Green Bay Packers v. Vikings: Week 8 Predictions

Before the Green Bay Packers take on the Minnesota Vikings, here are a few predictions for how Sunday’s game will play out.

It’s Week 8, and the Minnesota Vikings are coming to Lambeau Field to take on the Green Bay Packers. Last week we saw the Packers get back on track with a dominating win in Houston. Meanwhile, to put it simply, the Vikings just can’t seem to put it together.

Now, having said that, never count out a desperate divisional opponent who is coming off their bye week.

As we do each week here at Dairyland Express, our crew put some predictions together, taking a quick look at how the game will play out along with what the final score will be. Be sure to comment below or find us on Twitter @DairylandXpress, to tell us who you think will win and why.

Brian Sampson (4-2)

The Green Bay Packers will be shorthanded once again with Aaron Jones and Kevin King already being ruled out for their game against the Vikings. Others, such as David Bakhtiari, could be out as well. This will make it extremely challenging for Green Bay, as Minnesota probably has more talent on their roster than their record suggests. You also know the Vikes will be fired up to face their biggest division rival. Still, I think the Packers find a way to make just enough plays and pull away a bit in the fourth quarter.

Prediction: Vikings 24 – Packers 35

Kenny Jilek (4-2)

For the first time this season, I’m predicting a blowout win for the green and gold. Coming off a big statement win last week against the Texans, the Green Bay Packers will come out firing against the Vikings on Sunday. Davante Adams should have another big game, similar to the first time these two teams met, with Holton Hill and Mike Hughes both out. The Vikings are extremely thin at cornerback. With Aaron Jones out again, Rodgers will be looking for Adams to be his go-to guy, and Jamaal Williams should have a nice day in the run and pass games as well.

Defensively, the Packers’ only real goal this Sunday should be to stop Dalvin Cook. Adam Thielen had a huge game in week one against the Packers, going for 110 yards and two touchdowns, but plenty of that was close to the end of the game with the Packers in a somewhat prevent defense.

Jaire Alexander has been locking down number one receivers better than Thielen the last three weeks and will look to continue his reign of terror on opposing offenses. The Green Bay Packers offense will no doubt be explosive this week, so the Vikings’ only real chance is to shove the ball down their throat and have long sustained drives via the run game. If they can stop Cook and get a few quick three-and-outs, this game could be over early.

Prediction: Vikings 17 – Packers 34

Matt LeVene (0-0)

The Green Bay Packers, on paper, should have no issue with the 1-5 Vikings at Lambeau Field this Sunday. Minnesota simply does not have the firepower on offense, nor the playmakers on defense to stop Aaron Rodgers and the rest of the offense. The already porous Minnesota secondary will likely be without some of their starters in the secondary for this matchup. I fully expect Jamaal Willaims to have a big game on the ground and Rodgers to sling the rock around the field with little to no resistance. I’ll also predict that Darrius Shepherd gets his first career receiving touchdown.

Defensively speaking, Dalvin Cook could give the Green Bay defense some fits. Throughout his career, Cook has (pun intended) cooked the Packers run defense. However, with Kirk Cousins struggling to consistently string together throws, Jaire Alexander and the rest of the secondary should be able to limit their big-play potential. As long as Dalvin Cook does not have multiple 70-yard touchdown runs, the Packers defense should be able to keep Minnesota under wraps.

With all this being said, it is a rivalry game, and fresh off the bye, the Vikings could come out and shock the world. Mike Zimmer could very well be coaching for his job, so anything is possible, but I do not anticipate that.

Prediction: Vikings 16 – Packers 37

Paul Bretl (5-1)

The Vikings pass rush was already below average, but they are now without Yannick Ngakoue, who accounted for a third of their total sacks and pressures. That means Aaron Rodgers should have plenty of time to carve up this depleted, and once again, not very good Vikings’ secondary. With that said, the wind is supposed to be howling at over 40 mph at times, so a heavy dose of Jamaal Williams and some quick passes should be dialed up today.

Defensively, as the others have mentioned, slowing Dalvin Cook will be the key; however, that’s easier said than done. But one way that the Packer offense can help the run defense is by giving them an early lead to work with. This happened in their first matchup, and Minnesota was forced to pass the ball much more. And that is key, put the ball in Kirk Cousins’ hands.

There’s no doubt about it, the Green Bay Packers are the better team, and they should win easily. However, the wind will affect the game, and for that reason, I think this game is a bit closer than what it should be. But the Packers still win.

Prediction: Vikings 17 – Packers 27