Green Bay Packers at Minnesota Vikings: 5 matchups to watch

2. Packers wide receivers vs Vikings cornerbacks

Xavier Rhodes is expected to shadow top wideout Davante Adams. Adams had a decent game against Rhodes in Week 2, but he needs to do better than that this week. The team’s offense is limited due to injuries and a lack of skill currently. The rookies have athleticism, but they don’t have the technique necessary to win against corners as Minnesota has alongside of Rhodes. Marquez Valdes-Scantling has shown flashes, but he hasn’t been consistent so far.

Rhodes hasn’t turned in the elite season that we are used to seeing from him. However, he is still one of the best corners that Adams has ever lined up against. He has the size and speed to stick with Adams off the line of scrimmage. Mackensie Alexander is expected to line up across from Valdes-Scantling, which is a matchup that Valdes-Scantling has the advantage in. Since he has the advantage, he has to take control of that matchup to help Rodgers out.

Randall Cobb has been out with a hamstring injury for far too long this season. For all of his limitations, he does bring a different veteran element to this offense that they lack when he is absent. If he is able to return on Sunday, the Packers would be wise to use him as that quick-hitter to get drives started. He also is a great red-zone threat despite his diminutive size. The Packers receivers aren’t the best bunch, but they need to show up on Sunday.