Green Bay Packers vs Minnesota Vikings: 5 matchups to watch

1. Aaron Rodgers vs his MCL

If Rodgers plays, even injured, the Packers have the ability to win. If he doesn’t, it would take a miracle for them to win. He has practiced with the rehab group this week, which is how he practiced with his injured calf back in 2014. Everyone heard Rodgers after the game last week say that he was playing for sure this week. If he is as surgical as he was in the second half last week, he gives the team a strong chance to win.

For his career, only three injuries have caused Rodgers to miss the game the next week. Both of his broken collarbones and his concussion back in 2010. While a sprained MCL is a bit more serious than his calf injury was, he looked pretty good last week. The Packers have stated they may not know until Saturday if Rodgers will be playing, which could throw a wrench in their plans if he has a last-minute setback.’

Right now, they’re game planning for Rodgers to start and play with limited mobility. That playstyle looked effective last week. They got the ball out of Rodgers’ hands quickly, and the receivers were able to get open. The Vikings corners could cause a few coverage sacks, but Rodgers will have to be careful to protect that knee. If he’s out for any extended amount of time, their season would be in deep trouble.