Green Bay Packers vs Minnesota Vikings: 5 matchups to watch

4. Packers defensive line vs Vikings offensive line

A one-dimensional team is far easier to defend than offensively balanced teams. Mike Daniels and Kenny Clark were both top-20 interior defenders last season per Pro Football Focus. They present a huge mismatch for the Packers to take advantage of. If Muhammad Wilkerson can bounce back from a rough week one, they will pose even more issues for the Vikings front. Dalvin Cook is a great player if he’s got room to work, but the Packers can limit that this week.

Clark is quickly garnering recognition for the rising talent that he is. His quick first step and intelligence allow him to engage blockers then shed them to make a tackle. Kirk Cousins had a good week one, and he will be looking to pick apart the Packers secondary this week. The elimination of Cook makes the Vikings more one-dimensional. This also allows them to predict the Vikings play selection a little bit easier.

In addition to the impact in the run game, the Packers need to generate pressure on Cousins. Last week, they frequently got pressure on Mitch Trubisky, but they didn’t often get home. They can’t afford to let Cousins sit back in the pocket and pick them apart. Defensive coordinator Mike Pettine showed that he can create pressure. The more they generate pressure without sending a blitz, the more creative they can be.