PACKERS AT VIKINGS 2008
By Ryan Patrterson
How are the Green Bay Packers doing without Hall Of Fame Quarterback Brett Favre? I think most of the cheeseheads would say just fine, and I would have to agree. They have been through some tough Games but are still hanging in there at 4-4. Their most recent Game was a heartbreaking loss to the 8-0 Tennessee Titans. The Game went to overtime but ultimately the Packers relented, losing the Game 19-16.
I love that they were able to play the Titans so close. Tennessee is arguably the best team in the country, so that shows that the Packers can play with anybody. Their opponent this week is a big rival, and they are also 4-4. You guessed, they will be butting heads with the Minnesota Vikings. This Game will be especially competitive because they are neck and neck in the standings.
The Vikings enter this Game on a win, but dropped their first Game of the year to the Packers. From 4 wins, one of them came against the 0-8 Detriot Lions, and another against the 3-5 Houston Texans. They are having a hard time playing against winning teams, but did pick up a win against the 6-2 Carolina Panthers. The Vikings enter the Game with some momentum, having won three of their last Four. Lets take a look at some of the stars on this team.
These guys would be nowhere without RB Adrian Peterson. He has put up 100 yards for three consecutive Games, bringing his total yards for the season to 823. Peterson has also rushed for 8 touchdowns. He is averaging 4.7 YPG on the ground. When playing Green Bay earlier this year, he picked up 103 yards on 19 attempts. The Packers rank 29th in the NFL against the run so Adrian Peterson should have a field day.
After beating the Vikings in the first Game of the year the Packers cruised to an easy 48-25 win over the still win less Detroit Lions. They went from there to drop three straight Games to Dallas, Tampa Bay, and Atlanta. They have since got their act together coming up with a win on the road against Seattle, and beating Indianapolis at home.
If they are going to make it three wins in a row, they MUST contain Peterson. Their rush defense ranks 27th in the league so their ability to do so is questionable at best. Their best bet is running the Scoreup by utilizing Aarron Rodgers and the passing Game. Their pass offense ranks 9th in the league, and the Vikings pass defense is 23rd.
Rodgers has been magnificent at QB this year, throwing 13 TDs and 5 INTs thus far in 2008. He has amassed 1,982 yards in passing. His QB rating is superb at 95.3. Donald Driver has been one of his main weapons, catching three TD passes. He has also picked up 466 yards. He pales in comparison to Greg Jennings, who has picked up 764 yards and 4 TDs. Rodgers needs to use both of these guys wisely to put points on the board.
Minnesota is a 2.5 point favorite. I expect this Game to be very close. The Vikings will have homefield but their lose to the Pack earlier this year is a bit coNCerning. I will use that as my basis for picking the Green Bay Packers to win. I think Rodgers is going to have a huge Game and lead his team in a way that would make Favre proud. ReGArdless of who you bet, don’t forget to check Bettorsworld.com for the latest NFL betting information!
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