Green Bay Packers v. Minnesota Vikings: Final Predictions

Before the Green Bay Packers take the field against the Minnesota Vikings, we give our final predictions for Monday Night’s game.

With a win on Monday Night, the Green Bay Packers can clinch the NFC North and also continue to remain in control of the NFC’s No. 2 playoff seed. However, it won’t be an easy task as they are going up against a very good Minnesota Vikings team – even without Dalvin Cook – and the Packers are still winless at U.S. Bank Stadium.

But before the game kicks-off, a few of our writers here at Dairyland Express give their predictions for the game and how they think this matchup will play out.

Kenny Jilek: Packers 24, Vikings 16

This game will come down to who can win on first down and not get stuck behind the chains. Both teams have deadly edge rushing combos, the Packers with Preston and Za’Darius Smith and the Vikings with Danielle Hunter and Everson Griffen.

Both teams have explosive backs that can move the ball on first down in Aaron Jones and Dalvin Cook. Cook did not practice on Thursday or Friday and will be out for Monday nights game, resting to be back for the playoffs. Given that, the Packers have a big edge in the running game. They were unable to contain Cook in their week two matchup as he ran for 154 yards and a touchdown, but the run defense has been better in the past three games with Kenny Clark and Dean Lowry making big strides, and once again, they be up to the challenge on Sunday.

Brian Sampson: Packers 27, Vikings 24

There’s a lot riding on Monday Night’s game between the Packers and the Vikings, as both teams are battling for playoff positioning. Minnesota is a very good team that’s undefeated at home. However, they suffered a huge blow and will be without stud running back Dalvin Cook for this contest. That’s just the advantage the Packers need. Green Bay hasn’t been playing pretty in recent weeks, but they’ve been able to continue racking up the wins. Expect that to continue, as the Packers somehow escape US Bank Stadium with a win.

Matt Carroll: Packers 20, Vikings 23

The Packers have their work cut out for them as they look to lock up the NFC North title in a series that hasn’t gone their way lately. Though they squeaked out a win against the Vikings earlier this season in their week two matchup, Green Bay had gone 0-4-1 in their five previous games against Minnesota and have lost three straight at US Bank Stadium, the only three games they’ve played in the new venue.

Outside of the divisional implications, there’s also the story line of two quarterbacks looking to put some ghosts to rest. For Aaron Rodgers, US Bank Stadium has been his personal house of horrors. He’s had 213 yards or less in each of his three games in the building and just two touchdowns combined, not to mention the infamous shoulder injury he suffered there in 2017. Meanwhile, Kirk Cousins will be looking for his first career win on Monday Night Football, entering the game with an 0-8 career mark.

Green Bay’s success often hinges on whether they can effectively integrate running back Aaron Jones into the offensive game plan. That could be tough to do against the Vikings’ Top 10 run defense. And though Minnesota will be without a top offensive weapon with running back Dalvin Cook already ruled out, they didn’t miss a beat after he left last week’s game against the Chargers. Something has to give, but I think a currently hot Cousins finally breaks his dubious streak, the Vikings pull even with the Packers in the division, and the two teams set up for a dramatic race to the finish line in Week 17.

Paul Bretl: Packers 20, Vikings 24

Although the Vikings will be without Dalvin Cook, this is still an explosive offense that has put up the fifth most points per game this season. With Kirk Cousins who has played well at home, Stefon Diggs and Adam Thielen at receiver, and backup running back Alexander Mattison – who is still questionable – averaging 4.6 yards per carry on 100 attempts this season, don’t be mistaken, this will still be a tough challenge for the Packers defense.

Offensively, the Packers will be facing one of the best run defenses in the league which means it could be tough sledding for Aaron Jones once again and if Green Bay is going to have any success on offense, it is going to fall on the passing game. Which, as we’ve seen, has been very inconsistent this season. Not to mention that the Vikings have one of the best pass-rushing duos in the league in Everson Griffen and Danielle Hunter.

In the end, I think the Vikings will be too much for the Packers to handle, especially on the road at U.S. Bank Stadium where Aaron Rodgers and Green Bay has struggled.