Thursday Night Football: Prediction For Vikings At Packers
By Erik Lambert
Nov 24, 2013; Green Bay, WI, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Cordarrelle Patterson (84) drops a pass in the end zone during overtime against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. The Vikings and Packers tied 26-26. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
The Green Bay Packers will host the Minnesota Vikings on Thursday Night Football in week 5. Who has the edge and who wins the game?
Subplots
The health of Teddy Bridgewater
Injury and suspensions have practically gutted the Vikings offense from the very start of the season. Somehow they’ve managed to battle through it but now they are backed into a corner. Rookie quarterback Teddy Bridgewater is nursing a sprained ankle that has left him questionable for the game at Lambeau. If he can’t go, Minnesota will be forced to turn to Christian Ponder, who would not have Adrian Peterson in the backfield to bail him out. Bridgewater is optimistic he can play, but remains a game-time decision.
Key Matchup
Everson Griffen against David Bakhtiari
If last week proved anything it’s that the Green Bay Packers offense will be okay as long as Aaron Rodgers doesn’t get hit. The offensive line did a good job of ensuring that in Chicago but may find the going tougher against a scrappy Vikings defense. Their defensive end Everson Griffen, who has replaced Jared Allen will be tasked with taking on left tackle David Bakhtiari. Not being able to win the majority of those clashes and putting heat on Rodgers will spell a long afternoon for Minnesota.
Fantasy Names To Watch
Jerick McKinnon – RB
The Green Bay run defense was absolutely trampled in week 4 by Chicago to the tune of 235 yards rushing. It’s been a problem since the season began and the Vikings have a real chance to take advantage. Jerick McKinnon had a bit of a breakout against Atlanta last week. He’s fast, agile and runs with enough power to break tackles. So far he’s averaging 6.2 yards per carry. Expect him to see action in this game.
Randall Cobb – WR
Was his breakout last week a sign of things to come or just the good fortune of going up against a depleted Bears defense? Randall Cobb is about to provide an answer. Jordy Nelson will get the bulk of the attention from Minnesota so it will be up to him to win his matchups in order to give Rodgers that badly needed second target. The Vikings currently rank 17th against the pass in the NFL.
Pick: MIN 27, GB 30
The Packers are going to get more than they bargain for here. Minnesota may be depleted and still very young but they are tough, tenacious and have a way of sneaking up on opponents who don’t give them enough respect. In the end Aaron Rodgers will get Green Bay through it, but it won’t be pretty.