Green Bay Packers v. Vikings: 5 Big Questions Ahead of Matchup

The 8-2 Green Bay Packers square off against the 4-5 Minnesota Vikings at US Bank Stadium–although, don’t let that record fool you, this is going to be a challenging game for Green Bay.

As part of my weekly preview, I am back with my five big questions facing the Packers as they look to move one step closer to clinching the NFC North.

Can the Green Bay Packers slow Dalvin Cook?

This is a Green Bay Packers defense that hasn’t just been good but downright dominant as of late, stifling the Kyler Murray, Patrick Mahomes, and Russell Wilson-led offenses. Overall, Green Bay ranks third in points per game allowed and in total yards allowed. The Packers have been particularly good against the pass, giving up the third-fewest passing yards per game.

While the run defense is improved over what it has been in recent years — the Packers are yet to allow a 100-yard rusher — opponents are still averaging 4.6 yards per rush, which ranks 26th, and by DVOA, the Green Bay run defense ranks 24th–although in part, the Joe Barry defense utilizes lightboxes, essentially inviting the opposing offense to run the ball.

If Barry and the Green Bay Packers’ defense does the same this week, I imagine the Vikings will be happy to oblige and take them up on that offer.

If you recall Week 7 of the 2020 season, the Vikings came into Lambeau Field and won the game. They limited Green Bay’s offensive possessions and controlled the clock by giving Dalvin Cook the ball 30 times as he rushed for 163 yards and three touchdowns. My expectation is that the Vikings will want to rely on this formula again, rather than becoming pass-heavy against this Packers defense.

This season, Cook is averaging 4.7 yards per carry, and as a team, the 122 rushing yards per game that Minnesota is averaging ranks ninth in football. Barry will likely need to make some adjustments this week, playing with another down defensive lineman or linebacker closer to the line of scrimmage in an effort to slow Cook.