Quick Preview: Vikings at Packers

This game has been circled on the calendar for a while now, pretty much since Brett signed with the Vikings. Last year, as a member of the New York Jets, Favre didn’t face the Packers, but as soon as he decided to come out of retirement and join the Minnesota Vikings, the immediate focus shifted to when he would return to Green Bay to face his former team and his scorned fans.

While many people are looking at all of the side stories, the real story here is that this is a match-up for first place in the NFC North. As it turns out, the battle at the top of the NFC North is very competitive, and although the Vikings were undefeated before last weeks loss in Pittsburgh, they could essentially be tied with the Packers if they lose for a second straight week.

Minnesota Vikings @ Green Bay Packers

NFL odds: Packers -3

When the Packers and Vikings met up in Minnesota a few weeks back on Monday Night Football it was a tight game, but the real story of the contest was the Packers offensive line. The Vikings totaled eight sacks overall and defensive end Jared Allen had four on his own.

In total, the Packers had 54 offensive snaps and eight of them resulted in big negative plays because their offensive line couldn’t protect. That number doesn’t even include quarterback pressures or hurries where Rodgers managed to get the ball out in the last second.

Even with eight sacks allowed, and even though they were on the road in a hostile environment, the Packers still had a chance to tie the game at the end. That bodes well for them heading into this contest.

Regardless of what people say, they might actually be the better team. The Vikings have two fluky wins this season, one coming on a last-second play against the San Francisco 49ers, and one coming on a missed last second field goal by the Baltimore Ravens. Realistically, they could be 4-3.

This is a battle for first place, and if the Packers do a better job of protecting Rodgers, they are going to win this game.

NFL Picks: Packers -3

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