2021 NFL picks, score predictions for Week 17

Minnesota Vikings (7-8) at Green Bay Packers (12-3)

Sunday, January 2, 8:20PM ET

I’d like to say that the Minnesota Vikings are going to win this one and maintain the small hope they have of making the playoffs. If I did that, though, I’d be lying. My faith is lost, especially with a showdown with the surging Green Bay Packers on the docket.

Yes, I’m aware the Vikings beat the Packers the first time they met this season. While I certainly appreciate the positivity, these teams are in different places now. Green Bay is rolling as they look to seal the deal with a first-round bye. The Vikings are just trying to stay alive, but they’re not at full strength and seem to be losing what little momentum they had.

With that said, Minnesota isn’t going to roll over and give this one up. Kirk Cousins will be tossing the pigskin around to his playmakers, hoping to keep things close on the scoreboard. The Vikings defense has also looked good down the stretch, meaning they aren’t going to give Aaron Rodgers an easy route to 13-3.

In the end, though, the Packers prevail in this NFC North battle. Rodgers makes a few of his amazing plays, and the Vikings aren’t able to stay within striking distance. This marks the end of Minnesota’s season and one step closer to the top seed in the NFC for the Packers.

Prediction: Packers win 34-26 | Spread: Packers (-6.5)