Minnesota Vikings vs Green Bay Packers Betting Picks, Odds, Lines & Predictions
Sunday’s Week 1 rematch between Minnesota (1-5 SU, 3-3 ATS) and Green Bay (5-1 SU, 5-1 ATS) sees the NFC North rivals going in the opposite direction. The Packers have been excellent throughout the season and have emerged as one of the candidates to go all the way, while the Vikings are trying to catch the last train to remain in the playoff picture.
Minnesota Vikings vs Green Bay Packers Betting Line Movement
The oddsmakers see Green Bay as an overwhelming favorite, and the line is -6 or -6.5 in their favor, depending on where you place your bet. The total opened at a very high 57, but with bettors heavily backing under, it dipped all the way to 50 or 50.5.
Thoughts on Minnesota
After showing some improvement in the three games prior, the heavy loss to the Falcons once again exposed all of Minnesota’s weaknesses on both sides of the ball. Kirk Cousins continued his streak of hot and cold performances throwing for three interceptions. Vikings’ defense allowed an embarrassing 462 total yards to the less than convincing Falcons attack and after the trade of the defensive end Yannick Ngakoue to Baltimore, things will only get worse. Ngakoue led the team in sacks, forced fumbles, and tackles for loss and you can help but wonder if the Minnesota brass is already giving up on this season and turning their attention to the next year’s draft.
Kirk Cousins had a good game in Week 1 against the same opponent, but he seems to be too inconsistent to be trusted enough for a place in your fantasy lineup. RB Dalvin Cook returns after missing week 6 and will certainly improve Minnesota’s running game. He is yet to have a game this season without scoring. WR Adam Thielen has a similar streak, but this week he’s facing Jaire Alexander, one of the toughest matchups in the league. Perhaps the better option in this game is Justin Jefferson who has three 100-yard games out of the last four and has seen his targets rise as the season progresses.
Thoughts on Green Bay
The Packers managed to bounce back after a disastrous showing in Tampa Bay with an emphatic win against Houston. The offense destroyed the poor Houston defense, and we could see more of the same this week. They dropped 43 on the Vikings in Week 1 and this time they will have an added advantage of playing at Lambeau Field in most likely frigid weather conditions. The defense who has been solid, but not spectacular, this year has allowed only 18.5 points per game when playing at home.
Aaron Rodgers is coming out of 283 yards and four touchdowns game against the Texans and it would be no surprise to see him putting similar numbers on Sunday. He should be No1 option for all fantasy players, as he continues to make the most of Green Bay Packers cupcake schedule. WR Davante Adams is Rodgers’ most reliable target game after game, and this should continue against the Vikings who will have a lot of trouble matching up against him.
Minnesota Vikings vs Green Bay Packers Betting Pick Over 50.5
Although we probably won’t see the repeat of the shootout from week 1, this game should still easily go over. The Packers will surely take advantage of the Minnesota Vikings defensive woes, but don’t expect Cousins and co to just roll over for their rivals.
