Green Bay Packers vs. Minnesota Vikings: 5 Bold predictions for Week 16

4. Boone steps in, delivers 100 yards, 1 TD

There have been many admirable showings from the Packers defense this year but their bugaboo all season has been the inability to stop the run consistently. It’s by design, to be sure, as defensive coordinator Mike Pettine doesn’t necessarily value that as part of his schemes, choosing to focus on slowing down opposing passing attacks and largely punting in the run game.

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That undoubtedly showed up in Week 2 when the Vikings faced this defense as Dalvin Cook went to work against Green Bay. The standout running back for Minnesota showed up big with 20 carries for 154 yards and a touchdown while also getting involved in the passing game with three receptions for 37 yards to his credit as well. Unfortunately, Cook and backup Alexander Mattison both look as if they’ll be out on Monday night.

Subsequently, Mike Boone appears to be the man slated to step into the lead role in the Vikings rushing attack and there are high hopes for the Cincinnati Bearcats product. Last week when he was forced into action against the Chargers, he shined with 13 carries for 56 yards and two touchdowns. And against the rival Packers, he’ll be up to the task once again.

While not the same level of player as Cook — few in the league are, to be fair to the third-stringer — Boone has shown explosive ability whenever he’s gotten work in the preseason or in limited regular-season action. Up against this porous Green Bay run defense, Mike Zimmer and Kevin Stefanski won’t get away from running the pigskin and Boone will shine as a result with a banner day.