak to make a playoff run. They dropped to 4-7 with the loss, which was their fourth in as many division games this season, on a day when their defense did well to contain Aaron Rodgers. The Vikings can point to familiar culprits in the loss -- they were flagged seven times for 77 yards (with three penalties for 35 yards on Matt Kalil), and they converted just 5 of 13 third-down attempts.

Bridgewater misfiring: Teddy Bridgewater was at his best late in the game, when the Vikings had to cover 79 yards in 13 plays to get within a field goal, but he missed too many throws early in the game, firing too high for Jarius Wright, overthrowing Charles Johnson deep and tossing an interception that was overturned when Micah Hyde was flagged for illegal contact. Through three quarters, Bridgewater had connected on just 13 of his 27 passes for 141 yards, before posting 69 on the Vikings' final TD drive.

Lacy burns Vikings again: Eddie Lacy's only 100-yard game of the season before Sunday came on Oct. 2, when he ran for 103 yards on 13 carries in the Packers' win over the Vikings at Lambeau Field. It was a more workmanlike day for Lacy this time -- he carried more than 20 times for the first time this season, and scored a pair of touchdowns (one rushing, one receiving) before helping the Packers salt away the victory. He finished with 25 carries for 125 yards, and in four games against the Vikings, he has six TDs.

Game ball: Cornerback Xavier Rhodes was a major factor in the Vikings' ability to slow down Rodgers; he spent much of the day lined up on Jordy Nelson, and the Packers weren't able to hit the deep shots to Nelson they've used so often this season. Nelson's longest catch of the day was 14 yards as Rhodes' physical play helped throw off his timing with Rodgers.

What's next: The Vikings (4-7) continue their three-game homestand next Sunday at noon against the Carolina Panthers.