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Green Bay Packers: 3 X-factors vs Vikings in Week 8

By Brian Sampson

TAMPA, FLORIDA - OCTOBER 18: Josh Jackson #37 of the Green Bay Packers and Cyril Grayson #15 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers go after a pass during the fourth quarter at Raymond James Stadium on October 18, 2020 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FLORIDA - OCTOBER 18: Josh Jackson #37 of the Green Bay Packers and Cyril Grayson #15 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers go after a pass during the fourth quarter at Raymond James Stadium on October 18, 2020 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) /
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These three members of the Green Bay Packers will play a huge role in their Week 8 matchup against the Minnesota Vikings.

The Green Bay Packers have a rematch against the Minnesota Vikings on the docket for Week 8. Since these two teams last met in the season-opener, a dominant 43-34 Packers’ victory if I do say so myself, they have been heading in opposite directions. At 5-1, Green Bay sits atop the NFC as the Vikings dwindle at the bottom with the inverse record.

Setting records aside, this one promises to be a competitive game. Mike Zimmer and his team are too competitive to allow Green Bay to walk all over them despite their dwindling playoff chances. That means the Packers must be prepared to play and will need positive contributions from these three players in this divisional matchup.

Josh Jackson

Kevin King has missed the last two contests and didn’t participate in practice on Wednesday, leaving the door open for another Josh Jackson start. Jackson played a season-high 68 snaps against the Houston Texans last week and had his best game of the season according to PFF’s grades. He was good at providing run support and held his own in coverage against Brandin Cooks. The Packers will need more of that with Adam Thielen and a rising Justin Jefferson up next. Can Jackson turn in his second impressive outing if King isn’t able to play again?

Marquez Valdes-Scantling

Allen Lazard was activated off the injured reserve this week, but his return isn’t necessarily imminent for this week. Green Bay could wait a bit and activate him for next week’s game against the San Francisco 49ers on Thursday. If that’s the case, Marquez Valdes-Scantling will need to step up. Davante Adams dominated the Vikings in Week 1 and had an even bigger game last week. Minnesota will likely send double teams his way and force someone else to beat them. Will Valdes-Scantling be up for the task?

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Kamal Martin

Kamal Martin returned to action last week and saw the first playing time of his NFL career as injuries sidelined him for the first six weeks. Martin looked ferocious out there and played with a speed and physicality that hasn’t been seen in Packers’ linebackers for quite some time. It’s possible we’ll see more of him this week against a dangerous and returning Dalvin Cook.

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