Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers survived the Chicago Bears in the grittiest of fashion in last Sunday’s win at home. But can Rodgers lead the Packers to another victory over the Minnesota Vikings next weekend? It’s not going to be easy for Green Bay, as the Vikings, unlike the Bears, have a souped up offense, thanks to Kirk Cousins’ arrival in the Twin Cities, to go with their excellent stop unit.
At press, NFL Futures like the Packers enough to give them the third best shot to win Super Bowl with a price of +1200, while the Vikings sit even prettier at +900.
Kirk Cousins’ debut for the Vikings was a success. The quarterback passed completed 20 of 36 passes for 244 yards and two touchdowns without an interception during Sunday’s 24-16 home win over the San Francisco 49ers. Running back Latavius Murray, meanwhile, had 42 rushing yards on 11 carries, while tailback Dalvin Cook added 40 yards on 16 rushing attempts. With Cousins bringing his talent to Minnesota, the Vikings showed how dangerous they can with a more potent offense complementing their stout defense. Speaking of which, the Ravens held the Niners to only 327 total yards, as they made life hard for San Francisco quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo. Garoppolo only had a touchdown to show against three interceptions, while also getting sacked three times for a loss of 24 yards. The Niners’ backfield was also limited to only 90 yards. Minnesota’s defense may find success again against a seemingly not 100 percent healthy Aaron Rodgers next Sunday.
The Vikings are 2-1 SU and 2-1 ATS in their last three trips to Lambeau Field.
Betting on the Green Bay Packers (1-0)
Two words: Aaron Rodgers.
Rodgers transformed into a the NFL’s version of Willie Reed, as the Packers’ signal-caller guided his team to a 24-23 come-from-behind victory over the Chicago Bears at home on Sunday. Green Bay wasn’t supposed to win in that game, as Rodgers was carted off the sidelines before halftime with a knee injury, but later returned to lead the Packers into erasing a 20-point third-quarter deficit. Rodgers ended the night with 286 passing yards (20/30 completions) three touchdowns and zero interceptions, while leaning on his dependable receiving corps. Randall Cobb exploded for a career-high 142 receiving yards and a touchdown, while Davante Adams and Geronimo Allison had 88 and 69 receiving yards, respectively, to go with a TD reception apiece.
The Packers’ defense also flashed its fans on defense, especially in the second half wherein Green Bay held Chicago to only six points on two field goal conversions.
Rodgers said in the postgame interview that he’ll definitely play next Sunday, but the question that’s yet to be answered is how healthy will he be against Minnesota.
The Packers are 6-4 ATS in their last 10 home games against Minnesota.
