Game: Green Bay Packers at Minnesota Vikings
Date & Time: Monday December 23rd 2019, 8:15 (EST)
Location: U.S Bank Stadium, Minneapolis, MN
The Line: Minnesota Vikings -4.5, O/U 47
TV Channel: ESPN
In a huge NFC North matchup in the final MNF game, Aaron Rodgers looks to win the divisional crown.
NFL SEASON ATS RECORD: 57-47-3
Green Bay Packers at Minnesota Vikings Preview
After holding the top spot in the NFC North for most of the season, the Packers are only 1 game up on the Vikings with two remaining. At 11-3, the Packers are the 3 seed in the NFC, while the Vikings are 10-4, holding the 6 seed. This is an important game for seeding purposes, and momentum going into the playoffs.
The Packers can score in a multitude of ways. With Aaron Rodgers behind center, there is never a question of whether their QB can make plays. Davante Adams looks to finally be at full strength after battling leg injuries for most of the season, as he has upped his play in recent weeks.
When the pass game isn’t working, the Packers can rely on their backfield tandem of Aaron Jones and Jamaal Williams. While these aren’t the biggest names in the sport, both backs have proven they can produce, and when given the right opportunity, put up big numbers. The Vikings cannot let this duo get going early as it will open up the passing game for Rodgers.
The Vikings have been leaning on Dalvin Cook heavily this season, and it may have finally taken a toll on them, as he is battling injuries and will not play in this game. Without Cook, the Vikings will have to rely on Kirk Cousins to make plays down the field.
While Cousins has been spectacular this season, he has not had his full complement of weapons. Star WR Adam Thielen has been sidelined for weeks with an injury, but he returned to the lineup last week. He only had 3 catches for 27 yards, but it was important for him going forward. On the other end of Thielen is Stefon Diggs, who is having another great season. Both of these receivers will have to have big games against a weak Packers secondary for the Vikings to keep up.
Green Bay Packers at Minnesota Vikings Key Stats
- With a win, the Packers clinch the NFC North
- RB Mike Boone will start for the Vikings
- The Vikings are 2-1 in night games this season
Green Bay Packers at Minnesota Vikings Betting Lines
- The O/U for the game is 47
- The Vikings are 4.5 point favorites on Draftkings
- The Vi are -210 on the ML, Packers +180
Green Bay Packers at Minnesota Vikings Prediction
The Vikings are 4.5 point favorites at home in this game. With Dalvin Cook ruled out, this line may seem funny to some. However, I believe it makes sense.
The Vikings have success when they air the ball out. With Diggs and Thielen matched up against the Packers corners, they should have plenty of space in the open field to make plays. If Cousins can avoid the back-breaking mistakes he has been known for, the Vikings should have no problem scoring points.
It’s hard for me to bet against a team with Aaron Rodgers, but I haven’t been impressed by the Packers this season. Yes, they’re 11-3, and yes, they’ve beaten some good teams. But they haven’t shown up every week, and are due for a letdown every now and then. I think we see another one this week, as the Vikings show up in a big way behind the arm of Cousins to cover 4.5 and pick up a huge home win.
