Packers @ Vikings
I think the Vikings are the better team and, if they're able to play THEIR game—with the lead, using a balance of run and pass—they'll win. And maybe easily. Jefferson against a Packers secondary without Jaire Alexander just isn't fair.
But here's what scares me: The Packers pass rush. 10 sacks the last two weeks. In the first matchup in September, the Vikings offensive line, including Ingram and Darrisaw, played incredibly well. Brandel, Bradbury and Ingram had one of their best games as a unit. Vikings gave up two sacks, but both were on LB and CB blitzes and none were from Packers defensive line, which is healthy and playing much better now.
That's the key to this game IMO: protect, play with balance, the Vikings win. Don't do that, they probably lose.
What will happen? I think the Vikings will in fact struggle to protect, but through designed rollouts and Sam's escapability we'll be able to exploit the Jefferson matchup enough to win a close one, 41-34. Bet the over, take your beta blockers, and put your cardiologist on speed dial.
Thx for the take!
I am more concerned about their running game tbh. Am glad to have IPJ back. The Vikings dont play with balance - KOC doesnt have it in him. But this would sure be a nice week to limit their offensive snaps and control the clock.
It'll come down to turn-overs and just who brings their A game this week. I also have a hunch TJH could have more impact this game than he has since his return.
As I posted earlier, this is just about as high stakes as a regular season game can get. I think KOC will have the guys ready.
A signature win would be awesome.
Hurry-up Vikings, we ain't getting any younger!
Early in the year the expectations were low so it was easy to play fast and free with a quiet mind. Now the stakes are high I hope they don't pucker up and play tight. Hope they can find that same mental place they were in back then with a little 'we are going to kick your ass attitude' mixed in. If so, they will be fine and break the trend the Vikings have been prone to in the past.
New team. Great opportunity that doesn't come along often.
SKOL Vikings.
purplefaithful wrote:
Thx for the take!I am more concerned about their running game tbh. Am glad to have IPJ back. The Vikings dont play with balance - KOC doesnt have it in him. But this would sure be a nice week to limit their offensive snaps and control the clock.
It'll come down to turn-overs and just who brings their A game this week. I also have a hunch TJH could have more impact this game than he has since his return.
As I posted earlier, this is just about as high stakes as a regular season game can get. I think KOC will have the guys ready.
A signature win would be awesome.
To me, it all goes together. And that's what makes me a little nervous about this game. What they do well (run the ball and rush the passer) are things that go really really well with a lead. We can't let that happen.
Agree on TJH. With them devoting extra attention to Jefferson to cover the absence of Alexander, and the fact that Quay Walker is out, we could see a good day from Hockenson. One surprise, though, is that ex-Viking Eric Wilson actually grades better in coverage than the former 1st rounder Walker. The real standout the last few weeks has been Edgerrin Cooper.
Home field is big in this game. There better not be a speck of green or gold to be seen. Fans gotta bring it.
SKOL VIKINGS :P
MaroonBells wrote:
To me, it all goes together. And that's what makes me a little nervous about this game. What they do well (run the ball and rush the passer) are things that go really really well with a lead. We can't let that happen.
Agree on TJH. With them devoting extra attention to Jefferson to cover the absence of Alexander, and the fact that Quay Walker is out, we could see a good day from Hockenson. One surprise, though, is that ex-Viking Eric Wilson actually grades better in coverage than the former 1st rounder Walker. The real standout the last few weeks has been Edgerrin Cooper.
Well, if the method to Vikings madness continues this week? They'll have a big first 1/2 and then you have to hold on to your Viking cap the rest of the way.
For some reason, Im not convinced thats the way it'll look today though.
This week feels different. It's not one and done, but its a playoff game for all practical purposes with the stakes for the Vikings so high.
This game is much more important to us then GB.
Hurry-up Vikings, we ain't getting any younger!
Something for Sam's bulletin board.
Who's got the edge in todays "Game of the Day" (according to @M_Ryan02), @packers vs @Vikings 🧐 pic.twitter.com/Uf3KUKAxrU
— NFL on CBS 🏈 (@NFLonCBS) December 29, 2024
Most of the pundits are picking the Packers. My sportsbook agrees, this game is now a pick'em. It opened at Vikings -1.5
The ghost formerly known as PG wrote:
Home field is big in this game. There better not be a speck of green or gold to be seen. Fans gotta bring it.
StickierBuns wrote:
There will be, probably about 20%. That's what happens when a state is connected to another state and its easy to get to the stadium. Its ok, Lambeau Field earlier in the year was easily 20% Viking's fans. Just how it goes.
I could have gotten ridiculous $$ selling on the mkt. But I want to see the game and I didnt want to contribute to any Wi fans being at the game.
There were plenty of purple in the stands at Lamblow and I expect there to be a good contingent of GB fans there today.
There are a BUNCH of Wi transplants living in MN, taking our jobs, eating our food. You really got to hide the kids as well tbh.
Hurry-up Vikings, we ain't getting any younger!
purplefaithful wrote:
I could have gotten ridiculous $$ selling on the mkt. But I want to see the game and I didnt want to contribute to any Wi fans being at the game.
There were plenty of purple in the stands at Lamblow and I expect there to be a good contingent of GB fans there today.
There are a BUNCH of Wi transplants living in MN, taking our jobs, eating our food. You really got to hide the kids as well tbh.
That's the bulk of the visitor crowd in all stadiums IMO. It bugs me when announcers say Viking fans "travel well" when they play in Denver. Travelers are just a tiny, tiny percent compared to the amount of Viking fans who just live in the Denver area. There are thousands upon thousands. I'm sure that's the case with Packer fans too, much more so than the opposite, since I would imagine there's a bigger movement of people from Wisconsin to the Twin Cities for jobs, education, etc, than vice versa.
MaroonBells wrote:
That's the bulk of the visitor crowd in all stadiums IMO. It bugs me when announcers say Viking fans "travel well" when they play in Denver. Travelers are just a tiny, tiny percent compared to the amount of Viking fans who just live in the Denver area. There are thousands upon thousands. I'm sure that's the case with Packer fans too, much more so than the opposite, since I would imagine there's a bigger movement of people from Wisconsin to the Twin Cities for jobs, education, etc, than vice versa.
They should build a wall! Just saying.
Hrrrm still up 10. Sammy go make your money.
Interception gave Packers momentum.
Up 17, atb home..... Darnold needs to adjust situational awareness.
That pass attempt for interception was unnecessary.
Yes!
That's what big boy playoff football looks like.
Impressive!
MaroonBells wrote:
That's the bulk of the visitor crowd in all stadiums IMO. It bugs me when announcers say Viking fans "travel well" when they play in Denver. Travelers are just a tiny, tiny percent compared to the amount of Viking fans who just live in the Denver area. There are thousands upon thousands. I'm sure that's the case with Packer fans too, much more so than the opposite, since I would imagine there's a bigger movement of people from Wisconsin to the Twin Cities for jobs, education, etc, than vice versa.
Not sure thats the case, MN fans definitely travel very well to a lot of games. Some ciites not nearly as much as others, but im betting the travelers outnumber the locals in most instances except for places like LA and Phoenix..lots of midwest retiree s in phoenix.
Why isn't Chuck Foreman in the Hall of Fame?
Not sure what that defensive series was, but they literally just let them do whatever they wanted down the field with no resistance
Dog shit defense down the stretch
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