Vikings vs. Packers Picks, Odds, & NFL Predictions

September 5, 2008


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Monday, Sept. 8th the Minnesota Vikings will look to start off their season on the right foot, as they make the short trip to the Green Bay Packers who begin an era without No.4 at quarterback. As it stands now the home team Packers are the early favorites (-2.5) in this one, but we suggest keeping a close eye on the line for this one, with our live NFL odds page.

The Packers are coming off a pretty magical season where Brett Favre put together one of his most successful seasons as a Packer, but it all fell short as the Giants sent them packing in overtime of the NFC Championship game. This year Favre is gone and Aaron Rodgers finally gets his shot to prove he is ready to lead this team. The Vikings found what looks like to be one special player in running back Adrian Peterson, who had an amazing rookie season as the Vikings finished 2nd in the NFC North at 8-8.

Offense:
The Packers offense will really come down to if Rodgers is able to step in and play with confidence and control, as the pressure on this guy to succeed is more than most will ever be able to understand. Rodgers does have some weapons on this side of the ball, as the team was able to bring back running back Ryan Grant, who finished 2007 with a bang. At receiver the team will stick with veteran Donald Driver and the emerging youngster Greg Jennings. It remains to be seen if the production will go down without Favre, and it would be hard for it not to.

The Vikings offense looks like it will be heavy dose of running with Peterson, and a controlled passing game that will feature quarterback Tarvaris Jackson spreading the ball to Sidney Rice and new comer Bernard Berrian. The key to the Vikings offense will be ball control and not giving the ball to the other team, as their defense looks strong enough to keep them in about every game.

Defense:
Speaking of the defenses it could wind up being the story in this game, as both teams look to count on their defenses to not only keep them in games, but possibly win them a couple as well. The Vikings defense became even more scary with the addition of defensive end Jared Allen from the Chiefs. With Allen now a member of this team their defense line looks like it will be the best the NFL has to offer. At linebacker the Vikings are really hoping that Chad Greenway is ready to have a breakout season. In the secondary their is hope this unit has a big year with all the pressure they are expecting to get on the quarterback, and the guy who benefits the most could be SS Darren Sharper. Bet Vikings +2.5 at JustBet.com

The Packers expect great play out of their secondary as the duo of Charles Woodson and Al Harris remains one of the best 1-2 punches at corner in the league. The Packers are also liking what the are seeing out of safety Atari Bigby who really came on strong at the end of last season. At linebacker the Packers are really expecting big things out of 2006 first round pick A.J. Hawk, as he plays along side Nick Barnett, who could be ready for a Pro Bowl like season. On the line it all starts with Aaron Kampman as he is about as complete as it gets at defensive end. The key to this whole unit could come down to tackles Ryan Pickett and Johnny Jolly coming back healthy this season. Bet Packers -2.5 at JustBet.com

Predicted Score:
Vikings 18
Packers 21

If you are looking for some expert opinions on any NFL game this season, take some time to check out the picks of professional handicapper Jason Lowry, as he looks to start of the 2008 with a bang. Still looking for more on the game this weekend? Check out this great Packers Vikings predictions article now.

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