Minnesota has already clinched the NFC North, but they still have plenty to play for heading into the week 17 Vikings at Packers betting matchup. Minnesota would need two losses from Philadelphia, but if that happened while the Vikings won out this team could claim the #1 spot in the playoffs which would give them a 1st round bye.
Green Bay (7-8) has won three straight to keep their playoff hopes alive, but the Packers are going to have to win out while getting a loss from both Washington and Seattle. The Packers lost 23-7 in the Twin Cities in the season opener, but hope for a bit of revenge back at Lambeau Field as -3 point favorites in week 17.
Minnesota Knows What to Do
The Vikings would be wise just to stick to the same game plan they had in week one, and that’s get Justin Jefferson the football. That’s a pretty wise decision regardless of the opponent, but Green Bay had no answer for the talented WR in the opener as he caught 9 balls for 184 yards and 2 TDs.
Jefferson is just 244 yards away from becoming the first WR in NFL history with 2,000+ receiving yards in a single season, but even for their struggles in week one Green Bay has the #3 pass defense in the NFL (192.4 ypg). The pickers picked off Tua Tagovailoa three times in last week’s 26-20 win over Miami.
Kirk Cousins was 23/32 for 277 yards with 2 TD and 0 INT in the season opener, and he’s coming off a 3TD pass day in last week’s win over the Giants following 4 scoring throws against the Colts so he is dialed in.
Green Bay Holding On to Hope
The Packers dug themselves a hole, but to their credit they have not quit in winning three straight games. You also have to take the opponent into account during that streak though, beating the Bears who have lost eight in a row, the 5-10 Rams, and then Miami who is in an absolute free fall with four straight losses.
Aaron Rodgers was 22/34 in the season opener against Minnesota, throwing for only 195 yards with an INT and was replaced by Jordan Love in the 4th quarter. Rodgers is completing 68% of his passes the last two games but has just 2 TD passes and 2 INTs.
It is somewhat surprising that Green Bay was able to get the win last week, as aside from his 3 INTs Tagovailoa did throw for 310 yards on just 16 completions. The Packers also ran the ball 25 times for just 79 yards.
Free Vikings at Packers Betting Pick
Green Bay should be able to put up some points here, as Minnesota has allowed at least 22 in seven straight games and allowed 34+ in back to back weeks against the Lions and Colts. On the other side, the Packers – or any team really – had any answer for Jefferson and the Vikings are going to get theirs.
The ‘over’ has hit in four of the last five meetings between Minnesota and Green Bay, a trend that will continue here.
Free Pick: Over 47.5
