Forum The Longship Why are most experts picking the Packers?

Why are most experts picking the Packers?

MaroonBells
Joined Jan 2014
5,207 posts
Rep: 5,602

Why are so many picking the Packers in this game? 8 of the 13 analysts on ESPN picked them. AI tells me 55%-68% of media prognosticators have picked the Packers. Are we Viking fans just blind to reality? I think there’s probably some of that. 

I get that their QB has proven capable of running their offense while ours has not. And that is a huge difference, and maybe the only reason the majority of experts are picking them, because these rosters do not compare. The biggest difference I see is in the offensive lines. 

Check out their starting line up. 

LT-Jordan Morgan: Might have avoided the bust lable, but he’s started only 1 game at LT in his NFL career: week 18 last year against the Vikings. It was kind of a mixed bag, but he did give up a sack to Dallas Turner. Knee issue, but expected to play. 
LG-Aaron Banks: 52.2 pass-blocking grade in 2025. Knee issue, game time decision.
C-Sean Rhyan: 38.5 pass-blocking grade
RG-Jacob Monk: 50.7 pass-blocking grade. Zero NFL starts at guard.
RT-Zach Tom: Very Good, but battling knee injury. Game time decision.

To compare, here is the Vikings

LT-Christian Darrisaw: 82.4 pass-blocking grade
LG-Donovan Jackson: 65.7 pass-blocking grade
C-Blake Brandel: 67.6 pass-blocking grade
RG-Will Fries: 62.9 pass-blocking grade
RT-Brian O'Neill: 81.2 pass-blocking grade 

If offensive lines are as important as everyone tells us, Vikings should win this. He says (not fully convinced of anything).

“The Party told you to reject the evidence of your eyes and ears. It was their final, most essential command."
—George Orwell

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#1 · Sep 13, 11:00 AM
HO
Joined Apr 2024
513 posts
Rep: 590

Pass protection is crucial, but I expect the Vikings to have a very good day running as well. The Vikings will win unless Love has no pressure and his receivers hold onto the ball. Also need to tackle Kraft and not allow YAC.

The Vikings need to hit Love early and pressure him often. I think they can do that.

edited Sep 13, 2026 11:37 AM CT
Liked:
#2 · Sep 13, 11:37 AM CT
FLVike
Joined Jul 2017
504 posts
Rep: 405

Most in the media have darlings and they love their Packers. This goes back 40-50 years or more.

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#3 · Sep 13, 11:52 AM CT
purplefaithful
Joined May 2013
9,268 posts
Rep: 6,012

The media may lead with emotion, but Vegas leads with -2.0 Vikings

Hurry-up Vikings, we ain't getting any younger! 

Liked:
#4 · Sep 13, 12:08 PM CT
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Forum The Longship Why are most experts picking the Packers?
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