Packers vs. Vikings: Preview, score prediction for Week 6
By Nick Sparrow
Green Bay Packers vs. Minnesota Vikings
The Minnesota Vikings will host to the Green Bay Packers in an NFC North matchup in Week 6 of the 2017 NFL season. The Vikings are coming off of a division win in prime time after defeating the Chicago Bears 20-17 on the road on Monday night.
At 4-1, the Packers impressed in Week 5 as they defeated the Dallas Cowboys with a last-second comeback on the road. With the Packers at the top of the division, the Vikings will desperately need a win in this matchup if they want to improve their chances at getting the division title over the Packers and Detroit Lions.
With NFC North implications already on the line, this should be a fun one in Week 7.
Keys to Victory
The Vikings will be trying to establish a run game in this matchup. Dallas was one drive away from beating Green Bay and the 163 rushing yards they had were a big reason why. There were a lot of questions about how effective Minnesota’s rushing attack when rookie running back Dalvin Cook went down with an ACL injury. However, Jerrick McKinnon looked equally effective in Week 5 as he recorded 95 rushing yards and a touchdown on only 16 carries. Running back Latavius Murray also recorded 31 rushing yards on 12 carries.
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If the Vikings can continue to find success on the ground in this matchup it will limit Aaron Rodger’s scoring opportunities, which is important for any team to defeat an offense as good as Green Bay’s.
Against a defense as good as Minnesota’s is, Green Bay needs to have a good start to the game. Despite getting the win in Week 5, the Packers continued their streak of starting games slowly. With only minutes left in the second half, Green Bay found themselves down 21-6. A touchdown in the final minute and a field goal on the first drive of the second half was just enough for Green Bay’s 20-point fourth quarter to be enough to win.
Still, another slow start raises concerns about this Green Bay team. The Packers saw their slow start prove to be their reason for their only loss of the season, as the Atlanta Falcons jumped out to such a large lead in Week 2 that the Packers could not overcome in late.
Betting Odds
Point Spread: Green Bay -3
Moneyline: Green Bay -178, Minnesota +153
Over/Under: 46.5
All betting odds provided by BookMaker via the Sportsbook Review
Next: NFL 2017: Picks against the spread for Week 6
Prediction
The Vikings continued to prove they have one of the best defenses in the NFL as a late interception led to their third victory of the season. However, Aaron Rodgers looks like he may be on his way to the third MVP of his career. The Vikings have home-field advantage so this game could be close, but it is hard to imagine a Case Keenum-led team defeating this Rodgers-led offense.
Final Score: Green Bay Packers: 27, Minnesota Vikings: 23