The last time Green Bay played Minnesota, the Packers held a 4-1 record with NFL futures that had them winning the NFC. Aaron Rodgers entered the game against the Vikings in MVP form, but in the first quarter the star QB was driven into the green by Minnesota linebacker Anthony Barr, and left with a broken collarbone. Green Bay went on to lose the game 23-10 and subsequently went 3-4 in the following seven matches with quarterback Brett Hundley at the helm. The Vikings would go on to claim the NFC North title. With Super Bowl LII being played in Minnesota, the Vikings have an opportunity to become the only team in NFL history to play in the Super Bowl in their own home stadium. They intend on making it there.
With a 11-3 straight up and 10-4 against the spread record, Minnesota has been a bettor’s dream here in the 2017 season. They covered with ease once again on Sunday in Week 15, claiming a 34-7 victory over Cincinnati to clinch the NFC North title. The Vikings outgained the Bengals 346-161 and forced two turnovers in the process. QB Case Keenum threw for 236 yards and two TDs, giving him an 87% completion rate. Running back Jerick McKinnon pulled in seven passes for 114 yards, which gave him the distinction of being the first Minnesota RB with a 100-yard receiving game in over 13 years. The Vikings still have a first-round playoff bye to play for, but the chances of catching Philly for the No. 1 seed are slim.
Green Bay (7-7 SU, 7-7 ATS) had high hopes that the return of Rodgers would equate a wild-card spot, the man threw three interceptions in a deflating 31-24 loss to the Carolina Panthers on Sunday. None of that matters nows, as the Atlanta Falcons spoiled their playoff chances with a win over Tampa Bay on Monday. Rodgers did throw 3 TDs, but also lost top receiver Davante Adams to a concussion in the third quarter. This is the second concussion for Adams this season and thus he may not play this Saturday. The same goes for Rodgers, who may as well take it easy and start his prep for the 2018 regular season.
Writer’s Prediction
Minnesota Vikings are steamrolling their way towards the playoffs. With Adams likely out (why risk it now?) and Rodgers possibly out (again, why risk it now?) the Vikings will win outright and cover.
