Green Bay Packers
vs.
Minnesota Vikings
Week 2
NFL Pick
9/18/16
Week 2 of the NFL season holds a showdown of two playoff teams from the NFC North in 2015. A year ago it was the Minnesota Vikings (11-5) snatching the division from the Green Bay Packers (10-6). This year both teams sit at 1-0 as they enter the Game. The Packers are a 2.5 point favorite in the 5 Dimes sportsbook. The over/under currently sits at 44 1/2.
The Packers will travel for the second consecutive week to open the 2016 season. They are coming off a 27-23 win over Jacksonville in Week 1. After going to Minnesota, Green Bay will play Four consecutive home Games.
In a Game that could have gone either way, Green Bay found enough plays to win 27-23 in Jacksonville on Sunday. Aaron Rodgers had a difficult time in 2015 after his top target, Jordy Nelson, tore his ACL in the preseason and missed the regular season. Passing was the name of the Game as both teams’ running backs were limited.
Rodgers found Nelson for a touchdown in the opener. The reception was one of six for Nelson, but he only GAined 32 yards on the day. Rodgers also connected with Randall Cobb six times for 57 yards and with Davante Adams three times for 60 yards and another touchdown.
More production from the receivers will be necessary as the Packers expect to contend for the NFC North. But, in the meantime, having Nelson back in the fold will help Rodgers feel more comfortable this year.
The Green Bay defense experieNCed mixed results. They allowed Blake Bortles to throw for 320 yards and a touchdown but intercepted him oNCe for the only turnover of the Game. The Packers completely shut down the Jaguars’ rushing attack. T.J. Yeldon was held to 39 yards on 21 carries (and one touchdown).
The were few bright spots for the Vikings in Week 1, despite earning a 25-16 win over the Tennessee Titans. Teddy Bridgewater tore his ACL just before the season beGAn, opening the door for Shaun Hill to start. Hill went 18-of-33 for 236 yards. Stefon Diggs was his top target, catching seven passes for 103 yards.
Adrian Peterson led the NFL a year ago with 1,485 yards rushing. But the Titans neGAted his abilities altogether. Peterson touched the ball 19 times for only 31 yards.
The highlight of the Game came from the Minnesota defense. The Vikings trailed 10-0 at halftime, and the defense provided the spark for the comeback. Eric Kendricks and Danielle Hunter both returned Tennessee turnovers for touchdowns as the offense failed to put the ball in the end zone.
Blair Walsh took a lot of heat for missing a chip-shot field goal in the Vikings’ playoff loss to the Seattle Seahawks over the offseason. 2016 got off to a shaky start as well for Minnesota’s kicker. Walsh went 4-of-6 on field goal opportunities, while also going just 1-for-2 on extra points.
Prediction: There’s no guarantee the Hill will start again this week. Mike Zimmer has said he won’t decide till later in the week whether it will be Hill again or newly-acquired Sam Bradford. Needless to say, the Vikings have to have Peterson be a bigger impact in the running Game if they hope to get a leg up in the NFC North. Nelson should be more comfortable for the Packers. Green Bay should be putting a big emphasis on slowing down Peterson.
It’s difficult to have a strong iNClination in this one with the uNCertainty of Minnesota’s quarterback situation. Peterson ought to have a much better day on the ground, but the Vikings also shouldn’t expect to have the benefit of two defensive touchdowns, either. SCore: Packers 24, Vikings 16