Minnesota Vikings vs Green Bay Packers

steemsports (80) in nfl • 8 years ago (edited)

Match Preview

Since the battles between Lombardi and Van Brocklin, the Packers and Vikings rivalry has certainly been a rich one. With the emergence of the Vikings to relevancy to the “back to earth” Packers play, this Sunday will be a staying alive in the playoff race for both teams. With both teams trailing the first-place Lions, (never thought I’d hear myself say that) the ‘Pack' will look to build off of their last week win in Chicago while the Vikings try to get back on track after being derailed by the Colts.

Team Comparison

With the Vikings edging out the Packers in their last two meetings, the Vikings are catching Green Bay in an upswing, which has seen them win their last last four games.

Green Bay Packers

Offensive Expectations

After some early season struggles, Aaron Rodgers, has finally found key receiving options in the return of Jordy Nelson and the emergence of 3rd-year surprise Davante Adams. Running Back Ty Montgomery has been able to add some excitement to the backfield, has filled in nicely for Eddie Lacy, who was placed on the IR with a bum ankle back in October. Montgomery has a favorable matchup with the Vikings, who have allowed at least 70 yards to six of the last seven running backs they've faced. Watch for the ‘Pack to use the run to open up passing lanes against a tough Vikings D that is currently a bit banged up.

Defensive Expectations

The Packers defense, led by first-time Pro Bowl safety, Ha Ha Clinton-Dix will look to improve on their 24th ranked pass defense against a very conservative Vikings offense. With a rusty return by Adrian Peterson and lackluster play from the backfield, expect linebackers Clay Matthews to be able to drop back into coverage while Julius Peppers adds pressure on Bradford around the edge.

Minnesota Vikings

Offensive Expectations

The Minnesota offense will look to get back on track after a less than impressive performance against a vanilla Indianapolis defense last week. The return of Adrian Peterson shouldn’t be counted on as a sure thing anymore, as the Vikings will have to use the pass to open up running lanes and dump off passes to underutilized talent Jerick McKinnon. Stefan Diggs and this year’s surprise sensation Adam Thielen will provide a deep threat for Sam Bradford, who performed well against the Packers in Week 2 while safety valve TE Kyle Rudolph should allow for a quick release, should there be any pressure.

Defensive Expectations

With the second ranked secondary in the league, Minnesota will hobble into this game with key injuries to CB Trae Waynes and S Harrison Smith. The front seven led by stud Linebacker Anthony Barr and big DT Linval Joseph will look to put pressure on Aaron Rodgers and contain the Packer’s running game. The Vikings base 3-4 defense will need to get the most out of both Barr and OLB Chad Greenway to keep this one close.