Packers (4-4) at Vikings (4-4)
Even though things are very tight in the NFC North, Sunday’s Packers-Vikings game is probably much more important to the Vikings than the Packers, who are 2.5-point underdogs on WagerWeb.com.
While a loss may only leave Minnesota a game out of the division lead (if the Bears lose to the Titans), it also would drop it to 1-3 in divisional play. The Vikings also would lose the head-to-head tiebreaker with Green Bay, which beat Minnesota in the season opener. And boy does Minnesota coach Brad Childress need this: Since taking over the Vikings in 2006, he is 0-5 against the Packers.
Look for Vikings RB Adrian Peterson to get at least 20 carries Sunday, as the Packers have given up at least 175 yards rushing five times this season. Peterson is rolling, with three straight games with more than 100 yards, and he broke three runs of more than 20 yards against Houston last week. Peterson had little trouble against Green Bay in Week 1, compiling 103 yards on 19 carries. In three career games vs. the Packers, Peterson has run for 260 yards on 42 attempts.
Minnesota’s season turned around when Gus Frerotte took over at QB for Tarvaris Jackson. Frerotte has led the Vikings to a 4-2 record. In the four wins, he has thrown for six touchdowns with only three interceptions, but in the two losses, he has only two touchdowns with five interceptions.
Green Bay QB Aaron Rodgers made his NFL starting debut in that season-opening 24-19 win vs. Minnesota. He threw for one TD and ran for another and was barely pressured, completing 18 of 22 passes. Vikings defense end Jared Allen had no sacks or tackles in that game, one of the worst of his career. But will he have a chance for redemption this time around? He did not practice much this week because of a shoulder injury and is a long shot to play. The lack of his pass rush will definitely be felt by Minnesota, as he had five sacks in his last three games.
Packers RB Ryan Grant has fared well vs. the Vikings lately, rushing for 211 yards and a TD in his past two games against them. After struggling in Weeks 2-4, Grant has run for more than 80 yards in each of the past four games.
NFL Betting at WagerWeb.com
(No Ratings Yet)
Loading ...
