We have an exciting NFC North matchup in Week 8 of the season as the Minnesota Vikings are on the road to take on their divisional rival: the Green Bay Packers. The Vikings are second in the division with a 3-4 record and are on a two-game winning streak after a 22-17 home victory against the San Francisco 49ers. The Packers are third in the division with a 2-4 record and are on a three-game losing streak after a 19-17 road loss to the Denver Broncos.
Whichever team loses this game is going to kiss their chances to win the NFC North goodbye. These teams will also play in Week 17 but by then, these teams could look a lot different. Let’s take a closer look at both teams and discuss which side we should be betting on.
Vikings vs. Packers Odds and Match Details
Team | Spread | Total | ML |
Minnesota Vikings | -1
|
O43.5
-108 |
-115 |
Green Bay Packers | +1 -110 |
U43.5
-112 |
-105 |
Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook
- Fixture: Minnesota Vikings @ Green Bay Packers
- Date and Time: October 29, 2023 at 1:00 p.m.
- Location: Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin
- Weather Forecast: Rainy and 38 degrees
- Field Surface: Turf
Vikings vs. Packers Injury Report
Vikings Injuries
- Justin Jefferson (WR)-Hamstring: OUT
- Marcus Davenport (LB)-Ankle: OUT
- Chris Reed (OG)-Leg: Questionable
- Ezra Cleveland (OG)-Foot: Questionable
Packers Injuries
- Jaire Alexander (CB)-Back: Questionable
- Christian Watson (WR)-Knee: Questionable
- Devonte Wyatt (DT)-Knee: Questionable
- Luke Musgrave (TE)-Ankle: Questionable
- David Bakhtiari (OT)-Knee: OUT
Vikings Key Stats
The Minnesota Vikings have been one of the more interesting offensive teams throughout the league as they are 18th in the NFL with 21.6 points per game. They are third in passing yards (280.0) and are 30th in rushing yards (74.9) up to this point. Quarterback Kirk Cousins has a no-trade clause and claimed he will not waive it before the Trade Deadline but he is playing well as he is 193-of-280 (68.9 completion percentage) for 2,057 yards with 16 touchdown passes to five interceptions.
Even without Justin Jefferson on the field, rookie wide receiver Jordan Addison has been stepping up tremendously. So far this season, he has 29 catches on 44 targets for 400 yards (13.8 yards per reception) with six receiving touchdowns. He continues to prove himself as a top wide receiver with only a handful of games under his belt.
Their defense needs to show some more improvement as they are currently 20th in football, allowing 21.7 points on 351.0 total yards per game. This is going to be interesting to see if they move defensive tackle Danielle Hunter or any pieces on the defensive side of the field before kickoff. With 11 forced fumbles, this team hits hard and has improved in the last couple of weeks.
Packers Key Stats
The Green Bay Packers have been an average offensive team throughout the first half of the regular season as they are 17th with 21.7 points per game. They are 23rd in passing yards per game (199.0) and 24th in rushing yards per game (90.8). Quarterback Jordan Love has been struggling throughout the season as he is currently 111-of-193 (57.5 completion percentage) for 1,263 yards with 10 touchdown passes to seven interceptions.
Their running game needs to show some improvement as running back AJ Dillon has posted 79 rushing attempts for 255 yards (3.2 yards per carry) with a rushing touchdown while grabbing five receptions for 59 yards (11.8 yards per catch). This offense has hit a wall and look very beatable as of late against lesser defenses.
The Packers’ defense are struggling as well as they are 21st in the NFL with 22.0 points on 355.2 total yards per game. This defense has struggled to force turnovers as they have five takeaways (four interceptions, one fumble recovery) and that is a major blow to this team as a whole. They are not able to force enough field goals and this is going to be an important game for the future of this Green Bay team.
Game Prediction
With the spread of a single point, we are choosing a winner here. The Vikings have a very soft schedule going forward in the next six weeks and can correct their season easily. Green Bay’s offense has not been good and their defense has been shaky at critical times. This Minnesota team has shown the ability to play well and Kirk Cousins has stepped up. Go with the Minnesota Vikings to cover and win the game on the road in this divisional battle.